Tag: Tyrese Gibson

  • 12 Black Celebs Who’ve Completely Transformed Over the Years

    12 Black Celebs Who’ve Completely Transformed Over the Years

    The entertainment industry is dynamic, giving rise to new stars daily, but not everyone can keep up with its pace. Those who can’t keep up are relegated, while others continue to find ways to remain relevant, sometimes through bold transformations. Many Black celebrities have found a way to keep audiences captivated with career pivots, personal growth, or fitness goals. In this article, we bring you 12 Black celebrity transformations that will leave you in awe. 

    Lizzo: From Body Positivity Icon to Weight Release Warrior

    Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is a champion in Black celebrity transformations. The once-overweight performer was a body positivity and self-love advocate, inspiring fans to embrace their skin. However, she underwent a significant physical transformation in 2025 after beginning a weight loss journey two years before. 

    Lizzo has stated that she is not trying to be thin and has denied rumors about her using Ozempic. The Truth Hurts singer, once known for her big size and curves, has now become an advocate for discipline and physical well-being. 

    Chris Tucker: Comedy King to Fitness Fanatic

    Chris Tucker made a reputation for himself in Hollywood with his comedic timing and physical humor. He became a global sensation when he starred alongside Jackie Chan in the Rush Hour franchise. The actor and comedian has been open about his sobriety journey and how it has transformed his life. 

    Chris Tucker is one Black Star who underwent a transformation while already a top celebrity. He turned down $12 million for Next Friday in the early 2000s, so he wouldn’t have to cuss. He has also adopted a fit appearance and now focuses on missionary work and spiritual activities, distancing himself from the fast-paced life of Hollywood.

    Teyana Taylor: Dancer to Fitness Guru

    Teyana Taylor is a multi-talented queen who wears many hats. However, her journey started with music on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16. She gained increased visibility with Kanye West’s Fade, which highlighted a different aspect of her life: her fitness and discipline. 

    Since then, Teyana Taylor has transitioned into acting and filmmaking. Her roles in Madea’s Big Happy Family and as a lead in A Thousand and One speak to her talent and versatility. The gifted girl from Harlem has now grown to become a choreographer, actress, creative director, producer, fitness buff, and businesswoman.

    Jamie Foxx: Comedian to Oscar-Winning Chameleon

    Jamie Foxx is an award-winning actor, singer, and comedian. He began his career in the entertainment industry as a comedian before transitioning into a full-time acting career. Living Color gave him his first chance at acting, and the Academy Award winner has made good use of it. 

    While he still performs stand-up comedy, Foxx is now one of Hollywood’s finest with movies like Ray, Ali, Django Unchained, and Dreamgirls. This Black celebrity’s transformation hasn’t stopped here. Jamie Foxx has released five studio albums and won a Grammy Award. He also collaborated with Kanye West on Gold Digger in 2005.

    Queen Latifah: Rap Pioneer to Hollywood Royalty

    Queen Latifah has one of the most remarkable transformations in Black stardom. Once renowned as a tomboy rapper, she made a shift in the 200s to become a singer, and fans have loved every minute of it. 

    Latifah proved she was the queen once more when she began to feature in films, winning Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe Awards. She has also ditched her tomboyish looks for glamorous gowns and embarked on a weight loss journey some years ago.

    Rihanna: Music Royalty to Global Business Mogul

    Rihanna is another Black celebrity who has undergone a significant transformation in her career. Once pop music royalty, the Umbrella singer has now become a business mogul operating a billion-dollar empire. 

    Rihanna has achieved great success in her endeavors since launching the Fenty brand. She now operates Savage x Fenty, Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Fenty Hair, all while embracing motherhood.

    Tyrese Gibson: R&B Heartthrob to Action Star

    Before his transition and success in franchises like Fast & Furious and Transformers, Tyrese Gibson had found fame with Baby Boy. Before that, he was also a singer with hits like “Sweet Lady” and a solid presence in the R&B genre. 

    Tyrese Gibson even co-founded the R&B group TGT with Ginuwine and Tank in 2007. The crew released great music, including the Grammy-nominated album Three Kings in 2013. Today, Gibson is a successful actor, businessman, author, and singer. 

