Latest news with #Palmer
Yahoo
a day 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
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers, T.J. Watt contract update — and it could be bad news for Myles Garrett
T.J. Watt may soon become the NFL's highest-paid defender — at least that's what insider James Palmer is hearing. On Wednesday, Palmer provided an update on Watt's contract negotiations with the Steelers — and it could spell bad news for Myles Garrett's historic four-year, $160 million deal (courtesy of Bleacher Report): "I'm hearing there's a chance Watt gets past [$40 million]," Palmer said. "Which is something we're really keeping an eye on, right? If he gets that $40 million a year, at the age he is at, he has every right to ask for it. I've talked on here a lot about the comparison between him and Myles Garrett. The numbers are almost identical in every aspect. … [Watt] has the right to try and get that." It's been speculated that Watt is seeking to surpass Garrett's guaranteed money of $123.5 million, but if the Steelers defender can usurp the throne for highest-paid defender as well, it's just another feather in his cap over the Browns defensive end. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
‘This Is Remarkable,' Says Mark Palmer About Coinbase Stock
Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) shares have been on a tear recently, gaining ~70% over the past three months and moving within striking distance of their all-time high of $357.39, set on November 9, 2021. Confident Investing Starts Here: Much of the recent momentum stems from two key regulatory breakthroughs. First, the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan GENIUS Act, which aims to establish a legal framework for stablecoins. Second, Coinbase secured a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license, granting it the ability to offer crypto trading, custody, staking, and payment services across all 27 EU countries, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Building on that regulatory tailwind, Coinbase also rolled out several strategic initiatives that have further bolstered sentiment. Most importantly, it launched Coinbase Payments to facilitate USDC stablecoin transactions, a move that directly aligns with the GENIUS Act's framework and opens up a scalable new revenue stream beyond trading volumes. At the same time, the company is pushing to use USDC as collateral for U.S. futures trading through a partnership with Nodal Clear, potentially marking the first use of stablecoins as collateral in a regulated U.S. futures market. Not mincing his words here, Benchmark analyst Mark Palmer claims the ongoing positive news flow is nothing short of 'remarkable.' Palmer sees even more upside on the horizon. The analyst believes Coinbase's position as the leading U.S. crypto platform puts it in a prime spot to benefit from the recently introduced CLARITY Act in the House. The bill aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, a move Palmer views as essential for unlocking broader institutional participation. Among the biggest potential winners from this legislative clarity is Coinbase's staking service. Palmer points out that the bill's initial draft states staking is not a securities offering, a crucial distinction that could spark a 'sizeable increase' in institutional interest, thanks to the yield it provides. Taken together, these regulatory advances and Coinbase's proactive moves to capitalize on them have prompted Palmer to revisit his valuation model. 'We believe the combination of an improving operating environment for COIN due to legislative and regulatory actions supportive of its growth prospects and the company's initiatives aimed at taking full advantage of those changes merits a higher earnings multiple for its stock,' the analyst said. Reflecting this bullish outlook, Palmer raised his price target on COIN from $301 to $421, suggesting a potential 22% upside. His rating on the stock remains a Buy. Amongst Palmer's colleagues, 12 other analysts join him in the bull camp and with an additional 11 Holds, the stock claims a Moderate Buy consensus rating. However, the average price target suggests the shares have overshot themselves; at $274.15, the figure factors in a 12-month slide of ~23%. it will be interesting to see if analysts raise their price targets or downgrade their ratings shortly. (See COIN stock forecast) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks' Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks' equity insights.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ryan Palmer odds to win the 2025 Rocket Mortgage Classic
The Rocket Mortgage Classic is set for June 26-29 at Detroit Golf Club, and Ryan Palmer is one of the players who will participate. Expecting big things from Palmer this week? Here are some different ways for you to bet on him. Rocket Mortgage Classic details and info Watch golf on Fubo! Palmer odds to win the Rocket Mortgage Classic The latest odds on Palmer to win the Rocket Mortgage Classic are +75000. If you decided to wager $10 on Palmer, you'd end up with $7,510.00 if he won. PGA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 2:59 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Palmer odds to finish in the top 5 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic Palmer is +40000 to finish in the top five at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. If you wagered $10 on Palmer, you'd get $4,010.00 in return. Palmer odds to finish in the top 10 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic Other betting markets for Palmer at the Rocket Mortgage Classic There are lots of other ways to wager on golf too. For instance, you can pick who will be in front at the end of the first round, or whether a player will make the cut. More common golf bets include one-on-one matchups and 3-ball matchups (when three players are grouped together and teeing off at the same time). It's simple -- just pick who will finish shooting the best score in that round. Palmer recent performances Palmer, who has participated in 13 tournaments this season, is still looking for his first top-10 finish. Palmer finished 33rd in his only finish at this event in two visits.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Keke Palmer bares her soul in 'Just Keke': a musical memoir of heartbreak and healing
Keke Palmer is embarking on a heartfelt journey through her newest visual album, 'Just Keke'. Image: Keke Palmer Instagram Keke Palmer has embarked on a heartfelt journey through her newest visual album, 'Just Keke', which was released on Friday, June 20. The 31-year-old multi-talented star uses this vibrant work to process her recent public breakup with ex-Darius Jackson, illuminating the complex emotions entwined in their past relationship, from loss to liberation. With a two-year-old son, Leo, who remains at the heart of her creative narrative, Palmer invites listeners to witness her transformation into an empowered artist and mother. The album, inspired by Palmer's previous BET talk show of the same name, is designed as a high-concept variety programme. Each of its 18 tracks is accompanied by striking visuals, delving into Palmer's rich experiences and artistic influences, with nods to legendary artists such as Whitney Houston and Brandy. The project also features cameos from her family and actress Issa Rae, enriching the emotional landscapes Palmer has navigated. 'Just Keke' captures the essence of vulnerability in the face of adversity. In her lyrics, Palmer reflects on the raw complexities of love and the challenges that come with it. She candidly addresses the end of her romantic relationship while simultaneously celebrating the joy her son brings into her life, intertwining these contrasting feelings into a powerful narrative. Palmer's ability to articulate personal pain through art serves not only to reclaim her narrative but also to foster a deeper connection with her audience. In a recent Instagram post, Palmer characterised 'Just Keke' as more than just an artistic endeavour. 'This is my real life,' she asserted, revealing the meticulous effort she invested in the project. 'Each character is a tool to dismantle perceptions around identity,' she explained, emphasising how the album is a testament to her journey as a young black woman navigating the public eye. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ With such introspective themes, Palmer invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside her. The intricacies of her relationship with Jackson are particularly evident in tracks like 'Off Script', where she touchingly sings, 'You still think I don't love you / Even when I let you get me pregnant.' Here, Palmer is firm in her exploration of love and misunderstanding, tackling the twin realities of motherhood and heartbreak with honesty and wit. Another standout track, 'My Confession', spotlights the turbulence of her relationship, rooted in a crucial moment captured in the public eye that showcased the unravelling of her love story. As Palmer navigates through the manifold emotions portrayed in 'Just Keke', she also takes time to celebrate personal growth. 'This project is about the shifts, the stretch, the surrender,' she expressed, referring to the interplay between her artistic persona and her true self. The duality of life and art echoes throughout her work, as she illustrates her evolution not just as a performer, but as a woman and a mother, reinventing herself under public scrutiny. Despite the trials endured during her romantic relationship, Palmer also expressed a spirit of gratitude as she and Jackson co-parent Leo with mutual respect and understanding. In her final words on social media, she shared, 'Life is so many things, but art allows me to process and time stamp and move on ... this is my greatest walk yet!'
