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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Keke Palmer Dissects ‘Just Keke' Visual Album and Why She's Found It ‘So Hard Being a Person and a Product'
Keke Palmer, the quintessential millennial multihyphenate, has played nearly every role the mind can generate. A box office queen who can lead films alongside Oscar winners (2022's Nope with Daniel Kaluuya) and pop stars (2025's One of Them Days with SZA), an iconic child star with her own talk show, an Emmy-winning game show host, a Billboard charting singer-songwriter, founder of her own online entertainment content platform (KeyTV), and even a Broadway diva. For two decades, Palmer didn't just entertain the masses; she provided a sterling example for adolescent Black audiences in an era in which there were few. Her starring turn in Akeelah and the Bee (in which she plays a young girl competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee), for example, remains her most beloved and notable role in Black households for 19 years and counting. More from Billboard Brandy & Monica Announce 'The Boy Is Mine' Co-Headlining Tour With Kelly Rowland, Muni Long & Jamal Roberts: All the Dates Luis Cortés, Angelina Victoria, Maeso & More Emerging Latin Artists on Our Radar Selena Gomez Says Ice Cube Was Her Childhood Celebrity Crush: 'I Just Thought He Would Protect Me' 'I have done so much work to make sure that I'm giving my audience my very best, and I've also had a hard time being a performer at such a young age and protecting myself through performance,' she tells Billboard of her history in the spotlight, while she's in the middle of a glam session. She's nearing the end of a weeklong New York promotional run supporting her new Just Keke visual album, and on Juneteenth 2025 (June 19), she's doing everything but resting. 'It's been so hard to manage being a person and being a product.' But one unexpectedly controversial dance pushed her into a role she rarely assumed in the public eye: herself. In July 2023, Palmer made national headlines when she attended Usher's My Way Las Vegas residency, where the Grammy-winning R&B legend serenaded her with 'There Goes My Baby' and a cheeky-yet-respectful dance. When footage hit social media, Darius Jackson — Palmer's ex-boyfriend and the father of their son Leodis — publicly lambasted her choice of dress (a sheer number with a bodysuit underneath), writing on X: 'It's the outfit tho… you a mom.' What unraveled next was a public exposé of alleged domestic violence incidents that culminated in a November 2023 hearing, in which a judge granted Palmer's requests for a temporary restraining order against Jackson, as well as temporary sole custody of their son. By May 2024, Palmer dropped the requests, and the domestic violence restraining order hearing was canceled; she and Jackson have since reached a place where they can co-parent their son together. While her Nickelodeon and Disney peers have seemingly all had at least one major scandal to their names (ranging from incessant twerking and licking unpurchased donuts to near-fatal overdoses), Palmer's celebrity was, in part, defined by her lack of verifiable scandals. In fact, on social media, her nickname was – and continues to be – Keke 'Keep a Job/Bag' Palmer, a tribute to her enviable work ethic and seemingly endless arsenal of talents. From the film roles she chose to her generally affable demeanor, Palmer played the historically difficult role of Black child star-turned-adult entertainer almost perfectly. Until one fateful night (where she wasn't even acting out of character in the slightest) blew it all up — and social media inundated her with myopic takes on her personal life that ranged from violently misogynistic to harmful respectability politics. 'For someone to weaponize your audience against you, it was very heartbreaking,' she reflects, betraying her hairstylist to look me in the eye. 'My life isn't a joke. There's a lot of s–t I joke about, but I don't joke about my life. I don't want to confuse [people and have them] think that this is what we do over here. Let's not joke about families falling apart. That's not funny to me.' While other entertainers may have taken some time out of the public eye, Palmer continued with her fifty 'leven commitments. But in between filming Boots Riley's upcoming I Love Boosters film, forming her DivaGurl girl group (with Sadé and LaShay), and raising her new baby boy, Palmer somehow found the time to link with Grammy-nominated, Hot 100-topping singer-songwriter Tayla Parx and funnel her whirlwind of emotions into her third studio album. When the two former True Jackson VP co-stars linked in Atlanta at the top of the year to begin the songwriting process, they left 'Keke' and 'Tayla' at the door, in favor of Lauren and Taylor (their birth names), respectively. 