DMX‘s ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, is speaking out following their son, Xavier Simmons’s, remarks about being the rapper’s “original family” during a recent street renaming ceremony.

RELATED: WATCH: DMX’s Youngest Son Plays ‘Ruff Ryders’ Anthem’ On The Piano

DMX’s Ex-Wife Speaks Out Following Their Son’s Remarks About Being The Rapper’s “Original Family”

According to TheGrio, on Friday, June 12, officials in Yonkers renamed the intersection of School Street and Brook Street “Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons Way.” Per the outlet, the ceremony included two of Ruff Ryfers co-founders, DMX’ family, and fans.

During the unveiling, speeches from the late rapper’s family members were shared. Desiree Lindstrom, DMX’s fiancée and mother of his youngest son, took the stage, asserting herself as one of the members of his estate. However, when Xavier Simmons’ DMX’s eldest son took the stage, things appeared to take a turn. While on stage, Xavier stated that the ceremony couldn’t close without hearing from his dad’s “original entire family.”

Per the outlet, Xavier even chastised Lindstrom, for behaving “dishonorably.” Specifically, Xavier alleged Lindstrom excluded the rapper’s children and ex-wife, Tashera, from festivities.

The remarks apparently led to Xavier’s mic being cut off. Ultimately, Tashera appeared to weigh in on what went down, seemingly calling Lindstrom a “devil.”

Social Media Weighs In On “Original Family” Remarks & DMX’s Ex-Wife

Social media users entered TSR’s comment section with reactions to Xavier Simmons and Tashera Simmons’ remarks about his “original family” and Desiree Lindstrom.

Late Rapper’s Youngest Son Made Headlines Years Before His Son’s Present Remarks

Before DMX’s oldest son made headlines, his youngest son was making headlines. As The Shade Room previously reported, in December 2023, Exodus Simmons made headlines when when Lindstrom took to Instagram to share a clip of him playing his father’s song, ‘X Gon’ Give It To Ya,’ on the piano.

“Happy Birthday Earl! Thinking of you always, but especially today. You was New York!!! Exodus tribute to you! (X gonna give it to ya) We love you baby! #ForeverX,” Lindstrom had captioned the heartwarming clip at the time.

RELATED: Watch As DMX’s Youngest Son Celebrates His Late Father’s Birthday With A Special Piano Tribute (Video)

Mackenzie Shirilla’s mother is speaking out for the first time since her daughter’s case exploded back into the spotlight, pushing back against online claims and insisting the convicted killer is not the “villain” many have painted her to be. In a new interview, Natalie Shirilla addressed renewed public scrutiny following Netflix’s “The Crash,” which revisits the shocking 2022 high-speed wreck that left Mackenzie Shirilla’s boyfriend and friend dead.

Now 21 and serving 15 years to life in prison, Shirilla was convicted of murder after prosecutors argued she intentionally drove her Toyota Camry at 100 mph into a commercial building in Strongsville, Ohio, killing boyfriend Dominic Russo, 20, and friend Davion Flanagan, 19.

Natalie Shirilla said the public reaction to her daughter has been fueled by misinformation and assumptions surrounding the deadly crash.

“There were three people in the car,” Natalie told The Daily Mail in her first interview since the documentary aired. “Anything could have happened. Anything. So all these people creating all these stories, it’s just a bunch of story time. Nobody knows.”

The mother of the convicted “Hell on Wheels” killer, a nickname given to Mackenzie by the judge during sentencing, admitted she knows many people will never forgive her daughter, but insisted there is more to the story.

“I’m always going to be a villain in somebody’s story because I’m the mom of someone driving a car who killed two kids,” Natalie said. “That’s okay because I know I’m not a villain, I’m a good person. So is my daughter. She’s not how she’s been labeled online. She struggles with this daily.”

Natalie Shirilla Makes Explosive Claims About Daughter’s Relationship With Dominic Russo

Natalie also disputed long-running rumors surrounding Mackenzie and Russo’s relationship, including speculation he had been planning to break up with her or that Mackenzie had previously attempted to crash a car while he was inside. “I loved Dom. I still love Dom. Mackenzie still loves Dom. She’s struggling,” Natalie said. “Dom was like part of our family.”

