Gregory Abbott hit us with one hot single, “Shake You Down,” and then exited the music game. Remember when everybody was singing “You read my mind/girl I want to shake you down/ I can give you all the loving you need…“? That was the SONG back in the day! It turns out that whole one-hit thing was a part of his bigger plan to stack up some major money.
A little known fact about Abbott is that he was a professor of English at Berkeley University before the world knew him as a singer. Word on the Old School curb is that it was during his time as a professor that he came up with his master plan to make a big come up that would have set him on a profitable financial path at that time.
Gregory Abbott’s Plan
It was reported that Abbott always had a passion for music and was even a music minor in college. So he combined his musical passion with a get-rich plan, by attempting to create only one for-sure-shot R&B hit to get paid for a long time off of his music royalties. He allegedly never intended on staying in the music industry. In order to pull that off, he did research on music publishing and knew that two things had to take place:
(1) He must maintain ALL rights to his one-hit.
(2) It MUST actually become a hit.
It sounds like a shot in the dark for that era, but Gregory figured it was worth a shot.
View this post on Instagram
The Results
Anyways, he recorded “Shake You Down,” in1986. It was an instant smash hit and broke a record for becoming the most played song ever in 1986, being played over 1 million times throughout the world on various radio stations that same year.
As a result, Abbott was saying “cha-ching” each time his song was played. After the success of the single, Abbott’s record label pressured him to record a second album, but it didn’t sell like the first one. He didn’t care though, because he’d recorded a classic with “Shake You Down.”
The song is still played on old school radio stations across the country and for many years after it’s release. At one point in time, Abbott allegedly received between $1.5 – $2 million per year in publishing and songwriting royalties from the song. His plan worked.
Needless to say he took a long hiatus from the music industry, but his passion for music never died, so he has been back on the music scene for several years now, touring with several legendary old school artists like Cece Peniston, Atlantic Starr, and more.
Abbott Was Married To Who?!!
Gregory has a son with the Old School sex symbol singer, Freda Payne, best known for her 1970 hit, “Band Of Gold.” She and Abbott were married prior to him becoming a college professor, or professional singer. Their son’s name is Gregory Abbott Jr.
Like we said, Gregory Abbott hasn’t lost his musical passion. Check out one of his more recent music videos below and tell us what you think about it.
[Source: PR]
When news spread that NFL legend, Jim Brown, sadly passed away at age 87, on May 18, 2023, thousands of online tributes from fans and celebrities alike began pouring in. In case you missed it, Monique Brown (pictured below), Jim’s wife of 26 years, announced the heartbreaking news of Jim’s transition on her social media page Friday (May 19), when she informed the public that Jim had died at their home the day prior:
“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown. He passed away peacefully last night at our L.A. home. To the world he was an activist, actor and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our hearts are broken.” – Monique Brown
View this post on Instagram
Jim Brown’s Children
Now, several of the NFL legend-turned actor-turned activist’s six children have taken to social media to pay homage to their Dad.
Aris Brown – the 21-year-old son Jim shares with wife, Monique Brown – posted the following tribute to his father online:
“You were an amazing father and role model. I am blessed to call you my father and learn so much from you. You gave me the best childhood anyone could ask for, and always wanted me to be happy. I can’t thank you enough for that. I love you pops❤️🕊️”
View this post on Instagram
” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>
Aris Brown followed in his pop’s athletic footsteps. He’s currently a lacrosse player for Hampton University. In a since-deleted Instagram post, Aris wrote, “I’m very proud and blessed to announce my commitment to play Division 1 lacrosse at Hampton University. I’d like to thank God, my family, friends, and coaches for helping me through the way.”
View this post on Instagram
Morgan Brown –Jim’s and Monique’s twenty-something-year-old daughter– posted a series of throwback photos of her dad the day after he passed away, along with this caption:
“My Father didn’t tell me how to live; he just did it and let me watch.” 🕊️🤎
My father was an extraordinary man who affected many people’s lives with his generosity, wisdom, and unshakable devotion. Even when I questioned myself, my father had the unique ability to sense my potential. When I was unable to believe in myself, he did. He always encouraged me to pursue my goals, motivating me to take chances and never accept mediocrity. He showed me that obstacles are simply opportunities for personal growth and advancement.
And I am grateful to admit that I have never encountered a man who could match my father’s greatness.”