'Honestly, [sessions] looked like hanging out and talking with your best friend [who] also happens to be an extraordinarily talented and skilled songwriter,' Palmer explains as a smile creeps across her face. 'I'm doing what's normal to me, but she's doing what nobody I've ever worked with has done, which is be able to create the stage for me to say things that I didn't even know I could say and help align it with the energy the record needs.' As the pen behind era-defining smashes like fellow Nickelodeon alum Ariana Grande's '7 Rings,' Parx knows how to craft a song that will conquer the charts and/or awards season. But that wasn't the goal for the Just Keke sessions. Parx's ability to tease out Palmer's most closely guarded truths gave way to the most confessional music of the Emmy-winner's career. Album opener 'Off Script' addresses her life veering away from the blueprint she chose for herself as self-described 'Type A' person ('Even when I let you get me pregnant/ Oh shit, how else can I prove it?'); 'My Confession' flips Usher's 'Confessions, Pt. II' into a play-by-play of her relationship's demise, and 'Ripples' displays her family's collective growth in the face of emotional turmoil. When she sings, 'Got me on some viral shit, scandalous/ Call the lawyers, handle it/ The money's the last thing we was worried 'bout/ The truth is we both was fighting for our child,' her tone is equal parts desperate and resentful, a testament to the intricacy of her vocal performance throughout the album. There are also the standout cuts: 'I Wanna Know,' a Brandy-esque track that explores voyeurism and betrayal (complete with meticulously placed ad-libs), and 'Tea, Boo,' a campy, Slick Rick-meets-RuPaul track that finds Palmer giving her best Lady Whistledown impression. She says the latter is Baby Leo's favorite song on the album. Building on the smooth R&B of her 2016 fan-favorite Lauren EP, Just Keke finds its narrative anchor in spoken word interludes that emphasize the album's overarching variety show concept. Her most vocally impressive — she's always been an adept singer, but here she gets closer than ever to finding her most flattering sonic and melodic pockets — and aesthetically ambitious musical offering yet, Just Keke is an unmistakable turning point in Palmer's recording career, one part of her portfolio that has notably lagged behind the others. 'I think what is comparable [about Just Keke] is the truth that we hear when we think of artists like Brandy and Mary J. Blige and Whitney Houston. I was tapped into life experiences that bring you to a deeper truth; it's a lot of me growing up,' she says. 'Because the lyrics are so true to me, I was able to sing them like I would [speak] them. That's why I think [this album] has my best vocal performances. There's now a different level of depth that I'm carrying after I evolved as a person.' Named after her 2014 talk show (which made her the youngest talk show host in TV history at just 20), Just Keke arrived on June 20 via Palmer's own Big Bosses Entertainment label, alongside a 30-minute, self-funded short film. A visual album in the vein of Beyoncé's Lemonade and Black Is King, the short film brings the album's variety show concept to life, featuring cameos from Issa Rae and nods to classic women's television shows, including Insecure, Lizzie McGuire, Moesha, and Sex and the City. Not only does Palmer incorporate her hosting, singing and acting prowess, she also flaunts her dance skills, tackling everything from breakdancing to praise dancing. Her mother, Sharon Palmer, also serves as an executive producer on the film, underscoring how the Just Keke project has helped strengthen and deepen her family's connection. By playing host, lead actress and spectator in her own semi-autobiographical visual album, Palmer finally lays bare her story on her own terms — and she unlocked new levels of her artistry in the process. '[The film] is about the boundaries that I'm setting and the reclamation of my narrative and my parasocial relationship with my audience,' Palmer says. 'Loving deeply is important, but loving that deep with boundaries is even more important. I needed to learn that in life, not even just on a romantic level.' On this uncharacteristically rainy Juneteenth Thursday, the theme of reclamation feels particularly apt. Throughout the 36 hours or so that I've spent with Palmer, she's aware of every last detail around her, but there's an unmistakable ease to her energy that wasn't always there from afar. She feels free, and that freedom oozes out of every note she sings and every kiss she blows. 