See what we’re chatting about over caramel macciatos:
Aaliyah fans have penned a petition calling for the halt of Lifetime’s upcoming biopic about the late singer. “It’s wrong that Aaliyah’s mother or brother didn’t have a say so in this movie that is being made,” reads the petition, which has 2400 signatures so far. Fans are also against the casting of Disney star as Aaliyah. Zendaya responded to critics via her Twitter page saying, “I’m just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations.” The film’s casting director has also reportedly defended the actress saying, “Zendaya embodies everything you want in a Actress to play Aaliyah. She is a Poised, Professional, STRONG Actress…She LOVES AALIYAH. Although there are rumors that Aaliyah’s family is against the film, there is no official word from them yet. [ThatGrapeJuice]
Veteran New York radio host Angie Martinez has resigned from Hot 97. Martinez took to her Instagram to announce the news saying, “This was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make.” The “Voice of New York” is headed to competing station, Power 105.1. [Bossip]
Universal pictures has locked in a release date for the highly anticipated N.W.A. biopic, Straight Outta Compton. The movie is slated to hit theaters August 14, 2015. Dr. Dre and Ice Cube also took to Twitter to share a picture of the cast set to portray them in the upcoming film. [Vibe]
Michael Jace has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the shooting of his wife April Jace. A Los Angeles judge ordered him to stay away from his two young children if he is released on $2 million bail. Jace allegedly shot and killed his wife in their home on May 19. He is due back in court August 1 for the possible start of a preliminary hearing. [People]
Mary J. Blige joined British soul singer Sam Smith at the Apollo Theater in New York City to perform their duet for his hit single “Stay With Me.” Check out the performance below: