Times Square Gossip

Anthony Anderson In the September issue, JET presents two covers – one with Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross as they prepare to launch their new program, black-ish, and their second annual “40 Under 40 list,” featuring none other than the Jackie Robinson West Little League national champions as the iconic image. Shows such as The Cosby Show, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and My Wife and Kids were programs that depicted the African-American family on mainstream television in a positive light. However, the presence of the Black family on network television as been largely missing, other than on reality shows, since these programs went off air. This fall, the show black-ish is set to premiere on ABC on September 24, quenching the desire of those looking for diversity in their television programming. “Around the time of President Obama’s presidency, it seems like there was a switch toward the reality representation of Black families, “said...

Queen Latifah With a hit daytime talk show under her belt and more projects in her back pocket, Queen Latifah is all smiles as she graces the latest cover of JET magazine . This issue of the publication focuses on faith and spirituality, and the former rap star turned media mogul opens up about the time her faith was truly tested while also providing updates on her family and exciting new business ventures. On when her faith was most challenged “The biggest thing to ever test my personal faith was the loss of my brother in a motorcycle accident… I believed it ruined my life. I probably had a five-year interruption in any type of personal growth. There were some things I didn’t learn in my twenties because I was disconnected emotionally. I could only get so close or feel so much.” How she was able to move forward “I fell in love. It was like a circuit breaker had switched off.” On having children “I’ve wanted to adopt sinc...

Kandi Burruss In Jet Magazine Reality star, singer, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur, Kandi Burruss, appears radiant on the cover of JET magazine as she opens up about her career and her very public relationship with her mother, “Mama Joyce,” and fiancé, Todd Tucker. “When I speak about anything on camera I want to accomplish it before we finish taping,” Burruss tells JET regarding her drive and ambition. “I am a ‘do what I say’ person. I want people to know I’m not a [phony]. I hate when people on reality shows mention how they want to do this and that, but you never hear of it again,” she added. With a successful adult toy line, Bedroom Kandi, her Atlanta-based studio, The Kandi Factory, and her musical, A Mother’s Love, set for DVD release in April, Burruss certainly has proven that she has a keen sense for business. She admits her relationship with Tucker has helped her sharpen her skills. “I love that Todd is affectionate and relation...

Kyra Kyles JET magazine is proud to announce the launch of the JET Digital Beauty competition, increasing the odds for the women who always coveted the title of JET Beauty. Since the publication’s inception in 1951, JET magazine always celebrated the beauty of African-American women in each issue. The JET Beauty of the Week has remained a favorite among readers throughout the years, and the publication is now expanding the franchise to the web to accommodate the growing number of online readers and social media fans. “Our JET Beauty is consistently one of the top-ranked destinations on our site,” explained Kyra Kyles, Managing Editor for JETMag.com . “We wanted to find a way to open up a new avenue to highlight gorgeous women of color and character, meanwhile allowing direct feedback from our visitors on who makes the cut.” Those interested in competing for the new JET Digital Beauty contest must visit JETMag.com for the full submission guidelin...

Kendrick Lamar Award season is in full swing. In celebration of the new direction, JET magazine breaks with tradition to feature the young, talented and critically acclaimed rap artist Kendrick Lamar — who has seven Grammy nominations for his latest album Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City — on the cover for the Black History issue. “I always seen [JET magazine] every time I walked into the house,” said Lamar. “It was always there. So I already knew that it had to hold some type of weight. Being a young cat, I had to know, since this magazine is right here all the time, it must be a powerful magazine. So it’s a privilege just to be a part of it, and for Black History Month, it’s a beautiful thing.” The artist, renowned for delivering thought-provoking lyrics that center around social issues, shares the ways in which his passionate storytelling is impacting lives. In JET magazine’s exclusive interview, the hip-hop star reveals everything from his social responsibi...

Ice Cube As actors Ice Cube and Kevin Hart prepare for the release of their film, Ride Along, the two sat down with JET magazine to discuss making the film, mixing business and entertainment, and building their legacies in Hollywood. Cube, who has established himself as a hip-hop artist, record producer, actor, screenwriter, film producer, and director, not only stars in the action-comedy, but is also one of its producers. “From 48 Hours to Lethal Weapon to Bad Boys, I wanted Ride Along to have the same kind of feel as those movies,” said Cube responding to what movie-goers can expect from the film. Hart, who has established himself as a mainstream comedian and actor, is anticipated to deliver the same “belly-busting” humor fans expect, if not more. However, while known for jokes and laughter, Hart is serious about his craft and discusses in detail the sacrifices made during his climb to stardom. “I took a gamble when I quit my job, which...

Jennifer Hudson In the November 4 issue of JET magazine , the publication spotlights some of the most critically acclaimed films due to release this season, representing an array of established and up-and-coming Black actors, directors and producers. T.D. Jakes graces the cover and discusses his new TV show, upcoming film and how he has utilized modern technology to reach the masses on a spiritual level. While he is nationally known as a spiritual leader, he has also gained recognition for producing popular African-American films such as Jumping the Broom, Sparkle and Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day. “The great commission calls Christians to go into the world and spread the Good News,” says Jakes. “We can use television, we can use books, but there are more people in the theaters on Friday nights than the pews on Sunday morning.” The media mogul dishes to JET about the latest medium added to his arsenal – a talk show. T.D. Jakes: Mind, Body...

Oprah In Jet Magazine In the September 2nd issue of JET magazine, readers get details from an intimate interview with cover subject Oprah Winfrey. After a 15-year hiatus from acting, the media icon returns to the big screen in Lee Daniels’ The Butler, opening in theaters nationwide on August 16th. During her one-on-one conversation with JET Editor-in-Chief, Mitzi Miller, Winfrey opened up about why she took the role and how she anticipates its reception among the public. “This film is a tribute to both the working-class Negro of that time and all of the many unsung heroes whose names never made the history books,” said Winfrey. “It never occurred to me that there could be any [backlash] until you said it… But if there’s a backlash, so be it,” she continued.