'I feel so free to be living in my truth and to be able to speak on my story without concern,' she gushes. 'That's the thing about Akeelah and the Bee on a deeper level. I think we all loved that movie – and my mom wanted me to do it – because we loved seeing a little girl be able to articulate herself and express how she feels about the world and the people in her life and community. That's something that's been very much kept from our community. So for me to be able to express the nuances of anger, grief and sorrow — but also share my love and joy — it feels very freeing.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Keke Palmer Addresses Her Jonathan Majors Interview
Warning: This article contains discussion of abuse, assault, and domestic violence. Keke Palmer addressed what happened to that one interview with Jonathan Majors that had a lot of people upset. On a June 20 episode of The Breakfast Club, the One of Them Days actor explained why the controversial interview with Jonathan never came out following online backlash. An episode of Keke's podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer titled "No Easy Answers: Accountability and Moving Forward with Jonathan Majors" was set to premiere everywhere on April 8, and while it was available exclusively for Wondery+ users for a short time, it was ultimately shelved. The description of the deleted episode read, "Accountability. It's a loaded word, right? We're living in a time where we want real accountability—especially for things men have gotten away with for far too long. At the same time, finding forgiveness feels harder than ever, and we're still figuring out what true accountability even looks like." The caption continued, "Today, we're sitting down with Jonathan Majors to talk about what life has looked like after being convicted of harassment and assault. This conversation isn't here to give you all the answers—it's complicated, it's messy—but hopefully, it brings us a little closer to understanding the complex emotional landscape of the time we're living through." When Keke first promoted the episode, it was met with criticism based on Jonathan being found guilty in 2023 on one count of third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment against his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Jonathan has denied culpability and claimed in an interview that he was responsible for "none of her injuries." Since several celebrities have come out in support of Jonathan, including Whoopi Goldberg, who said, 'He was arrested. He went to court. He did what he was supposed to do. I'm not sure what else there is," per the Hollywood Reporter. It appeared that Jonathan's appearance as the cover star of the Hollywood Reporter and statements of support from actors like Matthew McConaughey and Michael B. Jordan were setting the stage for a comeback, and Keke's interview was going to give him a platform to defend himself, but it was never widely published after the backlash. Keke and Wondery have remained rather hush on the subject until now. Talking with Loren LoRosa, Jess Hilarious, and DJ Envy, Keke said she was initially excited to speak with Jonathan, especially following his marriage to actor Meagan Good. "Obviously, Meagan's my girl. I've grown up loving her," Keke said. "She's honestly a mentor, you know, to me and representation for all of us young, Black women. I mean, I was happy for her to get married. I was excited to have the conversation." But, in the end, the team around her felt it wasn't the best option to move forward with the episode, considering the reactions. "I think, ultimately, with my partners, it was just decided based off, I guess, the reactions. That people felt [the interview] was insensitive, that maybe we shouldn't put it out," she continued. "I mean, it's always there, I imagine, if people wanted to see it. But I always want to be respectful and understand where everybody's coming from. And you know, if they're not gonna feel like they're going to receive anything good from the interview, then okay, cool. But, you know, I sat down with the brother for us to talk and let him be heard." "I think this is the thing, too. For me, as a public figure and entertainer, when I'm doing my hosting, I'm here – y'all know – I'm here to be unbiased," she added. "Everybody that sits in your chair, you don't agree with everything that they did. You don't love everything they did, but you gotta have the conversation." Keke also appeared on Angela Yee's