Morgan also followed in her dad’s athletic footsteps, by playing soccer for USC IN 2021. She is now a professional photographer.
Karen Brown is Jim’s daughter from a prior relationship. After her dad’s death, she hasn’t posted to her social media. However, for his 87th birthday, Karen paid a touching tribute to her legendary pops:
View this post on Instagram
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD ❤️ YOU!! Every year you’re on this earth is a blessing from GOD! #87 … I LOVE YOU DAD 🎊🎉🎁❤️🏈🏀🥍🛼⛳️
No matter what your blood runs through my veins and nothing can change that. You have been my supporter, my wisdom, and the example of a man to submit to. You showed me what a great man acts and looks like. You’re the light in my life 🤎🧡🤎 Happy Birthday Dad‼️
Karen is not only a pro athlete liek her dad (peep her impressive video below), she’s also an actress, as well as the creator and executive producer of the television series, “Daughters of Legends.”
View this post on Instagram
Jim N. Brown Jr. is Jim’s eldest son from a prior relationship. In the 1980s, Jim Jr. played college basketball at North Carolina AT&T. Not much else is known about his whereabouts today. He lives a life away from the spotlight.
The NFL icon also has two more children from prior a relationship(s) – Kim and Kevin Brown – but much like their brother, Jim Jr., they both live very private lives, away from the spotlight. Therefore, not much else is known about their whereabouts to this day.
Jim Brown is preceded in death by his daughter, Kim Brown Ward, who passed away in 2016 from unknown causes.
Jim’s Close Celebrity Friends Visited Him In his Last Days
Prior to Jim’s passing, news spread among his close friends that his health was failing, resulting in several of them –including former NFL players, Marshall Faulk and Eric Dickerson; and rap legend, Flavor Flav— to visit Jim at his home at that time.
Our deepest condolences to Jim Brown’s family and loved ones. May Mr. Brown rest in peace and power.
The beloved Whitney Houston passed away from an overdose on February 12, 2012. Ever since then, there have been several confirmations – from those close to her – that she had a long battle with drugs. We’ve seen her ex-hubby, Bobby Brown, painfully discuss it publicly. We watched in sadness as Whitney’s brother, Michael Houston, tearfully confessed to their mother, Cissy Houston, (during an Oprah Winfrey interview) that it was not Bobby who introduced Whitney to drugs, it was HE who did so, long before she’d met Bobby.
In more recent years, Whitney’s former bodyguard — who also inspired her film, The Bodyguard –– Welshman David Roberts, is spoke out about what he tried to warn the Houston family about, and why he ultimately got fired. He was Whitney’s bodyguard for seven and a half years.
In an interview with Radio Times, Roberts explained the incident he was fired for, after trying to save Whitney from her reported drug addiction. He also believes that he felt Bobby was too much of an enabler; and was jealous of Whitney’s career. He also made bold claims said about the death of their beloved daughter, Bobbi Kristina. See what else Roberts revealed below…
Roberts On Whitney’s Fatal Overdose
Welshman David Roberts: “There were a lot of people who were aware of the inevitable outcome of what would happen if they didn’t take action and, as we know, they took no action. And the result was fatal.”
Bodyguard Claims Bobby B. Was A “Burden”
W.D. Roberts: “We brought this man [Brown] out on tour and it became an additional burden. Every two days there was a crate of Heineken and a bottle of Crown Royal, and every third day we were ill. […] If that coincided with a show, too bad, the show didn’t go on. This man could not come up to her level so she went down to his.”
Whitney’s Bodyguard Reveals Incident That He Ultimately Got Him Fired
Roberts also stated that he never actually saw Whitney do drugs, but that he would just see the after-affects of them in her behavioral changes…
W.D. Roberts: “In seven and a half years, I never ever saw Ms. Houston take any drug other than bottle of Heineken or a Newport cigarette.”
During a performance for the niece of the Sultan of Brunei, Roberts says that’s when he really became aware of how bad the addiction was:
“She [Whitney] went on stage and couldn’t sing a word, sing a note. Not one. She talked her way through an hour and a half of total and utter embarrassment,” said Roberts.
Roberts then revealed that is when he took action. Under the advise of Whitney’s doctors, he filed his report to the people in charge of her career, to make them aware of how badly her addiction had become so they could get her help. However, Roberts claims that soon afterwards, he was contacted by Whitney’s lawyers and told his services were no longer needed.
