Lore’l of The Morning Hustle recently had a moment with  Jordan at the movie premiere of his latest project, Creed III in Atlanta. During the start of the interview, she reminded him that they attended high school together in Newark, New Jersey. She introduces him to the camera saying, “And you know we know each other. We go way back, all the way back to Chad Science in Newark.”

JORDAN LOOKS HER STRAIGHT IN THE EYES WITH A SMILE AND SAID, “I WAS THE CORNY KID, RIGHT?”

Lore’l, likely uncomfortable responded with a laugh while quickly defending herself with another smile saying “I did not say that! I was misquoted, for sure.”

But Jordan didn’t let up and he briefly reminded her that the “corny kid” statement had been burned into his memory. There was still good energy present showing that he clearly had forgiven her, but he made it known he didn’t forget.

The interviewer briefly stayed in defense mode replying, “I said we used to make fun of the name.” She turns to the camera and says, “But yeah, he is obviously killing things out here.”

She quickly keeps the interview moving while remaining positive and continued to speak to Jordan about directing the latest movie and even brings up the expected union of him and Will Smith working together in the future. As the interview is over, she seemingly admits to calling him corny when she says, “Well, you’re not corny anymore,” Jordan walked away with a slight smirk as he moved on to the next interview.

According to other news sources, Lore’l had previously stated that, as schoolmates, she and her friends would tease The Wire alum as he was pursuing his dream of becoming an actor.

Lore’l stated, “You know what’s so crazy? I went to school with Michael B. Jordan at a point in life. We went to Chad Science [Academy] together in Newark, and to be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan. Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan. And he also would come to school with a headshot. We lived in Newark; that’s the ’hood. We would make fun of him like, ‘What you gonna do with your stupid headshot!?’ And now look at him!”

The moral of this story is simple! But be careful who you bully!

Hailing from the Bronx New York and raised in Philly, Samara Joy’s new career has been catapulting like a rocket ship! As of yesterday, at only 23 years old Samara is now the winner of two Grammy awards: “Best New Artist” and “Best New Jazz Vocal Album” for her latest project “Linger Awhile”.

The singer comes from a legacy of music and a strong background in both Gospel and Jazz. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, sang in the famous soul gospel Philadelphia group, The Savettes. Joy’s father is Antonio McLendon, a singer and bassist who toured for years with another gospel star, Andraé Crouch.

In 2020, a viral Facebook video of Joy singng Ella Fitzgerald’s “Take Love Easy” as a thank you for receiving the Ella Fitzgerald Scholarship in 2020 while a student at State University of New York at Purchase led to her receiving a record deal. Her viral video caught the attention of actors like LaKeith Stanfield and Regina King, the latter of whom credits Joy’s music with helping her get through the pandemic.

“I discovered a young woman who just seems like Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald are both living in her body,” King said during a directors roundtable two years ago for The Hollywood Reporter. “When I watch her and listen to her… her name is Samara Joy and it brings me joy.”

Joy’s voice is “other-worldly”

There are few other ways to describe it. Samara embodies a sound of the past echoing all of the jazz greats from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sara Vaughan and more. The ArtSoul staff has been following Samara for a couple years now. At first listen, it was clear that she is the future of jazz bringing in both a new younger and older audience of the genre that is quickly becoming enamored by her talent as she re-introduces songs like “Can’t Get Out of This Mood”, “Guess Who I Saw Today”, “Someone To Watch Over Me and More”.

What happens when a 23 year old beauty from the Bronx brings back classic jazz standards? Apparently Tik Tok goes crazy!

In addition to going viral on Facebook where she was originally discovered during the pandemic, Joy has continued to go viral on Instagram and Tik Tok. In addition to growing new listeners to her music, new remixes of Joy’s songs have also been popping up from young Gospel and Jazz fans and musicians such as Producer and YouTube/IG&TikTok sensation Yaahn Hunter Jr who created a Chill Hip Hop infused version of Joy’s single “Can’t Get Out of This Mood” which is still trending on Tik Tok. Listen below…

The video below left many wondering if Samara was lip singing! But, as she has proved live on TikTok from her room and all the way to Paris, France on tour, Samara continues to show us all that she is the real deal!

