Kehlani just proved that genre boundaries are meant to be crossed on Shaboozey’s latest project. The R&B artist stepped into country territory for “Bullets and Blade,” a standout track on Shaboozey’s ambitious new album “The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales.” Nobody saw Kehlani in a country lane coming, but the collaboration feels effortless, like it was always meant to exist.
Shaboozey created something cinematic with this 20-track album that reads like a full film experience. The project brings together an impressive ensemble cast including Leon Bridges, Gunna, and Teyana Taylor, with Jamie Foxx lending his voice as narrator to tie the narrative together. “Bullets and Blade” sits comfortably within this larger story, showcasing how Kehlani’s smooth vocals translate beautifully when placed against country instrumentation and Shaboozey’s unique perspective.
What makes this moment significant for Black artists is the creative freedom on display. There’s no apology for blending genres, no hesitation about stepping outside what people expect. Kehlani bringing her artistry to the country space alongside her peers signals that these musical lanes aren’t gatekept anymore. It’s a reminder that the best art happens when artists follow their instincts rather than staying confined to what’s comfortable or predictable.
Michael B. Jordan may have a new romantic interest, judging by the viral photos and videos from this past weekend. British singer Raye appears to be the rumored new lady in his life, spotted with the actor at Six Flags in what quickly circulated across social media.
Neither Jordan nor Raye has commented on the outing. Some corners of the internet speculate it’s simply music video footage, similar to his past collaboration with Snoh Aalegra. But the sightings have prompted a look back at the famous women the Oscar-nominated actor has been linked to over the years. Here’s what we know about Michael B. Jordan‘s dating history.
Lori Harvey
Lori Harvey attends the Chanel Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 09, 2026. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Jordan’s most public relationship was with model Lori Harvey. The two sparked dating rumors in November 2020 after being photographed together in her hometown of Atlanta. By January 2021, they made things official on Instagram and stayed together for a year and a half, even making their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills in March 2022.
Despite the cute photographs and public appearances, they called it quits in June 2022. Neither initially commented on the split, but sources close to the pair described both as “completely heartbroken.” Later reports suggested their breakup stemmed from the two not being on the same page about their future.
Related: Michael B. Jordan, Lori Harvey Reportedly Break Up After More Than a Year Together
Snoh Aalegra
Snoh Aalegra attends Variety’s 2022 Power of Women event in Beverly Hills. (Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/FilmMagic)
In December 2019, Jordan appeared in the steamy music video for Swedish-Iranian singer Snoh Aalegra’s song “Whoa.” The two shared an on-screen kiss in the opening minute, sparking speculation about whether something was happening between them off-camera.
Neither Aalegra nor Jordan has ever publicly commented on the nature of their relationship, leaving fans to wonder whether it was purely professional or something more.
Cindy Bruna
Cindy Bruna attends Day Ten of the 2026 French Open on June 02, 2026 in Paris. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Around May 2019, Jordan was spotted having dinner with model Cindy Bruna at Carbone in New York City. While Jordan appeared to be in good spirits, nothing seemed to come of it. Both remained quiet about whether they were more than friends, keeping the details private.
Kiki Layne
Kiki Layne at the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project 2025 Block Party held at Universal Studios on June 28, 2025. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
At the start of 2019, Jordan was linked to actress Kiki Layne after the two were spotted getting flirty at a Sundance Film Festival event. “Michael and Kiki were super flirty all night. He spent literally all night talking and focused on her,” a person present at the event told PEOPLE.
As the night wound down, Jordan reportedly left the club first with Layne following shortly after. Like most of the other rumored connections, neither Jordan nor Layne publicly addressed the speculation.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
Back in 2015, Jordan was linked to Kendall Jenner after the two were spotted leaving a Met Gala party at the same time. With only a photo to fuel the speculation, Jordan actually addressed the rumor head-on, speaking candidly about the broader conversation it sparked regarding interracial dating.
“A lot of Black fans were feeling like, ‘Oh, my God, he should have been with a Black woman’ and that whole thing. I get it, but on the other hand it’s, like, relax. You know? It’s 2015. It’s okay. People can like one another, not necessarily from the same history or culture or whatever,” he told GQ at the time.
He ultimately clarified that he and Jenner were simply friends. “Kendall’s a friend of mine, you know. I don’t know her, like, that well, but I know her enough. People’s perspective on that is what it is,” he said.