Bodyguard’s Allegations About Bobby Regarding Daughter’s Death
As far as the death of Bobby’s and Whitney’s beloved daughter, Bobbi Kristina, at age 22, Welshman D. Roberts went hard at Bobby B. for it.
W.D. Roberts: “That girl [Bobby Kristina] had no chance from the start. She was born into chaos. Her father was instrumental in her mother’s downfall. … I watched Bobbi Kristina as a little girl, running around the corridors of hotels we were staying in, surrounded by the degenerates who were supposed to be looking after her, and I worried for her future.”
“When I heard what had happened to Bobbi Kristina, I wasn’t surprised, but I was angry. […] Everything good Bobby Brown’s ever had in his life, he’s destroyed – his career, Whitney, and now Bobbi Kristina. She’s another victim of his poisonous personality.”
Geesh! This is sad no matter how we look at it. But should Bobby Brown really take most (or all) of the blame? Or should the blame be equally distributed among himself and all other contributing parties? Especially since we now know that it was not Bobby who actually introduced Whitney to drugs?
Some may say ‘yes’; some would say ‘no,’ both Whitney and Bobby are equally to blame…as well as Bobby’s and Whitney’s parents, and their parents, etc., regarding the generational dysfunction that has presented itself in various ways within both the Brown and Houston families. There’s no judgement here though, because MOST of us regular folks have forms of dysfunction within our own families. The only difference is that Bobby’s and Whitney’s dysfunction was put on front street due to their celebrity status.
Remember Keisha from the Bad Boy group, Total? Many fans of the 90’s group probably had no idea she was romantically involved with a legendary rapper. He’s one most people have admired for many years and he’s responsible for some of the biggest hit records and albums in rap. However, he said Keisha is responsible for seriously breaking his heart. Details below…
Andre 3K Revealed Past Relationship With Keisha Epps
Keisha was once in a committed relationship with Andre 3000 of the rap group, OutKast. They met around the time OutKast was recording their first album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. In fact, the relationship was so serious, Andre revealed he battled severe depression following the breakup and became celibate for almost an ENTIRE YEAR! Then he met his now ex-girlfriend, Erykah Badu, but admitted that he was never really over the heartbreak Keisha caused him at that time.
In a interview with Vibe magazine, Andre (referred to as Dre in the article) shared details about the relationship. He also revealed that parts of his his multi-platinum selling album, “Love Below,” was loosely based on some things he went through with Keisha and a couple of his other exes. Check out excerpts of his Vibe interview below…
When asked about his heartbreaks, Andre 3000 said:“You remember the group Total? Keisha? We used to be together back in ’93-before they were Total-Total. When she broke up with me, I was almost celibate for about a year. I was really fu*ked up over it. And that’s right before I met Erykah [Badu]”
In the interview, Andre also declared:
“I’m gonna have to be completely struck crazy for me to get married.”
Andre 3K and Keisha Moved On YEARS Ago
With time, Andre was able to move past his heartbreaks; and even though he and Erykah Badu’s relationship didn’t lead to the happy ending most fans expected, they did have a son together, and are still very close friends. The last we’d heard, Andre was alleged to have a new woman in his life – April Bombai, an Asian hip-hop journalist who’s worked behind the scenes of the hip hop industry for nearly two decades.
Andre 3000 isn’t the only person who’s moved on. Keisha is happily married to her husband of eighteen years, actor Omar Epps. They have two children together- K’mari Mae, 18, and Amir, 15. Omar also has an older daughter, Aiyanna (23), from his previous relationship.
And there ya’ have it family, alls well, that ends well. It’s good to see Andre 3K and Keisha living happy lives now.
This may be sort of a tough guess, because these two singers look a tad different now…but we thought it’d be fun to see how many of you think you guessed this one right — before scrolling down to see the answer.
Check out the photo up top and see if you recognize them…then get your scroll-on to find out who these two are…
They Are None Other Than…
Yep…it’s the two eldest siblings of the iconic Jackson fam’ — “Ms. Centipede” a.k.a. Rebbie Jackson and Jackie Jackson. Now can you see the resemblance in the pics?
On a side note…at 73 years young, Rebbie is still looking fine as wine; and 72-year-old Jackie, looks like he’s found some type of reversed-aging time machine or something. These two eldest Jackson siblings are aging very gracefully. Go ‘head Rebbie and Jackie!