    Ice Cube: Street Rapper to Hollywood Legendary

    O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson Sr. is a living legend in Black Hollywood, but he was not always on that path. Before becoming the thriving actor that he is today, Ice Cube was a famous, hot-headed street rapper from Compton, California. 

    He lived a fast and dangerous life and joined the rap group N.W.A. to become one of the pioneers of “gangsta rap.” Acting gave Ice Cube the release and direction he needed, and since starring in Boyz n the Hood in 1991, he has remained on that path.

    Beyoncé: From Destiny’s Child to Global Mogul

    Beyoncé is known as the queen of reinvention for a reason. Moving from lead singer of Destiny’s Child to cultural icon is no mean feat. The singer had always stood out among the trio as a member of the ’90s girls’ group.

    However, her transformation was evident when she launched her solo career, marked by bold styling choices, energetic performances, and creative direction. Today, Beyoncé has also ventured into the business arena, with Parkwood Entertainment and Ivy Park cementing her mogul status.

    The Rock: Wrestling King to Top-Paid Actor

    Dwayne Douglas Johnson, also known as “The Rock,” is one of the highest-paid actors in the entertainment industry. Popular movies like The Mummy Returns, The Game Plan, and The Fast and the Furious have widened his appeal. 

    However, The Rock wasn’t always an actor. He made a significant leap into acting in 2001, after several years as a professional wrestler with the WWE. By 1998, he had become one of the best, and he remains an icon in WWE.

    Jay-Z: Gangster Rapper to Business and Family Man

    Jay-Z was a prominent figure in the gangster rap scene. His beef with New York rapper Nas and ties to the late Biggie Smalls lent to his bad boy and “Big Pimpin” persona in the 90s. He achieved remarkable success with his music, and several of his lyrics have had a profound cultural impact. However, the rapper soon decided to pivot and began investing. 

    He launched Rocawear in 1999 and founded Roc Nation, as well as the streaming service Tidal. Jay-Z has several investments in art and real estate companies, in addition to Uber and a stake in the Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades) champagne brand. He became the first hip-hop billionaire and now contributes to education and healthcare.

    Keke Palmer: Child Star to Multifaceted Queen

    Keke Palmer is one of the celebrities who have undergone significant transformations in their career. The actress achieved stardom early with a lead role in Akeelah and the Bee and has continued to stay relevant in Hollywood. 

    She began her journey as a child star with the 2004 movie Barbershop 2: Back in Business. Since then, she has grown to become an Emmy-winning actress, singer, TV host, fitness enthusiast, and businesswoman while inspiring fans. 

    These 12 Black celebrities prove that transformation and reinvention are possible and oftentimes needed even after fame. They continue to inspire fans worldwide to embrace change. 

    #Clique, which transformation blew you away? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

  • Taraji P. Henson Claims Tyrese Gibson Got Better Opportunities After ‘Baby Boy’

    Taraji P. Henson Claims Tyrese Gibson Got Better Opportunities After ‘Baby Boy’

    Taraji P Henson and Tyrese Gibson’s friendship goes all the way back to their first movie, Baby Boy. The coming-of-age film was the first for Henson and Gibson, but the opportunities they each received greatly differed afterward. Henson recently decried the difference in an interview and drilled it down to a gender issue. Meanwhile, her comments have sparked a discussion, with some agreeing with Henson. However, others think it is an issue of poor management.

    Taraji P Henson And Tyrese Gibson Didn’t Get Equal Opportunities After Film

    Taraji P Henson and Tyrese Gibson fans will remember the duo in their iconic movie, Baby Boy. The film helped the two Hollywood stars make their mark in the industry and paved the way for several opportunities. However, according to the Color Purple actress, the chances she and her co-star received were not on par. Henson disclosed this during a September 2024 interview with Variety, recalling lines from old movies. After she picked the card for Baby Boy, she remarked on her career.

    The Empire actress shared that everyone told her her career would take off after doing the film. However, she claimed she had enough “discernment” to recognize that wasn’t true.

    “I guess I started to see simultaneously how things happen in the business for men vs. women,” Henson revealed.

    She added:

    “I just knew Tyrese was gon’ take off, which he did. [He] booked two franchise movies. I still have yet to book a franchise movie, so there’s that. So I knew that, and I was ready. I prepared myself.”

    Taraji P. Henson and Tyrese Gibson’s Friendship

    Taraji P. Henson and Tyrese Gibson may not have gotten equal opportunities after their film, but they have stayed friends. Gibson even revealed that they visit each other often.

    “That’s my baby. We always get together for lunches and dinners and connect,” he told the New York Daily News in 2018. “I’m always at her house, she’s at my house. It’s love. I’m very, very honored to tell the world we’re still family and we still connected and hang out beyond that ‘Baby Boy’ set.”

    Taraji P. Henson and Tyrese Gibson have also been in other projects, such as Four Brothers (2005). Baby Boy’s director, John Singleton, directed it and reunited the pair, a testament to their friendship and acting prowess in Baby Boy. During her Variety interview, Henson mentioned that her famous line in the film, “Gimme my shake,” was an adlib. She said:

    “You know what’s crazy; that was adlib. That wasn’t even in the script. I adlibbed that, and John kept it [Rest in peace, John, I miss you.]”

    Fans React To Taraji P. Henson’s Comments

    Taraji P. Henson’s remarks on the opportunity disparity between her and Tyrese Gibson were not lost on fans. Although some wondered why she was bothered despite having acted in many Oscar-nominated movies, many understood her concerns and defended her. A fan commented:

    “She made a fraction off empire that Tyrese made off 3 movies. Y’all really are trying to find something wrong with what she said.”

    A second fan remarked:

    “Franchise.meaning multiple. A brand. We know Tyrese from transformers and fast and furious. We know taraiji but i get what she is saying. But i also think i see her in more of a series/tv show vs a movie role reoccurring.”

    Meanwhile, some fans tried to explain the possible reasons for unequal opportunities. A fan said:

    “I love her but he was also Tyrese before baby boy and had his own vibe before it so…”

     Another person said:

    “Sounds like poor management.”

    Taraji P. Henson’s remarks about the unequal opportunities between her and Tyrese Gibson reiterate what she has emphasized for years. Hopefully, the talented actress gets the opportunities she wants and deserves.

    #Clique, what do you think of Taraji P. Henson’s words? Let us know in the comments.

  • Tyrese Gibson Reveals the “The Darkest and Most Beautiful” Moment He Wishes He Can Take Back

    Tyrese Gibson Reveals the “The Darkest and Most Beautiful” Moment He Wishes He Can Take Back

    Tyrese Gibson is reflecting on the congratulations crying video he posted online years ago. Gibson’s clip, though emotional and revealing the actor’s emotional trauma, quickly went viral and became meme material. The clip is now used to represent the state of those who felicitate their loved ones reluctantly. Gibson revealed that the video was a dark yet beautiful moment for him. However, he wished he could take it back.

    Tyrese Gibson Wishes to Take Back  Viral Moment

    Tyrese Gibson recently appeared on a We Playin’ Spades podcast episode with hosts Nick Cannon and Courtney Bee. During the episode, published on December 9, the actor opened up about his life and trying moments. One such moment was Gibson’s viral congratulations crying video. Many found the clip funny, but Gibson wished it had never happened.

    “It wasn’t funny for me at the time, but if I could take back anything that became funny, it would probably be my crying video,” he confessed.

    Tyrese Gibson admitted that he would have laughed if he happened on someone else crying as he did in his congratulations video. However, he was in a bad place then because of the meds he took.

    “I took those psych meds, unbeknownst to myself, had a horrible a*s reaction. The video was out there for four months,” he said, adding, “It was a complete beat down, with the ugliest crying faces and all kinds of memes. I just was like, ‘Damn.’ “

    Tyrese Gibson Says Congratulations Crying Video Helped His Career

    Nevertheless, Tyrese Gibson found the silver lining in his congratulations video when he talked about the impact of his crying.

    “That s**t was the darkest and most beautiful moment ever,” he noted.