As summer winds down and fall settles in, there’s nothing quite like the pull of a good book. Whether you’re reaching for self-help, getting lost in fantasy, or trying out a new recipe, the upcoming releases have something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the best fall 2026 books worth adding to your reading list, so let’s dive in.
“Mourning Pages” by Claudia Love Mair (Sept. 22)
Broadleaf Books
Author, artist, and activist Claudia Love Mair created this collection from her own experience navigating grief after losing her son. “Mourning Pages” is designed as a companion through loss—whether that’s mourning a person or a life you thought you’d have. The book combines writing prompts to help you process emotions, grounding affirmations, and poetry that speaks directly to what you’re feeling. It’s the kind of resource you return to again and again.
“Two Can Play That Game” by Zakiya N. Jamal (Nov. 17)
Berkley
Looking for a rom-com with bite? Zakiya N. Jamal’s latest is a high-stakes fake dating story. WNBA superstar Adrienne “AD” Daniels needs a PR reset, and influencer Chelsea wants to expand her platform. A fake relationship seems like the perfect solution—until real feelings threaten to complicate everything. It’s the kind of premise that works best when the chemistry is there, and Jamal delivers.
“Ashes at the Altar” by LaDarrion Williams (Sept. 15)
Labryinth Road
The final book in LaDarrion Williams’ “Blood at the Root” trilogy closes out protagonist Malik Baron’s journey at the fictional HBCU Caiman University. This installment centers on Baron’s last stand against dark forces as he fights to protect everything he’s built, wielding the power of his ancestors and family. If you’ve been following the series, this is the payoff you’ve been waiting for.
“Notes on a Backlash: When a Black Woman Goes Viral” by April Ryan (Oct. 6)
Amistad
Veteran journalist April Ryan has been the target of harassment for years, particularly after public confrontations with former President Donald Trump. Her new memoir examines the toll such vitriol takes on a Black woman’s well-being. “Notes on a Backlash” is both personal and political, offering a raw look at how race, gender, and ideology get weaponized—and how Ryan found her footing despite it all.
“Hawk & Sparrow” by Ayana Gray (Sept. 1)
Pan Macmillan
Ayana Gray, bestselling author of “Beasts of Prey,” returns with a Gilded-Age fantasy romance that grabs you immediately. “Hawk & Sparrow” follows Vesper Evans, a reporter for “The Basalton Globe,” who stumbles onto a murder scene at an exclusive gala. When the prime suspect, Maximilian Kite, convinces her to help prove his innocence in exchange for something she can’t refuse, Vesper finds herself pulled into a dangerous world of high-society secrets and intrigue.
“Happy Snacking, Don’t Die!: Foraging and Vegan Recipes with Black Forager” by Alexis Nikole Nelson (Sept. 22)
Simon & Schuster
TikTok sensation Alexis Nikole Nelson is making her publishing debut with this cookbook on foraging and vegan cooking. “Happy Snacking, Don’t Die!” combines practical tips for identifying wild edibles with recipes that range from breakfast staples to creative dishes you can actually make. Whether you’re curious about foraging or just want fresh ideas for your kitchen, Nelson is a knowledgeable guide.
“Everything’s Not Lost” by Frederick Joseph (Oct. 20)
Viking Books for Young Readers
Frederick Joseph brings his signature emotional depth to this coming-of-age story. Sixteen-year-old Ella Washington is learning to live with bipolar disorder while grieving her sister’s sudden death. The novel doesn’t shy away from mental health struggles or loss, but it also captures something essential about finding hope and meaning in the midst of it all. This is the kind of book that stays with you.
“The Perilous Fight” by Colin Kaepernick (Sept. 15)
Legacy Lit
Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 cost him his NFL career but altered the cultural conversation forever. In “The Perilous Fight,” he traces that moment back to his roots—growing up as a Black child adopted into a white family, grappling with questions of identity and belonging. The memoir is both personal reflection and historical document.
“What Shall We Tell You?” by Wade Hudson and Tonya Engel (Oct. 27)
Astra Young Readers
Award-winning children’s author Wade Hudson and illustrator Tonya Engel tackle difficult conversations in this picture book poem. “What Shall We Tell You?” speaks directly to Black children about the realities they’ll face, but it anchors the message in something fundamental: love is stronger than hate, and they belong in this world. It’s a necessary, tender book for families.