What Rebbie Jackson’s Been Doing In Recent Years
Here’s a quick run-down of what Rebbie’s been up to. Some years ago, Rebbie announced she was in the studio again working on a new album, not sure if that’s still in the works though. That would be the first album she’s released in 19 years. In 2011 she toured on the “Pick Up The Phone” tour, which is dedicated to teens who have committed suicide all over the U.S.. She said she felt a personal connection to doing that because one of her daughters is bipolar. Recently, Rebbie has reportedly been the caretaker of their mother, Katherine Jackson. And by the way…you can catch Rebbie on her baby sis,’ Janet Jackson’s, new self-titled Lifetime Network documentary…it’s a must-watch.
Rebbie has three children with her husband of over 44+ years, Nathaniel Brown. Sadly, Nathaniel passed away in 2013 after a battle with cancer. They also have one granddaughter together.
What Jackie Has been Up To Lately
Jackie has four children; and in recent years, he’s been constantly touring with his brothers and selling out shows across the globe. He has four children — two with his first wife, the late Enid Jackson; and two young twin boys with his current wife, Emily Besselink. And in case you missed our previous story about that wild incident that happened between Enid, Paula Abdul, and Jackie Jackson, you might want to check that out HERE.
Overall, it’s always great to see artists from back in the day still living healthy and doing well. Did you guess this one correctly ILOSM fam?’
There’s no doubt that the similarities between Miki Howard’s son, Brandon, and Michael Jackson are definitely evident. From the way they move, to the tone of their voices, their mannerisms, and dance styles- everything about them is similar. In fact, here have been so many theories circulating about this, that we don’t know WHAT to believe, so we wanted to show y’all the comparisons and let you be the judge.
Miki Howard’s son is a singer who goes by the stage name, B. Howard. I remember when the song, “Billie Jean,” was dominating the charts, many wondered back then, if there was a REAL Billie Jean. For over 30+ years, millions of MJ fans have contemplated that very subject, which leads us to Brandon.
Organizers of a previously highly publicized DNA test claimed to have “confirmed” that the late music legend is Howard’s biological father…..but back in the day, the TV announcer on Batman would have said “But wait! Tune in again, same time, same place,” because in another episode, TMZ claimed that test was NOT authentic.
Now, here may be the enormous bombshell: During that time, Miki’s manager was none other than Joe Jackson in the 1980s. Yep, MJ’s dad. So with this turntable, many speculate that Papa Joe may have been the supposed ‘Papa’ to Brandon. In more recent developments, the New York Daily News cited an ‘unnamed source,’ who also claimed the late Jackson family patriarch, Joe, was actually Brandon’s father and Michael’s half brother. Like I said, we don’t know WHAT to believe.
B. Howard has confirmed, in several interviews, that he grew up amongst the Jackson family and is still extremely close to them today. He used to spend his Summers with Katherine Jackson and the rest of the fam,’ at the Jackson home, while his Mom was working on the road.
Brandon is now a singer, who was once featured on an Akon song. Speaking of Akon, who became a close friend of Michael Jackson’s and collaborated with him for many songs…stated in a prior interview, that he thinks B. Howard is Michael’s son. Watch Akon explain that here on “The Larry King Show”:
Another longtime friend of MJ’s – actor Corey Feldman – said that he, too, believes B. Howard is MJ’s seed. Feldman and B. Howard also reportedly know each other very well.
In addition to those claims, when an interviewer expressed to B. Howard that there were many similarities between him and Michael Jackson, he then asked B. if MJ is his Dad. B. Howard replied with this: “Really? Really? Well you’ll have to read my bio, it’s all in there, I grew up with the Jackson family.” He never gave a straight answer though.
Sources close to Brandon revealed that the Miami resident was born soon after Miki met Michael. When Brandon was asked about MJ’s DNA matching with his, he said that he “never self-proclaimed to be Michael’s child,” but again, he never denied it. Watch him say this below:
Also, after this whole DNA debacle, Miki Howard came out and stated this:
“I love and support my son and the Jackson family. The Jacksons are good very friends. They are beautiful people and have always been loving and supportive of me and my career. As to this claim – at this time I am not at liberty to discuss this, as it is common practice in our business that celebrities have non-disclosure agreements. And, we are NOT suing anyone! By the way…I am NOT ‘Billie Jean!”