    He also referred to David Hasselhoff, who had a viral crying video while “eating a cheeseburger. We never recover,” the singer said. However, he clarified that he didn’t use the phrase “recover” in the context of the crying video that ended Hasselhoff’s career.

    Tyrese Gibson also revealed that crying in his congratulations video boosted his career.

    “I booked more movies since the crying video than I did prior to,” he said and joked about wanting to upload a second one. “I’ve been trying to upload a second one and uh I’m just I’m trying to yeah I’m like ‘if I’mma book this much sh*t, yeah we know you passionate we know you can act.’ “My net worth changed after that crying video,” Gibson admitted. “I made a billy on empathy alone,” he stated.

    Tyrese Gibson’s Emotional Outbursts

    Tyrese Gibson is no stranger to emotional outbursts online. The Fast and Furious actor has been through a lot, including losing his mom, two sisters, and his friends Paul Walker and John Singleton. He has also been divorced twice from Samantha Lee Gibson and Norma Gibson. In 2017, Gibson broke down in tears during his ‘cryese’ video, where he begged his ex, Norma, not to take their daughter from him.

    He also cried while recounting his grief on the Breakfast Club podcast three months ago.

    “‘I’m doing the best I can with every 24 hours I get,” he said with tears streaming down his face.

    He told host Charlamagne Tha God, who tried to comfort him, “This is what grown is. Black men cry.” Gibson added that men also usually hurt from being divorced and, when their families faced difficulties, and asked that people check on them, too.

    While Tyrese Gibson regrets posting the viral congratulations crying video, it has expanded his career opportunities. Hopefully, he will continue to find ways to release pent-up frustration and grief to cope with his losses and pain.

    #Clique, what are your thoughts on Tyrese Gibson’s admission about his viral crying video? Let us know in the comments.

  • Joan Pendergrass And Tyrese Gibson Fall Out Over Teddy Pendergrass’ Biopic Rights

    Joan Pendergrass And Tyrese Gibson Fall Out Over Teddy Pendergrass’ Biopic Rights

    One of Fast & Furious fans’ favourites, Tyrese Gibson, has been labelled “incompetent” by Joan Pendergrass, who happens to be Teddy Pendergrass’s widow. The duo initially had an agreement to work on Teddy Pendergrass’ biopic. Unfortunately, the only thing they now have in common is filing lawsuits against each other.

    Tyrese Gibson & Joan Pendergrass’ Initial Agreement

    Tyrese Gibson and Joan Pendergrass had teamed up to work on the deceased Teddy Pendergrass’ biopic. This agreement was made in 2011 with the Fast & Furious star working with his company, Voltron Entertainment.

    However, according to the actor, Joan did not fulfil her side of the bargain. They agreed that he would have full rights to produce a movie and write a book about Teddy. This was a fair exchange for his financial investment.

    Since 2011, Tyrese has allegedly spent $450,000 from his pocket. Yet in 2022, Joan clamped down on further extension.

    This led him to slam her with a lawsuit earlier in the year. His complaint centred on Joan’s treatment following a high investment. In his words, she inappropriately ended the contract.

    Joan did not allow the accusation to fester before reacting to Tyrese. She absorbed herself of any blame while maintaining that, indeed, they entered into a contract. However, the actor gave up his rights after signing a new deal with Warner Bros. in 2019. This meant that the benefits were transformed to Warner Bros. automatically.

    Teddy Pendergrass’ Widow Comes For Tyrese Gibson

    Sources reaching RadarOnline say that Joan requested the court to ignore Tyrese’s lawsuit against her. She lashed out at the actor for coming to court with a lawsuit while highlighting his role in the situation.

    According to Joan:

    “Tyrese proven incompetent at putting together a movie project about Teddy Pendergrass, and Voltron had still not exercised its option to purchase Mr. Pendergrass’s life rights and copyrights.”

    Joan claims that upon realizing that Tyrese was not ready for the work, she could not wait to move on following the expiration of their contract. Once she caught wind of Voltron’s new deal with Warner Bros., she itched to work with a more “legitimate studio.”

    After denying that some agreements between her and Tyrese never existed, Joan clarified that her former business partner was very poor at handling business. For now, Tyrese has laid low and is yet to comment on the new lawsuit.