Ryan Shepard

North Plainfield

Content Supervisor, MATTIO Communications and Culture Editor at Def Pen

📍 New Jersey over everything 🎓 American (BA), NYU (MA) 📝 ABC, iHeartMedia, Black Information Network, TV Insider, Blavity, Def Pen, DCist

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Articles

BET Ultimate Icon Awards: Carey, Fox, Franklin, Broadus Honored

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

On Monday, June 9, 2025, Black Entertainment Television (BET) will present Ultimate Icon Awards to Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin. The honor celebrates each entertainer’s “decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact.”The Ultimate Icon Awards will be presented at the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Sabrina Carpenter Eyed For 'Mamma Mia!' Role

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

Is Sabrina Carpenter ready for her close-up? The chart-topping pop star is reportedly “being sought for a role” in a forthcoming film adaptation of the iconic musical Mamma Mia! Details regarding the specific role or when the film may end up in theaters are being kept under wraps for the time being. Carpenter is no stranger to the big screen. She’s starred in The Hate U Give with Amandla Stenberg and Horns with Daniel Radcliffe.
'White Lotus' Creator To Return To 'Survivor'

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

He’s coming back!On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, news surfaced about the return of White Lotus creator Mike White to the Survivor franchise. White previously competed in the reality competition series’ 37th season in 2018, coming in second place. Since then, he’s served as a screenwriter for Disney’s The One and Only Ivan, Migration, and Despicable Me 4.
Michael Jackson Biopic 'Likely' Pushed Back Until 2026

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

Fans may have to wait a little bit longer to watch the highly-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. During a recent call with key stakeholders, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer revealed the biopic may be pushed back to 2026. “In regard to our Michael Jackson biopic, we’re excited about the 3½ hours of amazing footage from producer Graham King and director Antoine Fuqua, and we will be announcing a definitive release strategy & timing in the next few weeks,” Feltheimer said.
New Music: Reggie Becton — Die Young | Def Pen

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

More than three-quarters of Americans are struggling with the rising cost of food. Rising rent is hitting low- and middle-income U.S. residents harder than in years past. Mass layoffs are impacting professionals in the tech sector, media industry, and beyond. Even the rising cost of everyday items like eggs or Nike sneakers is a cause of stress for many Americans.
Joey Bada$$ Teases New Album

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

Joey Bada$$ has wrapped up filming the fourth season of Power Book III: Raising Kanan and he’s back in the booth. Over the last two weeks, the Brooklyn MC has gone back and forth with artists across the West Coast, including Daylyt, Ray Vaughn, Reason, and Az Chike. While he hasn’t gotten the reply from Kendrick Lamar that he has wanted for years, Joey Bada$$ is showing no signs of slowing down.
DJ Khaled Is In 'Album Mode'

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

DJ Khaled is in “album mode.”On Friday, May 23, 2025, DJ Khaled shared a clip of himself running alongside influencer Ashton Hall with a caption that reads, “ALBUM M?DE ! AALAM OF G?D @wethebest.”Now, this isn’t the first time that DJ Khaled has teased a new album this year. In February, the GRAMMY Award winner shared a trailer for his forthcoming album with appearances from Anthony Ramos and Mark Wahlberg.
Sacha Jenkins Passes Away At 53 Years Old

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

On Friday, May 23, 2025, Sacha Jenkins reportedly passed away due to complications from multiple system atrophy, a neurodegenerative disorder that can affect both the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. Jenkins is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker, producer, musician and curator.
D'Angelo Pulls Out Of Roots Picnic

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

On Friday, May 23, 2025, D’Angelo announced that he would no longer headline Roots Picnic at The Mann in Fairmount Park on May 31-June 1, 2025. The legendary singer had been advised not to perform “due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery” he had earlier this year. “It is nearly impossible to express how disappointed [I] am not to be able to play with my [b]rothers[,] The Roots. [I am] even more disappointed not to see all of you,” D’Angelo wrote.
Drake Confirms OVO Fest Will Return

1 week ago | defpen.com | Ryan Shepard

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Central Cee stopped at History in Toronto, Ontario, for the latest show during his Can’t Rush Greatness Tour. During the UK MC’s show, he welcomed a special guest — Aubrey Drake Graham. Speaking to fans from his seat in the venue, the Toronto area native confirmed OVO Fest would return later this year. “OVO Fest is back this year,” Drake told fans.