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CNN Host Don Lemon is not here for PETA’s new anti-animal initiative. This week the animal rights organization compared using phrases like “skin a cat” and “beat a dead horse” to homophobia and racism. It’s all in an effort to combat “specieism.” The tweet announcing the new campaign said, “Just as it became unacceptable to […]

The post Don Lemon Tells PETA To Have Several Seats appeared first on Essence.

Singer Justine Skye rocked the faux freckle trend on Instagram. Learn how to recreate her no-makeup makeup with the contents of your makeup bag.

We’ve heard of silent auctions, but this is a new one. Top producers in music have gotten together to host a private Beat Auction giving the opportunity to upcoming and established music professionals to acquire high-quality compositions that are not easily accessible otherwise. Some of these producers include Zaytoven, one of the most sought-after producers in hip-hop; Drumma Boy, a popular Atlanta notable; J White, the man behind most of Cardi B’s productions; AnonXmous, known for hits like “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj, and a slew of others. The Beat Auction was hosted by Atlanta’s own, Dj Holiday.

Atlanta Beat Auction ((Image: TMI Worldwide)

The evening unfolded with each producer showcasing their beats to a room full of ready and waiting auctioneers. Bids started at $300 and went as high as $1200. This is incredible considering the prices of beats from this caliber of individuals can typically range from tens of thousands of dollars upward and many times, include royalties on an artist’s album that keep the producers getting paid long after they’ve handed over the beat.

So why a beat auction?

“After years of working within the music industry, I have come across countless talented artists with promising potential,” said Khady Thiam Gueye, founder and CEO of TMI, and the creator of the concept. “Often times the only thing standing in their way of a hit record is quality production. A lack of resources has forced many artists to settle for mediocre, overused beats from either YouTube or beginner producers. I knew we had to bridge that gap and provide artists with the opportunity to catapult their music careers through industry standard, exclusive compositions from legendary producers.”

Khady Thiam Gueye, founder and CEO of TMI Worldwide and creator of Atlanta Beat Auction (Image: TMI Worldwide)

The overall goal is to ultimately revolutionize the way hit records are created. As the team continues to host Beat Auctions across a global platform, they foresee international collaborations leading to billboard topping records. By widening the door of opportunity, they anticipate a wave of new mainstream artists, as well as sensational emerging producers whose talents would otherwise go unnoticed.

All proceeds went to “Music Education Group” a group formed to bring music, film, and digital music based education to underserved youth.

The post Cardi B’s Producer, Other Top Producers, Host Music Beat Auction appeared first on Black Enterprise.

Jason Momoa sure has come a long way since barely speaking more than a handful of words in season one of Game of Thrones. With his comic timing, he proved to be one of the very best things in Justice League, and he made us all buy into the idea of a “surfer bruh” version of Aquaman. Now, with the release of the solo Aquaman movie imminent, Momoa is about to face the test of true super-stardom — hosting Saturday Night Live. But we already have a good feeling about the former Khal Drogo’s comedic abilities, thanks to this hilarious newly released promo skit for SNL, showing Momoa as an NBC page.



We get to see Momoa in full action hero mode, as he ensures everyone that he is taking his new job as an NBC page very, very seriously, and that includes his super-serious”tough guy” voice,  and punching cast member Beck Bennett square in the face when he attempts to pitch an idea for a sketch (we’re sure he deserved it). We also get an obligatory scene at SNL producer Lorne Michaels’ expense, which includes some Momoa-sized dance moves.

If this promo is any indication, then we are hopefully in for a treat when Momoa hosts the show this weekend, because this promo was legitimately funny enough it could have been included in the show itself. The Jason Momoa-hosted SNL airs December 8, with musical guests Mumford & Sons. And expect at least one “Aquaman talks to fish” sketch to be included in there somewhere.

Images: NBC