He’s had many Jackson relatives on his album and if you really want to be blown away by the similarities between B. Howard and MJ, check out the clip below of B in the studio (you can forward to the 2:55 mark):
Following all the hoopla over Brandon’s DNA, Miki’s ex/singer, Auggie Johnson, came forward a few years ago, to tell the world that he is in fact the father of B. Howard.
The similarities between MJ and B. Howard raises red flags, but so does the fact that this story didn’t come out until AFTER MJ passed away.
What do YOU think ILOSM Family? Is B. Howard part of the Jackson bloodline someway, somehow? Or are those claims a bunch of bullcrap?
If I were to simply here the name, Anjelica Huston — like many of us ILOSM Old Schoolers — I’d be like, ‘Come again now…Anjeli- WHO?’ And that’s understandable, given that I haven’t seen most of the actress’s work. However, when it comes to the name, “Morticia Addams,” many of us instantly recognize Huston for her role as the matriarch of the classic monster fam’ in the film adaptation of The Addams Family.
That film brought back childhood memories for many…and apparently, Huston has some memories to rehash of her own. The only difference is that her recounted memories have nothin’ to do with The Addams Family, but everything to do with Oprah Winfrey, Eddie Murphy, and other celebs.
And uh…let’s just say the “Morticia Addams” actress didn’t necessarily have the fondest memories to share about her encounters with the aforementioned legends.
In a 2019 interview with Vulture, Anjelica Huston sounded off about how Oprah Winfrey was allegedly jealous of her; and how Eddie Murphy supposedly acted like a ‘diva’ toward her…but there’s more…
Check Out What Huston Says Oprah And Eddie Did To Her
Huston Accuses Oprah Of Oscar Award Shade
According to Huston, Oprah has had issues with her since 1986, when Huston took home the “Best Supporting Actress” Oscar Award for her Prizzi’s Honor role. Oprah was nominated for the same category that year for her “Miss Sophia” role in The Color Purple…which she should have won in my opinion, but I digress.Anyways, Angelica says Oprah has never gotten over that loss to her…and she also claims that as a result, Oprah shades the hell outta her every chance she gets. One of the “repercussions” Huston says Oprah gave her, is “She never had me on her show, ever. She won’t talk to me.”
Huston continued:
“The only encounter I’ve had with Oprah was when I was at a party for the Academy Awards, a private residence. I was talking to Clint Eastwood, and she literally came between us with her back to me. So all of the sudden I was confronted with the back of Oprah’s head.”
When the interviewer asked Huston if she thinks the reason behind Oprah’s shade stems from her 1986 Oscar loss, Huston replied:
“Well, nobody else would dislike me so much as to literally, physically come in between the person I was talking with that way. But I admire Oprah. God knows, she’s made some big steps.”
What’s Her Issues With Eddie Murphy?
As far as Anjelica Huston’s prob’ with comedian/actor, Eddie Murphy, it’s centered around time…literally.While co-starring with Eddie on the film, Daddy Day Care, in which Eddie was the lead character, Huston recalled hating that he required the cast to arrive to set 15 minutes before he did. And what she disliked even more, was Eddie’s reported response to her request to alter that rule:
“You’d be waiting for over 15 minutes in a California summer, so you’re not appetizing by the time you get on-camera,” said Huston. “Maybe he didn’t recognize that factor. So I requested to at least know when he was traveling to set. His reply, through the grapevine, was ‘Ladies first.’ Frankly, a lot of male movie stars behave in an offhand manner, like they’re just more important than you are.”
Wow! Gotta love the Old School memories.
.
ILOSM family, you ever had that one friend who could sometimes act a fool in public, embarrassing the hell outta not only themselves, but you as well? Welp, that was apparently what happened to Usher when his homie, Chris Brown, flew clean off the handle Friday night, reportedly resulting in an all-out brawl with Usher. In case you haven’t heard about that, let us fill you in…but not before we share new video footage of Usher lookin’ unbothered today.
Usher Shares Video Lookin’ Unbothered, After Alleged Beatdown
The day after Chris Brown and/or his goons allegedly molly-whopped Usher in a reportedly unfair fight, it seems the “Good Kisser” singer is taking it all in stride, while simultaneously making sure to show a close-up of his face. As you can see in the below video, Usher has no visible swelling, nor bruises on his face…although it’s unclear if he’s wearing makeup to cover any bruises up.