Way Up With Angela Yee, where she seemingly suggested she was game for the interview, but it was her team who had reservations. "It's not just me. I have partners," Keke said. "It was then suggested or decided that-- without throwing anybody under the bus-- we shouldn't put it out." "He was interviewing, and I felt like 'Hey, well let's hear it,'" Keke added, clarifying that her desire to speak with a guest doesn't mean she agrees with them. "Just because you're interviewing somebody doesn't mean you agree with everything," While you won't be able to catch that Jonathan Majors episode everywhere, you can check out Baby It's Keke Palmer wherever podcasts are available. Check out the full Way Up With Angela Yee interview here. Check out the full Breakfast Club interview here. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Keke Palmer's $6,200 Chanel Bag Is Peak '90s Glam — And This $23 Lookalike Is Just as Chic
Keke Palmer just stepped out with a handbag that practically defined '90s glamour. With its glossy croc finish, classic flap shape and gold chain strap, her $6,200 Chanel beauty looks like it came from a top model's archive. Luckily, you don't need an actress' salary to recreate the vibe because we found an affordable Amazon lookalike that feels just as high fashion. The One of Them Days star was just spotted out in New York City on June 17, serving serious '90s it-girl energy. She tapped into the Chanel archives with a patent leather crop top, slit skirt, vintage gold drop earrings and Jimmy Choo pumps. But the real showstopper? Her structured Chanel Top Handle Boy Bag that completed the vintage-inspired look. Naturally, we tracked down a $23 version that brings the same kind of glam — without the four-figure price. SEE IT! Get the for just at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, June 18, 2025, but are subject to change. Leighton Meester's Curve-Enhancing Jumpsuit Is a Showstopper — Get the Look for $24 While it's not Chanel, the Sg Sugu Quilted Crossbody Bag brings the same designer attitude, minus the label. It features a similar rectangle silhouette, chain strap, gold hardware and flap-over closure. The only difference? This version is made with Chanel's iconic quilted fabric stitching, which adds to its quiet luxury feel. Compact yet statement making, the bag is big enough to fit all of the essentials without taking over your whole look. Perfect for traveling or a night out with the girls, it fits your phone, wallet, and lip gloss. It even features an internal slip pocket for important cards or cash. While it's available in iconic neutral Chanel colors, like black and white, it also comes in pretty pastels that feel like items from the spring collection. Palmer isn't the only one opting for Chanel glamor. Shoppers bought the quilted bag over 800 times in the last month, giving it tons of five-star ratings to date. We're not the only ones comparing this lookalike to the luxury brand. This Amazon shopper confirmed that the style has the 'feel and aesthetic of a Chanel bag.' They said the chain strap gives it an 'elevated feel' that adds 'little sparkle to a plain dress.' Whether you're heading to a brunch or simply want to dress up your look for a random Tuesday, this bag brings any look major it-girl energy. From a simple black dress and sandals for dinner to jeans and a blazer for happy hour, the crossbody purse can seamlessly pair with a variety of styles in your closet. It'll be one you're reaching for on rotation. Gigi Hadid's Denim Jacket Delivers the Ultimate Rich Mom Off-Duty Look — Get It for $40 SEE IT! Been wanting a Chanel-style bag but need something a little bigger? Or maybe you prefer different colored hardware? Check out our other favorite quilted black handbags below that channel Palmer's look. Shop more quilted black handbags that we love: Gladdon Quilted Crossbody Shoulder Bag — was $36, now $21! Gayi Urban Quilted Leather Crossbody Bag — $25! Gm Likkie Quilted Shoulder Medium-Flap Handbag — was $29, now $27! Gladdon Quilted Crossbody Clutch Bag — was $24, now $18! Quilted Crossbody Bag — $40! Not your style? Explore more quilted handbags and don't forget to check out all of for more great finds! Victoria Beckham's Red Collared Top Is Peak London Rich Mom Energy — Snag the Look for $20 Us Weekly and Yahoo have affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Los Angeles Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
48 films selected for California film and TV tax credit program
