The Direct reports that during a recent interview with actor Jeffrey Pierce, who stars as Perryin the HBO series The Last Of Us, the thespian revealed that Mahershala Ali was almost cast as the lead role until they decided to go with Pedro Pascal.  Pierce, 51, who voiced Tommy Miller in the original video game, thought he wouldn’t reprise his previous character if Ali received the role. However, after they went with Pascal, he knew he wouldn’t bring Miller to life due to the age difference between himself and the Chilean actor — a lose-lose situation for the man looking to return as Tom.

Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri are a proven combination of musical magic. In the studio they’ve created songs that stood the test of time. Now, after sharing a working and personal relationship that spans well over a decade, the two are back at it with a new album. While JD has also taken on the manager role for Mariah, he’ll also be producing on her forthcoming album, The Art of Letting Go.

Marques Houston says he plans to explore his artistic side on his upcoming album, Mr. Houston. After two-years out the spotlight, Houston, 28, is now ready to drop his fourth solo LP. If the title of the album gives any indication, Houston is no longer the teen many grew to love on the Tia and Tamera Mowry show, Sister, Sister. “I wanted to do things my way this time and just venture out there as an artist and explore musically what I felt like I wanted to do at this time in my life,” the 28-year-old former IMX leader, said.

Master P called for Mystikal to be released from behind bars, despite violent criminal charges. Performing at the Lovers & Friends Festival earlier this month, the 53-year-old requested the audience support his message. Video footage of the outcry was uploaded to social media by HipHop DX. “Free Mystikal,” demanded the New Orleans native. “Y’all get your hands up for my dawg.” As of last month, the “Danger” rapper was still in prison as his attorney Tiffany Myles Crosby requested a delay to the proceedings to have adequate time to provide a proper defense.

Queen Latifah feels that Missy Elliott, Rapsody, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, and Monie Love are among her “heroes of Hip-Hop” following their tribute at the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors. Elliott praised Queen in a speech where she reflected on the importance of the latter’s music and message during her youth. “During a time that we kept hearing, ‘It’s a man’s world.’ She was saying [“Ladies First”] unapologetically, changing the narrative right there,” gushed the 52-year-old.