Usher is unbothered by the alleged altercation with Chris Brown 😅pic.twitter.com/upwaJif6zy
— Hot Freestyle (@HotFreestyle) May 6, 2023
Nevertheless, fans are just glad the brotha is doing well, and will still be performing in spite of the unfortunate disaster that went down between he and Chris Brown last night.
Alleged Chris Brown-Usher Fight Was Over Singer, Teyana Taylor? (Video)
According to what several sources have revealed to Youtube vlogger, Tasha K, and reporter, B. Scott, Usher threw Chris Brown a birthday party at a skating rink in Las Vegas last night. Everything supposedly was all good, until one of Chris’s other now-former close friends – singer Teyana Taylor – showed up. Teyana and Chris have been damn near best friends for many years, with Teyana even putting herself on the line, by standing up for Chris when the domestic violence drama between he and Rihanna happened years ago.
Well, those years of ride-or-die friendships between Chris, Usher, and Teyana have seemingly gone out the window as of Friday (May 5, 2023). Why? Because according to sources who were present at the birthday shindig, Chris and Teyana have been beefin’ ever since Chris’s Michael-Jackson-tribute was axed from the 2022 AMA Awards Show, which he reportedly partially blames Teyana for.You see, Teyana –who according to TMZ, is a creative director for many artists’ musical performances, projects, etc– was said to have been involved in the creative direction for the AMA’s ‘MJ tribute.’ Word on the old school curb is that the AMA’s began to catch a lot of online flack from folks who were claiming the ceremony was ‘allowing one abuser to pay tribute to another abuser.’ Obviously, those people were referring to the 2009 Chris Brown/Rihanna domestic violence incident, as well as the unproven allegations in the “Leaving Neverland” documentary.
It’s been alleged that as a result of the backlash at that time, Chris was allegedly pulled from the show within a day or so of his scheduled ‘MJ’ performance. As a result, Chris felt like Teyana did not have his back, says sources.
Fast fast forward to last night, and Chris was apparently still highly pissed when he realized Usher had invited Teyana to his birthday party. Several onlookers said Chris started going completely OFF as he vented his frustrations about Teyana to Usher, supposedly referring to Teyana as a “b!**h” and whatnot.
Those same sources also said Teyana handled the whole thing like a lady, without engaging in the public spectacle with Chris; while Usher tried to calm Chris down. However, as Usher was reportedly trying to talk Chris back down to a level-head, spectators claim Chris demanded that not only Usher make Teyana leave the party…but that Usher exit the party as well– which he supposedly threw for Chris! Laaaawd…🤦🏽.
Anywho, Usher reportedly refused to leave, but Teyana decided it was best she exit, which she did. Chris then supposedly stormed out of his own birthday party, and Usher followed him to the parking lot, allegedly still attempting to talk his friend and get him to calm down. Unfortunately, according to onlookers, that’s when either Chris, or a few of Chris’s ‘goons’ reportedly snuck Usher, and proceeded to jump him in the parking lot!!
Following the dust-up, sources say Usher was pissed, and understandably so.
It’s unclear what, if anything, has transpired between the three friends now…but there doesn’t seem to have been much of a reconciliation whatsoever at this point.
Nonetheless, Usher is still hittin’ the stage Saturday night for the “Friends & Lovers” concert in Las Vegas. No word on if Chris Brown will still be performing at the show. Can’t we all just get along?!!
After more than three weeks in an Atlanta, GA hospital, the legendary Jamie Foxx has finally spoken out directly from his hospital bed.
Jamie Foxx’s Message To Fans From Hospital
Having received thousands of well wishes from people all across the globe, Jamie Foxx has heard our outpouring of support. So on Wednesday (May 3, 2023), Jamie took to social media to send a heartfelt message to his fans, writing, “Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed.”
View this post on Instagram
Needless to say, celebs and fans alike were more than ecstatic to hear from Jamie, and have been flooding his social media timelines ever since:
Mary J Blige left the comment, “Love you Jamie ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”
Tamar Braxton commented, “Love to you my brother ❤️❤️❤️”.
Ellen Degeneres wrote, “I’m sending love to you every single day.”
Comedian, Deon Cole, stated, “SHONDO!!!! Supreme, forever goood love for you.”
Since there is no video message, nor image of Jamie Foxx messaging fans from his hospital bed, it’s unclear if he, or one of his loved ones actually posted his message on his social media page. Either way, though, fans are just happy to see any type of update from the comedic OG.