The grieving mother went on to claim Russo struggled with mental health issues, alleging he was “bipolar” and had previously threatened suicide.

Inside Mackenzie Shirilla And Dominic Russo’s Allegedly Turbulent Relationship

According to Natalie, Russo once threatened self-harm inside the Shirilla family home and allegedly experienced emotional spirals that required Mackenzie’s help. She also claimed Russo’s mother had contacted Mackenzie multiple times for support when he would allegedly “hit his head against the wall.”

Natalie acknowledged the young couple had a turbulent relationship and fought frequently, but suggested there were complexities behind the scenes that have not been fully understood publicly.

Why Mackenzie Shirilla’s Family Says Everything Changed After ‘The Crash’

Natalie also reflected on the aftermath of the deadly crash, claiming the Shirilla family initially grieved alongside Dominic Russo’s loved ones before relationships suddenly fractured.

According to Natalie, Russo’s mother, Christine Agnello Russo, who previously worked for the Cuyahoga County District Attorney’s Office that later prosecuted the case, was allegedly captured on video speaking with police about wanting Mackenzie to go to prison and advocating for a Republican judge to oversee the proceedings.

Natalie ultimately blamed much of the public narrative shift on Dominic Russo’s half-sister, Christine Russo. “Christine Junior doesn’t even know us,” Natalie claimed. “She’s the daughter of Frank Russo and his first wife. She only knew Dominic until he was about 15. Mackenzie met her like one time. Yet she professes to know all about us.”

Mackenzie Shirilla Remains Behind Bars After Deadly 2022 Crash

Shirilla has remained incarcerated since her arrest following the July 31, 2022 crash, which occurred just days before her 18th birthday. Prosecutors successfully argued during trial that Shirilla intentionally caused the wreck, leading a judge in 2023 to convict her on multiple charges, including murder.

Her family, Natalie said, initially believed Mackenzie would face lesser charges, such as vehicular homicide, and continue to visit her regularly while she serves her sentence.

Natalie’s latest comments come as renewed public interest in the case has sparked fresh debate online following the release of “The Crash,” with many viewers revisiting questions surrounding motive, responsibility, and the events leading up to the fatal collision.

According to The Daily Mail, some of Natalie’s claims may be partially reflected in a massive collection of investigative materials made public following trial, including more than 30,000 text messages, reports, recordings, and court documents.

There are HBO shows that will go down in history as being among the most memorable for both the premium network and television, period, like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Sex and the City. But then there are shows that sort of came, went, and have fallen off the map. For whatever reason, these series did well when they were on the air, some receiving critical acclaim. But following their end, they have been largely forgotten.

From crime dramas to comedies, miniseries to episodic shows, these HBO classics are ones you’ll want to pull out of the streaming vault today and watch, or re-watch. They boast talented casts, compelling stories, and will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

‘Hung’ (2009–2011)

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In a flipping of the script, Hung stars Thomas Jane as Ray Drecker, a high school sports coach who, after a house fire and no insurance to cover the damages, finds himself in a precarious position. He needs money, and he needs it fast, so he turns to the world’s oldest profession and begins working as a prostitute. Since his manhood happens to be above average size, finding clients is easier than he expected. With the help of his friend Tanya (Jane Adams), Ray begins a secret and lucrative business while putting his life back together.

Hung also stars the late Anne Heche as Ray’s ex and, in the show’s third season, adds Stephen Amell is a young, equally endowed competitor. The comedy drama is plenty hilarious, switching a premise we typically see with a female to putting the male in the hot seat, and it’s refreshingly funny. The show isn’t done in poor taste but reflects the desperation of a man and father who will do what it takes, bringing joy to lonely women through his aptly named company, Happiness Consultants.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

Justin Theroux stars in The Leftovers, an underrated supernatural post-apocalyptic drama. It’s about a catastrophic event that eliminates two percent of the global population, leaving survivors to deal with the aftermath of the Departure. Kevin Garvey (Theroux) is police chief, and together with his family and others he meets along the way, they try to rebuild civilization. However, society begins to fracture, and various cults emerge, each with its own distinct beliefs, which causes friction.