“All Hours: Crazy Good Food for Whatever, Whenever” by Kwame Onwuachi and Joshua David Stein (Sept. 22)
Knopf
If you’ve eaten at one of Kwame Onwuachi’s restaurants and wanted to recreate that experience at home, this cookbook is your answer. Collaborating with food writer Joshua David Stein, Onwuachi shares recipes for everything from elevated breakfast dishes to his signature Creole creations. The book captures what makes his cooking special: technique meets accessibility.
“All My Sisters and Me” by Sheryl Lister (Sept. 8)
Harper Muse
Sheryl Lister’s latest brings together four sisters-in-law at different stages of marriage and motherhood. Giselle, Kamryn, Chanel, and Taylor don’t exactly click naturally, but a week-long family gathering forces real connection. What unfolds is both comedic and complicated—a portrait of women figuring out if they can build genuine bonds or if some distances are just too wide.
“Equal to the Task: A Life Forged Between America’s Promise and Its Truth” by Kenneth Chenault (Nov. 3)
HarperCollins Leadership
In 2001, Kenneth I. Chenault made history as the first Black CEO of American Express. His memoir traces the path that got him there, from childhood through his rise in corporate America. “Equal to the Task” is about the people and moments that shaped him, but it’s also a broader reflection on ambition, identity, and what it means to break barriers. Chenault’s story matters for fall 2026 books looking to inspire.
“Birth of a Culture” by Grandmaster Flash and Robert “Scoop” Jackson (Sept. 22)
Amistad
Grandmaster Flash’s account of hip-hop’s origins, co-written with cultural critic Robert “Scoop” Jackson, is essential reading for anyone serious about music history. “Birth of a Culture” goes beyond the surface story to examine how an entire art form emerged from specific communities, economic conditions, and creative genius. Flash’s firsthand perspective is invaluable.
“The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman” by Deesha Philyaw (Sept. 29)
Mariner Books
Deesha Philyaw returns with a page-turner about power, secrets, and the cost of maintaining a perfect image. “The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman” follows Schar, the elegant wife of a megachurch pastor, who is hiding dangerous truths behind her polished facade. When those secrets threaten to unravel everything, Schar has to decide what she’s willing to lose. Philyaw knows how to make you uncomfortable and keep you reading.
Amber Mark just proved that some comebacks are worth the wait. The R&B artist took the Osheaga stage just over a month after vocal surgery that left her unable to sing for weeks. What could have been a slow, cautious return turned into a full festival performance that reminded everyone why her voice is so cherished in the R&B community.
The journey back wasn’t easy. A vocal hemorrhage forced Amber Mark into surgery and a period of complete silence. But watching her move from those first tentative notes of recovery to commanding a festival stage with hits like “Lose My Cool” felt like witnessing something rare—an artist who refused to let physical setbacks define her momentum. She delivered the full set like she never left, reminding the crowd exactly what they’d been missing.
There’s something powerful about witnessing a Black artist’s resilience play out in real time. Mark’s comeback isn’t just about vocal cords healing; it’s about the determination to reclaim your space, your art, and your voice—literally and figuratively. That’s the kind of comeback we root for, and that’s exactly what we got at Osheaga.
Kelli Potter says her friendship with Porsha Williams fell apart after the Real Housewives of Atlanta veteran accused her of sleeping with a married pastor. It’s a tough situation that’s got people talking about loyalty, trust, and what it really means to show up for your sisters.
“I think Porsha is a great woman,” Kelli said on The Reality Rundown. “I just don’t know if Porsha Williams is a girl’s girl.” Coming into the season with hopes of making peace, Kelli approached their tea room meeting ready to start fresh. But when Porsha brought up those allegations—which Kelli has firmly denied—everything shifted.
“What did you think I was gonna do?” Kelli asked. “You didn’t think I was gonna have my foot on your neck all season after that?”
She also pushed back against suggestions that her growing friendship with Shamea Morton caused the rift. “It has nothing to do with Shamea,” Kelli explained, noting that these relationships exist separately from one another. “I think it’s really just about [Porsha] showing up and being truthful. I think that’s the most important part. And I think that’s where it gets the disconnect.”
Now Kelli is bracing herself to confront Phaedra Parks, who seemed to back Porsha’s claims during filming. The whole experience has been about navigating what feels like a breakdown in the sisterhood—something that demands honesty and real accountability.