It’s also being reported that as Jamie continues to remain hospitalized following a mysterious medical emergency, on Wednesday, sources within his inner circle are continuing to ask the masses to “pray for Jamie,” who seemingly has a longer road to recovery than many previously thought.
Jamie Thanked Nick Cannon For Steppin’ In
News spread today, that Jamie also won’t be shooting the upcoming season of his show, “Beat Shazam,” which Jamie was previously scheduled to begin filming days after his medical emergency. The musical game show also co-stars his daughter, Corrine (as the show’s DJ). However, Corrine will also be skipping the entire upcoming season, as she remains by her dad’s side, while he fights his way back to 100% health in due time.
In a separate post, Jamie also thanked Nick Cannon, who will now be filling in for Jamie to host the upcoming season of “Beat Shazam.” Kelly Osbourne – daughter of rock legend, Ozzy Osbourne – will be filling Corrine Foxx’s DJ’ing spot for the season as well. To Nick, Jamie wrote, “Appreciate ya my boy,” as he shared his daughter’s post, thanking Nick and Kelly for temporarily taking over the show for them.
Jamie’s team and family have kept the details of what exactly happened to Jamie during his “Back In Action” movie filming on the low. But thankfully, Jamie’s health seems to be improving. We will continue to send Jamie Foxx uplifting energy, and look forward to seeing him make a full recovery.
Anita Baker reached unprecedented heights during her many years as a successful R&B singer in the music industry. Like many others, her rise to fame wasn’t the result of an easy journey. She faced many obstacles along the way. In fact, the singer has shared details about the family secrets she was plagued with for many years and how she managed to overcome. You won’t believe all Anita’s been through.
The Family Secret About Her Birth Mom Caused Years Of Pain
Many fans probably have no idea Anita Baker’s mother gave her up for adoption when she was just a baby. The daunting realization of her mother’s decision actually made her question her worth and the purpose of her life. During an interview with Essence, she spoke openly about her life:
“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she said. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.”
BUT THERE IS WAY MORE TO ANITA BAKER’S STORY…
“That Child Believed Her Mother Abandoned Her”
JRank reported that the woman Anita once believed was her mother, was a woman by the name of Mary Lewis. Although it was never publicly confirmed who Mary actually was, it wasn’t until Anita was 13 years old (when Mary died), that she found out she was actually a foster child; and Mary was her foster parent.
The publication also stated that Anita’s aunt, Lois Landry, was the beautician who Anita reportedly thought was originally her older sister. But after Mary’s passing, Lois reportedly informed Anita that she was her aunt and that she was actually given away by her birth mother, to Mary. Afterwards, Lois and her husband, Walter Landry, officially adopted little Anita and raised her as their own. Anita now refers to Lois as her “earth Mother,” as she explained to Essence:
“That child believed her mother abandoned her,” [Anita Baker] said (referring to herself), “because there was something bad about her. Something terrible that made her unlovable. And until Walter [Baker’s then husband], that is how I felt about me—that I was not good enough. Not good, period.”
“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she says of the event that made her question her own worth and try to prove herself all her life. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.” (via JRank)
What Happened When Anita’s “Earth Mother” Fell Severely Ill
Despite her humble beginnings, Anita was blessed to be adopted by a loving family and she managed to prevail. However, for every level of success, there are oftentimes more problems. Anita revealed the parental battle she faced after rising to success. Whenever she’d have music obligations, her adopted mother would unfortunately become ill:
“Every time I would leave to do music, my mother would go into the hospital,” [Anita Baker] said. “And eventually I decided, you know what, I’m not leaving, because it’s just not worth it to me to leave her.”
So she came up with what she believed would be a solution to the problem:
“I set up a studio at home. My producer would be flying in, and we’d be in the middle of something, and I would get a call from the hospital, and I’d have to go.”
It’s A New Day Now!
Now, those painful days are behind the “Sweet Love” songstress and she’s living her best life at 65 years young.
We appreciate Anita’s honesty. Her story has probably just helped someone else out there who may be dealing with any doubtful feelings about their own self-worth.
When I listen to her music now, the pain I feel in her voice, seems that much more real and relatable. Much respect to Anita for pouring her soul/pain into her work. Her music has helped her fans get through tough times, and also helped many folks make a few babies along the way, LOL. Gotta love the power of REAL R&B music!