Most notable is Henry “Holy Wayne” Gilchrest Jr. (Paterson Joseph), who declares himself the second coming of Jesus, duping and controlling vulnerable people who believe him. While The Leftovers started very dark, it shifted focus in its second and third seasons. Interestingly, the series wasn’t hugely popular when it was first airing, but it has since developed a cult following. That said, it’s not one of the best-known HBO series, beloved by the small group of fans who appreciate its storytelling, direction, and depth.

‘Rome’ (2005–2007)

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More than 20 years ago, HBO offered up a compelling historical drama and one of the best shows about ancient Rome called Rome that stars Kevin McKidd and the late Ray Stevenson. They are soldiers Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, respectively, involved in events during Ancient Rome’s transition from a Republic to an Empire. Many characters were based on real-life people, though the stories are largely fictional.

As a co-production with the UK and Italy, Rome was a big undertaking that paid off: the show attracted big viewer numbers and plenty of awards and accolades. However, the high production costs meant it did not run for its planned five seasons, ending at two. Today, given the scope of shows like Game of Thrones, Rome may very well have been before its time. It is likely to have lasted much longer had it launched today.

‘Landscapers’ (2021)

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Lasting just four episodes, Landscapers is a binge-worth British American true crime black comedy drama that is worth checking out today. Inspired by real events, Olivia Colman and David Thewlis play Susan and Christopher Edwards, a mild-mannered couple who shockingly murder Susan’s parents and bury them in the garden. For more than a decade, no one knew of the crime while this couple continued their lives as if nothing had happened.

Based on the 1998 murders of William and Patricia Wycherley, Landscapers is a bingeworthy miniseries that no one remembers today, a fascinating tale that you won’t believe is based on real events. Despite Colman’s A-list Hollywood status, however, this is one of her lesser-known projects, overshadowed by all the work she has done before and since. But the show maintains an almost perfect 98% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score.

‘Bored to Death’ (2009–2011)

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Fans were anything but bored watching Bored to Death, even campaigning for the show to return when it was cancelled after three seasons. This led to rumors of a potential follow-up film that never came to fruition. The comedy stars Jason Schwartzman as Jonathan Ames, a New York City-based writer who is struggling to pen his next novel, and moonlights as a private investigator. But he’s not exactly good at the job. While Ames is a fictional character, he is based on the real author of the same name, who also created the show.

The series has a star-studded cast that also includes Zach Galifianakis as Jonathan’s best friend and Ted Danson as his editor and father figure. Airing for three seasons, Bored to Death was praised for its writing and acting, a memorable show airing after Curb Your Enthusiasm in the premium network’s primetime lineup.

‘Enlightened’ (2011–2013)

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Airing for just two seasons, the Mike White series Enlightened stars Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe, a 40-year-old woman who returns home after spending time in a treatment facility following a mental breakdown. She was demoted at work but fails to take accountability for the fact that her downfall is the result of her own self-destructive behavior, including heavy drinking and having an affair with her married boss.

After some quiet time to reflect, Amy realizes she needs to follow a different path, and she works towards inner healing, self-help, and meditation. But others around her aren’t so convinced she can stick with this calmer routine. Enlightened follows Amy’s journey to enlightenment with healthy doses of both comedy and drama. It’s a show that tackled the topic of mental health long before this was common on television.

‘Generation Kill’ (2008)

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A seven-part miniseries, Generation Kill, like other HBO shows, has a pretty jam-packed cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Lee Tergesen, Jon Huertas, and Marc Menchaca. Set during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and based on the Evan Wright book of the same name, the series follows the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion of the US Marine Corps and reporter Wright, played by Tergesen, who is covering the events.

Aiming to offer a realistic account, Generation Kill is in the same vein as other shows like The Pacific and Band of Brothers, yet it doesn’t receive as much fanfare as those shows. The series earned positive reviews for its authenticity and attention to detail, and an intense and gripping look at the beginnings of war.