@samarajoysings just in time for fall 🎃 stream Sweet Pumpkin everywhere! #sweetpumpkin #singing #singing #jazz #jazztok #sarahvaughan #acapella #hotelroom #travel #traveltok #ontheroad #tour ♬ Sweet Pumpkin – Samara Joy

Samara Is Hitting The Road Again On Tour!

We are excited to watch Samara Joy’s career continue to thrive as she continues to grow and leave audiences in awe. If you have never seen her live, do yourself a favor and show up to one of the stops on her current tour beginning February 11th through September 11th.

Find full details for the tour here: www.samarajoy.com

MORE MUSIC FROM SAMARA JOY

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

The unfortunate news confirming Stephen’s passing was released today on all major news outlets. A representative for Boss told NBC News he died by suicide.

Stephen “tWitch” Boss, is known as the popular “So You Think You Can Dance” alum and as the former DJ for “Ellen DeGeneres Show”. The official news was reported by his wife, fellow dancer Allison Holker Boss. She confirmed the news with the following statement to CNN:

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Holker Boss said in a statement. “Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”

“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” she added. “I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”

No further information was provided regarding the cause of his death. Stephen was only 40 years old.

Holker Boss concluded her statement to CNN by saying “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

The couple celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary just days ago.

His final instagram post was a ‘shared posted’ released by his wife Allison on Monday showing the two of them dancing in front of the Christmas tree. His wife’s message under the post read “HOLIDAY SUNDAY FUNDAY DANCE!! With my lover @sir_twitch_alot.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Allison Holker (@allisonholker)

This beautiful pair met when they were all-star dancers on Season 7 of “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2010.

“We shared a dance at the wrap party of that season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and we have been together ever since,” Boss told People in February.

“There was no dialogue, there was no conversation or a first hangout. Literally, we danced and we were together holding hands the very next day,” Holker Boss added. “And we never looked back.”

Most Recent Work

After leaving the Ellen show in 2020 where he had recently been promoted as the co-producer of the show, ‘tWitch’ returned to “So You Think You Can Dance”. In February of 2022, he and his wife announced the launch of the new Athleisure line “Fly” with Dicks Sporting Goods where they served as the new brand ambassadors.

Most recently, ‘tWitch’ and Allison both appeared with major roles in the new Disney film “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” which released on Nov 25th, 2022.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Allison Holker (@allisonholker)

Responses started to flood social media Wednesday morning from celebrities and fans:

“I’m heartbroken,” wrote Ellen DeGeneres on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair hugging. “tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children — Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”

Ciara –
“I am so crushed to hear the news that you are no longer with us. I’ve always known you as joy, laughter, good times and a big smile! Heaven has gained an angel today! May you rest in paradise. Praying for your family during this difficult time. (see full tweet)

Viola Davis –
“I’m at a loss for words right now, praying for his family and loved ones.” (see full tweet)

Valentin –
“This is not possible. I am absolutely lost for any words or comprehension. Heartbreaking.” (see full tweet)

Mickey Guyton –
“You just never truly know what anyone is going through. Check on your loved ones. Always be good to people. Man this one hurts.” (see full tweet)

Yvette Nicole Brown –
“What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I’ve loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always. Oh tWich!
If you are feeling despair PLEASE call 988. #PleaseStay” (see full tweet)

Kirk Franklin –
“My heartfelt condolences to Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’s family… beautiful children, beautiful wife. It’s really heartbreaking…” (see his full message here)

The responses continue to flood social media after the release of this news. Please join the ArtSoul Radio family as we continue to keep the family, friends and loved ones of tWitch in prayer during this difficult time.