The latest round of California's film and television tax credit program will provide government incentives to 48 upcoming projects, according to the California Film Commission. The slate, which includes both major studio projects and independent films, is expected to employ more than 6,500 cast and crew members and 32,000 background performers, measured in days worked. These projects will pay more than $302 million in wages for California workers, the commission said Monday. The projects are estimated to collectively generate $664 million in total spending throughout the state. Of the awarded films, five are features from major studios, including the sequel to Sony Pictures' 'One of Them Days,' which is expected to receive almost $8 million in tax credits and spend $39 million in qualified expenditures. An untitled Netflix project, which is set to film in California for 110 days, is expected to receive the largest credit of the slate at $20 million. The rest of the awarded projects are independent, with 37 of them operating on budgets under $10 million. More than half of the films will be shot in the Los Angeles area, the commission said. 'California didn't earn its role as the heart of the entertainment world by accident — it was built over generations by skilled workers and creative talent pushing boundaries,' Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. 'Today's awards help ensure this legacy continues, keeping cameras rolling here at home, supporting thousands of crew members behind the scenes and boosting local economies that depend on a strong film and television industry.' The announcement comes as the industry has expressed concern over the amount of production fleeing California in favor of other states or countries that offer more attractive tax incentives. Late last year, Newsom proposed an increase to the state's film and TV tax credit, upping the annual tax credit allocation from $330 million to $750 million in an attempt to keep production in California. In March, the commission announced it was selecting a record 51 projects with tax incentives, marking the most amount of awarded films in a single application window.
Black America Web
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Desi Banks To Star In Sitcom At BET Studios Based On His Life & Comedy
Source: Stephen J. Cohen / Getty Comedian and viral content creator Desi Banks is making the leap from social media and the stage to your TV screen. The Atlanta-born comic is developing a half-hour sitcom with BET Studios, loosely based on his real-life experiences and comedy routines. Read more inside. Variety reports the untitled multi-camera comedy will follow a 'lovable yet stubborn comedian on the rise as he attempts to balance fatherhood, relationships, and the pursuit of his ever-present dream.' The premise mirrors Banks' own life journey. From creating viral sketches online to performing on national tours alongside comedy giants like Mike Epps, Martin Lawrence, and Kountry Wayne, the show is set to be as entertaining as his stage act. Banks is co-writing the project with fellow Atlanta native Malcolm 'Champ' Heaggans. Both will also serve as executive producers on the series. The show's creative team is full of ATL synergy, with backing from Quality Films and 3 Arts Entertainment's new Atlanta-based office, run by Jermaine Johnson. This sitcom marks a major milestone for Banks, who built his brand from the ground up. As CEO of Desi Banks Productions, he's created over 3,500 original videos, starring in skits with big names like Kevin Hart, 21 Savage, and Ludacris. He's also partnered with major companies like Red Bull, Meta, DraftKings, and DoorDash, becoming one of the most bankable names in digital comedy. While he's best known for his sketch characters and hilarious takes on Southern life, Banks has also proven he's got onscreen presence, with roles in films like Little , Haunted Trail , and One of Them Days . His new sitcom gives him the opportunity to blend his comedic voice with scripted storytelling on a mainstream platform—something many fans have long anticipated. Currently on the road with his Elevation Tour —the follow-up to his successful Purpose Chaser Tour —Banks continues to build momentum in the comedy world. His BET sitcom could be the next big chapter in a career that's already reshaped the blueprint for how comedians can break through in the digital age. With Atlanta as both the backdrop and creative hub for the new series, and Banks' real-life experiences as inspiration, this sitcom has all the makings of a show that's both authentic and hilarious. Keep your eyes on BET—Desi Banks is coming to prime time. Congrats! SEE ALSO Desi Banks To Star In Sitcom At BET Studios Based On His Life & Comedy was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