‘Tanner ’88’ (1988)

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Decades before Veep, which coincidentally is also an HBO show, and even long before mockumentary style shows were a trend, there was Tanner ’88. The most essential HBO miniseries, written by Gary Trudeau, strategically aired right before the 1988 U.S. presidential election, which saw George H. W. Bush eventually defeat Michael Dukakis for the presidency. In this series, however, it’s about Jack Taner (Michael Murphy), a fictional former Michigan U.S. representative who is hoping to secure the Democratic Party nomination.

The series features appearances and cameos from real-life political figures, including Bob Dole, Kitty Dukakis, and Jesse Jackson, and centers around Tanner’s moves to find his voice. This ironically includes strategies and tricks to promote his authenticity and integrity. Initially, Tanner ’88 was not well reviewed. Viewers and critics were arguably unsure of what to do with such an original concept show. But in the decades since, the satire and wit of the series has been recognized as being ahead of the TV curve. Considering how both mockumentary sitcoms and reality TV have blown up in the 21st century, Tanner ’88 was onto something. But it’s largely forgotten as one of the shows that helped pave the way.

‘We Own This City’ (2022)

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Jon Bernthal is on a hot streak of late, with roles in everything from Punisher to The Odyssey and The Bear, as well as performing in Dog Day Afternoon on Broadway. All this work has overshadowed a smaller but powerful crime drama he was in just a few years ago. We Own This City is based on the nonfiction book Baltimore Sun by Justin Fenton and tells the story of Sergeant Wayne Jenkins (Bernthal), a corrupt officer who went on to be convicted of corruption alongside other members of his gun trace task force team.

The six-episode miniseries tells the story in a non-linear fashion with flashbacks to help set up not only Jenkins as a cop who engaged in bad behavior, but also as a flawed human who loved his family. The series has drawn comparisons to The Wire, a darker look at law enforcement from a different lens, sharp and pointed commentary on systemic corruption. Bernthal is widely praised for his performance, and given his other projects since, it’s prime time to check out this show you might have missed.

‘The Corner’ (2000)

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Another show that has drawn comparisons to The Wire, The Corner is dark and gritty, a story of the drug-infested streets of Baltimore. Based on the non-fiction book The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood by David Simon and Ed Burns, both of whom worked on The Wire as well, Burns also on Generation Kill and We Own This City, the show quietly made waves as a precursor to The Wire, which came two years later.

The focus is on one family who lives in the center of a poverty-stricken area and their hardships with drugs, money, and familial strife. The series is a perfect tie-in to The Wire, that very corner depicted on the show. There are also many character crossovers with Homicide: Life on the Street, one of the most groundbreaking crime shows. The Corner is one of the best but also the most forgotten drama from a team that seems to have perfected the genre.

Brazil saw two fatal airborne incidents unfold on Saturday and Sunday this past weekend. And while the internet is still in disbelief, particularly over the bungee jumping failure, another tragic accident is being mentioned in viral reactions. A plane carrying a pilot and 11 passengers on a skydiving outing in Missouri crashed in a field on Sunday (June 14) before bursting into flames. Authorities say everyone on board died.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Viral Video Shows 21-Year-Old Woman In Brazil Being Tossed Off Bridge Before Her Bungee Safety Cord Is Attached

What Happened To Skydiving Plane In Missouri? 

The crash happened shortly after the skydiving plane took off from a local airport around 11:30 a.m. Skydive Kansas City was operating the private plane, Dennis Jacobs said. He is the acting airport manager and the director of the Bates County Emergency Management Agency. The plane appears to be a single-engine turboprop plane.

“It had just taken off and made a left turn” before the crash, Jacobs said. “In my opinion, I think it was losing power, and he was trying to make it over to the highway and land, and he stalled and went down nose first and caught fire.”

Sky diving companies operate in the region eight or nine months of the year. The season usually starts in late March or early April and lasts into October or November. Someone answering the phone at Skydive Kansas City declined to speak to a reporter from The Associated Press.

The crashed occurred on a sunny day in the area. Data from the digital flight tracking company FlightAware shows the plane had already completed two short flights on Sunday before the crash. Two more successful flights were logged Saturday, and five on Friday, according to FlightAware.