“When I accepted [legal] help from Phaedra, I did not know those things were being said about me,” Kelli said, noting that cast members don’t catch every conversation or confessional while cameras are rolling. “I definitely probably would not have hired her to represent me if I’d known those things were said about me behind my back. Absolutely.”
Whitney Houston fans can now own pieces of her wardrobe as some of her most iconic outfits are set for auction, just in time for the late legend’s birthday.
Born Aug. 9, 1963, Houston would have turned 63 this year, and nearly 15 years after her death, the woman forever known as “The Voice” is still being celebrated through the music, fashion and unforgettable moments that made her a global superstar. This year, her birthday celebration will continue on Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. ET, when Julien’s Auctions will host a live auction benefiting the Whitney Houston Legacy Foundation, an organization whose mission is to “restore self-esteem and repair images through grassroots programs and initiatives for the youth,” according to its website.
Fans can bid on pieces from Houston’s personal collection, including a Dolce & Gabbana dress she wore during her “My Love Is Your Love World Tour” and a Richard Avedon portrait that once hung in her office.
“This auction is a powerful celebration of Whitney’s extraordinary life, artistry, and lasting impact,” Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions, told PEOPLE.
Nolan said the significance of the collection extends beyond giving fans an intimate look at Houston’s life and amazing sense of style. “Each lot tells a story from iconic stage-worn wardrobe and treasured personal accessories,” he said.
With 100 percent of the proceeds supporting the foundation’s programs, scholarships and community initiatives, Nolan stressed that every item sold will help “carry her legacy forward.”
Just in case you’re thinking about trying to get your hands on one (or more) of Houston’s outfits, here are some of the most iconic pieces hitting the auction block on Aug. 11.
1988 American Music Awards – Estimated Price: $3,000-$5,000
1988 American Music Awards – Whitney Houston in pink mini dress with ruffles
In 1988, Houston took the stage to perform at the American Music Awards in this pink mini dress with a ruffle across the body. She was pretty in pink, winning two awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Female and Favorite Pop/Rock Single for “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
“Moment of Truth” World Tour – Estimated Price: $3,000-$5,000
Whitney Houston performs at Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston, Michigan, July 31, 1987
Whitney wore this black top on July 31, 1987, at a stop in Clarkston, Michigan, as part of her “Moment of Truth” World tour. The long-sleeved silk blouse features beautifully intricate embellishment at the shoulders.
“Nothing But Love World Tour” – Estimated Price: $3,000-$5,000
Whitney Houston performs at Saitama Super Arena, February 11, 2010
Whitney wore this beautifully tailored black Burberry trench coat in 2010 during her “Nothing But Love” World Tour, cementing her status as a style icon across decades.
While the White House celebrates a stock market hitting record highs, the lived experience for most Americans tells a different story. Job security is crumbling. Bills are harder to pay. And the pain is not distributed equally. New data from the Federal Reserve reveals a sharp economic divide, with Black Americans bearing the brunt of financial instability in ways that cut across education and income levels.
The Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking shows employment uncertainty spiking dramatically—more than 40% of adults now worry about finding or keeping work, up 37% from 2024. But Black Americans face steeper odds. They’re significantly more likely to report major concerns about covering basic bills, and over twice as likely as white peers to report recent layoffs. Between 2024 and 2025, job loss among Black adults climbed roughly three percentage points—the largest increase of any demographic group.
The numbers paint a bleak picture of financial stability. Only 60% of Black adults surveyed last year said they were “doing okay” or “living comfortably”—a drop of nearly five points from the year before. Even education offers no shield. Nearly all Black adults with college degrees experienced financial deterioration, with the share feeling financially secure falling almost seven percentage points.
The affordability squeeze hits harder at the lower rungs. Nearly 40% of Black middle-income earners struggle to afford basic necessities where they live. Rent. Groceries. Gas. These costs are climbing faster than wages, threatening to destabilize families that ostensibly have resources. Meanwhile, the wealth gap compounds the problem. White Americans under 25 hold 16 times the wealth of their Black peers—a gap that matters most when emergencies strike or opportunities require capital.
Homeownership tells the story most clearly. The U.S. Treasury Department found that white households maintain homeownership rates at least 10 percentage points higher than Black households, regardless of age. That’s not just about property. Early homeownership builds generational wealth—a buffer that pays for education, covers unexpected costs, funds retirement. Younger generations, increasingly diverse, are delaying these purchases out of necessity. The compounding effects ripple across decades.
