Here’s all the news you need to know:
Russell Simmons is facing a new rape allegation as Alexia Norton Jones has come forward about an assault in November 1990. Jones, the granddaughter of late WW Norton publisher, Clarence Jones, claims the incident was “a fast attack” and that she “must have said no seven to 10 times, and then I acquiesced.” She joins 12 other women who have accused Simmons of sexual assault. (Vibe)
Dear White People creator Justin Simien has inked a multi-year deal with Lionsgate TV. Not only will the producer/director continue to develop the Netflix hit series produced by the indie studio, he will also develop new content. As Simien puts down roots at Lionsgate, he is also readying Bad Hair, a horror satire film, and collaborating with Lena Waithe on her forthcoming TBS project, Twenties. (THR)
Pharrell and Spotify are joining forces for “Black History Is Happening Now,” a campaign to highlight all aspects of Black culture and the Black experience through music by Black artists. “Our influence is everywhere in clothing, music. You know, there would be no rock and roll without us. Like, we’ve been here. Black now is America,” he says in a promo clip. “Black future in America. Black history in America.” Several playlists that echo this sentiment are now available on the streaming service. (Vibe)
Drake has broken a historic Beatles record by posting seven singles from his recently released Scorpion on Billboard’s Top 10 simultaneously. The Beatles previously held the record with five singles in 1964. The rapper also broke his own record of most singles charting in the Hot 100 with 27, including every track from his latest LP. (CNN)
Susan Kelechi Watson and Sterling K. Brown have joined in on the #InMyFeelingsChallenge, a viral dance to Drake’s new single, “In My Feelings,” sparked by Insta-comedian Shiggy. The This Is Us couple showed off their moves on set during their first day back on set of their hit TV series. Watson and Brown join other duos who were hit by the dance craze, including Ciara and Russell Wilson and Valeisha Butterfield and Dahntay Jones. (Twitter)
TV hosts Desus & Mero were reportedly cut from Viceland two months early due to the network’s envy over their new Showtime deal. In an exclusive interview, the comedic duo expressed their dissatisfaction with Viceland’s decision citing a hostile workload and being undervalued. The show was on air for two seasons. Nonetheless, the Bronx-bred leaders of the Bodega Hive will have the first-ever weekly half-hour late-night series slated to premiere in 2019. (Bossip)