It’s not yet known what factors may have contributed to the crash, Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing said. Additionally, those details will be part of the investigation carried out by NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) officials.

Missouri Officials Believe Crash Could’ve Been An “Accident”

The Pacific Aerospace 750XL that crashed is a model that’s popular for skydiving. It also has proven useful for carrying cargo, aerial surveying and medical evacuation flights. The aircraft can carry more than 4,000 pounds and is capable of taking off and landing on short runways, according to the manufacturer. According to FAA records, the plane was built in 2010.

Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson emphasized that the public is safe and this “appears to be an accident.” However, the exact cause of Sunday’s crash won’t be clear for a year or more until the NTSB publishes its final report.

Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said poor maintenance has been a factor in a number of previous skydiving plane crashes. That’s because these companies are not held to a high standard under FAA rules. Guzzetti said skydiving companies are governed by the same rules as any private plane owner. It’s not governed by the more stringent rules that charter flight operators and airlines adhere to.

“There’s been a whole history of skydiving accidents for inadequate maintenance and deficient safety culture,” said Guzzetti who used to be a crash investigator for both the NTSB and FAA.

The NTSB has previously raised concerns about the weak oversight for skydiving operators in past crash investigations. The agency said after a 2019 crash that killed 11 people in Hawaii that the FAA’s regulatory system isn’t strong enough to ensure the safety of skydiving flights. The small airport serves around 30 aircraft, all privately owned, including crop-dusting companies and skydiving operators, Dennis Jacobs said.

Family & Loved Ones Reportedly Witnessed Crash

Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson said that some of the occupants’ family members witnessed the crash. Clergy and volunteers went to the site to assist relatives, Anderson said. Also, on Sunday afternoon, officials were working to identify all victims and notify their next of kin.

A heap of blue and silver mangled metal lay in the grass near Butler Memorial Airport. Meanwhile, a massive lineup of emergency vehicles gathered on a nearby street. Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration were also on scene Sunday afternoon, Anderson said.

Emergency responders put out the fire in the wreckage soon after the crash, Jacobs said, calling the scene “brutal.” First responders also checked the area under the flight path and did not find anyone who might have tried to jump out before the plane came down, he said.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Singer Oliver Tree & Five Others Reportedly Killed After Two Helicopters Collide In Brazil (PHOTOS)

Associated Press writers Kristin M. Hall, Rebecca Boone, Josh Funk and Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

HBO’s House of the Dragon has slowly but surely been settling into its stride, even though many may agree that it is time for a change. The adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Targaryen history, Fire & Blood, took its time setting up the generational trauma that was necessary to tell this story.

Even so, Season 3 is fast approaching, and the Dance of the Dragons has not reached its pace. Though the Targaryen civil war has had battles, the war itself has been a long time coming. Performances from Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith have kept viewers locked in, but House of the Dragon is about to see the end of an era as it finally discards the long-standing tradition that has defined the show for two seasons.

‘House of the Dragon’ Season 1 and 2 Was a Slow-Burn Set-Up

House of the Dragon’s predecessor, Game of Thrones, made its mark with an expansive ensemble cast and a high-stakes world that got to blood and guts pretty early on. House of the Dragon was meant to be the antithesis after the long-running fantasy series came to a close. There needed to be a change to separate the two George R.R. Martin creations, and House of the Dragon did this by introducing a slow-burn drama that would go on to inform the highly anticipated Dance of the Dragons.

Constant warfare takes a backseat to the political intrigue and building of drama that fans of A Song of Ice and Fire understand will come to a boiling point. House of the Dragon cleverly starts when the infamous Half-Year Queen is a teenager. Portrayed by Milly Alcock, Rhaenyra Targaryen lives a comfortable life until her mother dies, and her father marries her best friend, Alicent. Because Rhaenyra is the only heir to King Viserys (Paddy Considine) and female, this is almost designed to lead to a civil war.

