Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has died at the age of 61. The Parts Unknown host, who was a gifted culinary artist and world traveler, was found dead on Friday (June 8) in his hotel room in France by friend and French chef, Eric Ripert. His death has been confirmed as a suicide. “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller,” a statement from CNN reads. “His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.” (CNN)
Award-winning FX series Atlanta has been renewed for a third season. It comes as no surprise since its most recent season titled Atlanta: Robbin’ Season has exceeded “what few television series have done,” says Nick Grad, co-president of original programming for FX Networks and FX Productions. The Donald Glover-helmed show is scheduled to return in 2019. (Deadline)
Eddie Murphy and Nicole Murphy’s daughter Zola Ivy has graduated from high school. The 17-year-old recent grad attended a private school in Beverly Hills and is a rising model signed to one of the leading agencies, IMG. “We are all so proud of you,” her mother wrote on Instagram. However, Ivy posted a message under a picture of her and her brother that was even more to the point: “Donezooooo.” (Instagram)
Lottery winner N. Gray wore a yellow winking emoji mask and curly wigs to collect her $180 million check, the equivalent to $1 million U.S. dollars. One can assume the Jamaican woman, who won a portion of the $301.5 million Super Lotto jackpot, used the cover-up to protect her identity against greedy friends and thieves. Now that she’s rich, she says she will use her winnings to pay down debt, help a sick relative and donate to local charities. (Twitter)
Nicki Minaj has revealed the cover art for her upcoming album, Queen. Shot by fashion photographers Mert and Marcus, the image is of the rapper sitting atop on a tree branch covered in barely-there majestic jewels. Her album is scheduled to drop on August 10. (Pitchfork)
Looks like Saint Heron is teaming up with IKEA for an upcoming collaboration. The Swedish home decor company announced the forthcoming partnership at its 2018 Democratic Design Days live event. In conjunction with Saint Heron, the two creative powerhouses will launch a range of items that “explore architectural and interior design objects with multifunctional use. (Hypebae)
On My Block actor Brett Gray is flexing his talents with a new single, “Old Thing Back.” The actor, who spoke to ESSENCE back in April, hinted at having new music on the way, “My EP is coming out in August. I’ve never done music before so that’ll be something I’m trying in 2018. It’s called Easy Days. It’s like a sonic retelling of a childhood story of mine, and it just uses the sounds from the early 2000s and late 90s. Things I heard growing up and how I was influenced by music, but sort of refreshed for 2018.” (iTunes)