The broader picture is clear: macroeconomic wins at the top obscure real hardship at ground level. For Black Americans specifically, that gap between headline numbers and household reality has grown impossible to ignore.
Photo: Getty Images
What the data shows most starkly: 77.5% of Black adults now report that making ends meet is at least a minor concern—up about eight percentage points in a year. For white, non-Hispanic adults with similar concerns, that number actually fell. The divergence matters. It’s not recession affecting everyone equally. It’s targeted pressure on specific communities, compounded by decades of structural inequality.
Masego stopped by VEVO CTRL to deliver something special, running through “I Know You” and “Breathe” back to back with his signature sax. If Fix Your Face has been soundtracking your days, you already know these live renditions were going to hit different. The energy of hearing these tracks stripped down and amplified in real time captures exactly why the album resonates so deeply—it’s vulnerable, it’s skilled, and it’s unmistakably his.
Masego continues to prove why he’s one of the most innovative voices in contemporary R&B and neo-soul. These performances showcase not just his musicianship but his ability to translate the emotional depth of his recordings into moments that feel intimate even on a screen. For BIPOC creatives and music lovers who’ve been hungry for artistry that refuses to compromise—that blends jazz sensibilities with modern production without losing the soul—Masego’s VEVO CTRL appearance is a reminder of why supporting Black artists who push boundaries matters now more than ever.
Blueface & Chrisean Rock Pulled Over by San Diego Police After Show Traffic Stop Livestreamed
Blueface and Chrisean Rock found themselves on the wrong side of a traffic stop after the rapper’s Saturday night performance in San Diego. The encounter with police was captured in real time on his livestream, offering viewers an unfiltered look at what unfolded during the stop.
According to the livestream footage, Blueface, Chrisean, and members of his camera crew were pulled over by San Diego Police shortly after his performance at Blu Temple/Blu Cabana. Officers can be seen instructing the group to exit the vehicle.
The livestream footage showed Blueface and others temporarily placed in handcuffs while police conducted their investigation. Throughout the stop, Chrisean remained present, holding her young son Chrisean Jr.—a child whose paternity has been a point of ongoing public dispute, with Blueface repeatedly denying he is the biological father.
What prompted the initial stop remains unclear from the available footage. There’s no indication of why officers initiated the traffic stop or whether any citations were issued. The San Diego Police Department has not yet provided official comment on the circumstances.
The group was eventually released without apparent arrest, according to the livestream. Blueface and his crew appeared to comply with officers’ instructions throughout the encounter, and the stop concluded without escalation.
The incident is just the latest chapter in the pair’s very public relationship. Blueface and Chrisean have maintained a complicated dynamic over the years, with their personal affairs regularly making headlines and becoming fodder for social media discussion. Whether this traffic stop will fuel further debate remains to be seen.
Real Housewives of Atlanta drama just keeps unfolding, and Shamea Morton is setting the record straight about her “Happy Pride” comment to Porsha Williams. During a recent appearance on Way Up With Yee, Shamea broke down why she never meant it as disrespect.
“Well, you know, she already said [‘Happy Pride’],” Shamea explained, referencing previous claims involving Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker. “I didn’t think it was a diss, me saying, ‘Happy Pride.'” She continued, “Aren’t you in a relationship with Sway? I’m just so confused, like, why was that a diss? It was a safe thing to say. We ain’t friends right now.” Check out more on the Real Housewives of Atlanta dynamics that have fans talking.
The singer and actress never expected her fallout with Porsha to ripple through the entire friend group. “Like, now you can’t be friends with me?” she said, highlighting the tension that’s been building behind the scenes.
According to Shamea, she and Porsha had once agreed to keep their mothers out of their conflicts, but things have escalated in ways she didn’t anticipate. “Now our kids can’t even play together,” she said. “It’s unfortunate.” The personal nature of these rifts speaks to how deep the hurt has gone among cast members.
Beyond her tension with Porsha, Shamea also addressed her clashes with Cynthia Bailey, Angela Oakley, and Drew Sidora. She accused Angela of code-switching when the cameras are rolling and said Drew showed up to a Pinky Cole audition with a dismissive energy that caught her off guard. “She came in very nasty,” Shamea said, noting that not everything that went down made it to air—which means there’s always more to these stories than what we see on screen.
