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Terrence Howard Claims “Empire” Logo Stolen From “Hustle & Flow” In Lawsuit

He portrayed the character of Lucious Lyon on Empire for six seasons, but Terrence Howard has a bone to pick with the network that aired his hit show. Behind the scenes, it seems that Howard had been questioning 20th Century Fox executives about how they developed the idea for the Empire logo—a subtle profile of Lucious Lyon’s face. According to TMZ, Fox failed to come up with a suitable answer for Howard, if they ever gave him one at all, and now the actor is taking the conglomerate to court. Howard claimed that he never did a photo shoot for the logo, but he made a few comparisons to his previous projects.

Terrence Howard, Fox, Paramount, Lawsuit, Empire, Hustle & Flow
Roy Rochlin / Stringer / Getty Images

The outlet states that Terrence Howard believes that the Empire logo was created by using the likeness of his Hustle & Flow character, Tyler DJay Moran. Documents reportedly reveal that the image for the Fox logo was taken from a scene in Hustle & Flow when his character was in the studio recording the track “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.”

“The still frame was selected, reversed (face looking left, not right), and subjected to CGI that simply distilled the cinematographer’s skilled capture of the head with vibrant light and shadow,” the court papers reportedly stated. Howard is suing Fox because if they had contacted Paramount Studios for permission to use the image, he would have been cut a check. If everything goes the actor’s way, he may be entitled to damages and a portion of Empire merchandise profits. The amount he’s seeking is unknown.

[via]

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Mainstage

Jury Delivers Split Verdict In Diddy’s Federal Trial

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In a tense and closely watched federal courtroom, the jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial has reached a partial verdict, bringing some answers and even more anticipation to one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent memory. As of today, the jury has delivered decisions on four out of five charges, but remains gridlocked on a central allegation that could define the entire case. After a week of high-stakes closing arguments and two days of deliberation, jurors informed the court that they had come to a consensus on counts 2 through 5.

These include serious accusations of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion of both Cassie and another accuser, referred to as “Jane,” along with the alleged transportation of both women and others for prostitution. The courtroom remained hushed as the jury’s note was read, revealing that they remained at a spot on Count 1, the racketeering conspiracy charge, due to what they described as “unpersuadable opinions” on both sides. Despite hours of discussion, jurors could not bridge the divide. This singular charge, often viewed as the linchpin of the entire case, still hangs in limbo.

You should see this article: Diddy’s Birthday Scrapbook Sparks Public Curiosity And Courtroom Controversy

Judge Arun Subramanian, overseeing the case, made it clear that a partial verdict will not suffice. No decision will be read until consensus is reached on all counts. Both the prosecution and defense agreed to his instruction to send the jury back for further deliberation. The emotional weight of this moment isn’t lost on anyone. For the accusers, the court, and Diddy himself, who has maintained his innocence, the next steps are critical.

The mixed outcome so far adds complexity to an already layered case, combining elements of celebrity, power, and deeply serious criminal accusations. Though today’s partial verdict remains sealed for now, this trial is far from over. Whether the jury can overcome its deadlock or the case moves toward a mistrial on Count 1, all eyes will remain on that Manhattan courtroom. The verdict, when fully reached, could mark an earthshaking moment in the ongoing legal reckoning within the entertainment industry.

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Artist Spotlight

David Cloyd triumphantly returns with a reflective new album, “Red Sky Warning”

David Cloyd

David Cloyd, a seasoned artist whose creative luminescence has only intensified over his career, makes a noteworthy re-entry following a decade-long hiatus with an emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated new album, “Red Sky Warning,” released via ECR Music Group. This album marks his reintroduction to the music scene as he aims to reclaim the spotlight. Co-produced and mixed by the acclaimed indie architect Blake Morgan (known for his work with Lenny Kravitz, Lesley Gore, and Janita), the masterful ten-track album encapsulates a significant evolution in Cloyd’s sonic profile, where intricate craftsmanship meets intense emotional exposition.

Spanning ten compelling tracks, “Red Sky Warning” is a profound exploration of openness, identity, and the intimacy of human connection. The very first notes of the opener, Ocean of Hours,” envelops listeners in a euphoric wave of melody, with the magic of Cloyd’s lyricism resonating like heartbeats, consistently engaging while maintaining a clear direction. This immersive tone sets the stage for a record that demands to be felt as much as it is heard.

It is followed spontaneously byIf We Could Escape,” the second track, delving into themes of emotional ambivalence and quiet longing for escapism. Its soulful balm and shimmering aura capture the ache of unspoken truths, laying bare the intimate confessions Cloyd expresses through his signature vocal warmth and layered instrumentation. Each hypnotic rhyme that follows builds on this honesty, embracing a therapeutic narrative of accepting imperfection.

In the third track,The Day Before,” a contemplative light emerges as Cloyd masterfully blends soul-pop sensibility with mature finesse. It evokes the quiet anticipation that precedes change, revealing Cloyd’s ability to distill quotidian experiences into a resonant metaphor. Conversely, A Far Cry From Nothing presents a robust rhythmic foundation that underscores lyrical potency, driven by piano-centric confidence and heartfelt phrasing that illuminate emotional resilience. InCage of Water,” Cloyd adeptly navigates the emotional landscape through an audacious sonic tapestry that reflects the fluidity of love’s ever-changing tides. This piece captures the inherent unpredictability of romantic experiences, evoking a captivating composition that accentuates its dynamism. The ambientDrive With Me employs lush ambient textures to guide listeners through reflective pathways, invoking the nuances of nostalgic relationships and emotional bonds often left unarticulated.

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Into The Sea dazzles with melancholic elegance, threading love and mystery into a cohesive storytelling framework. Subsequent tracks, such as Climbing Ivy,” maintain this thematic momentum, focusing on unity and the complexities inherent in celebrating brotherhood and kinship through a storytelling lens steeped in poetic nuance.Small Wooden Boat offers a poignant reflection on the past, emphasizing rediscovery and personal growth while capturing the bittersweet clarity that revisiting old memories often brings. The album culminates with the stunning trackWalk the Earth,” a soul-stirring finale that lingers in the heart of listeners long after its chords fade. Cloyd’s use of tremulous vibrato and unwavering vocal performance echoes the weight of lived experience, providing a fitting closure to an album that’s both a personal manifesto and a universal commentary.

Each composition sequentially builds upon the previous one, thereby enhancing the thematic essence of “Red Sky Warning” and symbolizing not only a reawakening but also a rebirth for David Cloyd. His distinctive vocal style as a singer and songwriter approach draws comparisons to notable figures such as Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, and Peter Gabriel while remaining distinctly his own. With this release, Cloyd effectively positions introspection at the forefront of his artistry, transforming emotional vulnerability into a cathartic experience. This meticulously curated body of work serves as a testament to David Cloyd’s enduring musical vision, establishing it as a timeless addition to any music aficionado’s collection. “Red Sky Warning” is essential for those seeking genuine artistry that transcends genre and invites listeners on an evocative expedition of heartfelt optimism and recuperation.

 

For more information about David Cloyd, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM David Cloyd’s AlbumRed Sky Warning on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH David Cloyd | InstagramFacebook |

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