Indeed, Alicent has male heirs, but the genius of House of the Dragon is that it wasn’t a death sentence on its own. What would eventually cause the Targaryens to wage war against each other were years of hostility and parents passing on their hatred and prejudices to their children. Parental abuse causes the civil war, not dragons, which is a fascinating way for the spin-off to differentiate itself from Game of Thrones. HBO wins this one as the tension was effectively built. However, Season 3 is ready to dive headfirst into the war that fans have all been waiting for once and for all.

‘House of the Dragon’ Is Ready for the Battle of the Gullet to Explode

The deaths of the Queen Who Never Was, Rhaenys, and Meleys were heartbreakers for Team Black, but these were small battles in House of the Dragon Season 2. Even the brutal strike against Aegon’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) manhood was a small price to pay in the greater scheme of things. Fans want to see Criston Cole (Fabien Frankle) get his just deserts and for Daemon to saddle up. Especially after the baffling decision to keep the Rogue Prince in a fever dream for the large extent of Season 2, it’s time to take up arms.

House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal promises that it’s about to happen. The Game of Thrones spin-off is apparently leaving this slow-burn storytelling behind and starting a new era of guts and glory. The bloody battle from Fire & Blood, known as the Battle of the Gullet, is reported to take place in Episode 1 of the third season. In the book, this is a huge strike against the Blacks, but it results in heavy casualties on both sides. This is the moment that everyone has been waiting for and will herald in a new age of the long-awaited Targaryen civil war.

This conflict is known as the bloodiest war in Westeros history and is blamed for the eventual extinction of the dragons. It is so monumental that it is referred to many times in Game of Thrones, though with differing perspectives. With only one more season confirmed to close out Rhaenyra’s story, the time to strike is now. House of the Dragon has had fans waiting for some time to see this war come to fruition, and it looks like fire and blood are finally here.

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Release Date

August 21, 2022

Network

HBO

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Showrunner

George R.R. Martin

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Directors

Clare Kilner, Geeta Patel

Writers

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Gabe Fonseca

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• 
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  Fabien Frankel

  Ser Criston Cole

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Footage of Rihanna dippin’ it low for A$AP Rocky during their night at Magic City strip club is turnin’ heads online.

RELATED: Aww! Rocki Irish Steals The Show As Rihanna Shows Off Her Baby Girl In New Video That Has Fans Obsessed (WATCH)

Footage of Rihanna Dippin’ It Low For A$AP Rocky During Night At Magic City

On the evening of Sunday,June 14, The Shade Room obtained footage of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky during their apparent date night at Magic City strip club in Atlanta, Georgia. In the clip, Rihanna was seen hitting the pole and dropping it low.

The Footage Is Turnin’ Heads

Social media users slid in TSR’s comment section, droppin’ reactions to Rihanna dippin’ it low for A$AP Rocky.

Before Footage of Rihanna Dippin’ It Low For A$AP Rocky At Magic City, She Already Had The Internet Talkin’

As The Shade Room previously reported, Rihanna already had the internet talkin’ before dippin’ it low for A$AP Rocky. Last week, footage surfaced of her doing ‘fit check while on the street. In the clip, she shouted Rocky out a few times, calling him her “baby daddy” and dropping some spicy words.

Click here to see the NSFW video.

RELATED: That’s How You Feel? Rihanna Drops Spicy Comments About A$AP Rocky In New Clip (VIDEO)

By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 31 seconds ago

Repo: The Genetic Opera started its life in 2002 as a stage play that was then turned into a 2008 musical film by writer and star Terrance Zdunich. It was never a mainstream hit due to a very limited theatrical release, even earning supporting actress Paris Hilton a pair of Razzies for her performance, but Repo became a cult classic for its ensemble cast, catchy music, and compelling story. It was also very prescient, both for its cyberpunk worldbuilding and for its predictions about humanity and the pursuit of perfection.

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The movie takes place after an epidemic has struck the world, skyrocketing the megacorporation GeneCo to public prominence as they lease out organs similar to the way dealers lease cars. Should someone not be able to pay for their organ, the Repo Man is sent to collect the body part, regardless of the consequences. With all the medical operations going on, cosmetic surgery has also become insanely popular, but the pain of repeated surgery has created an addiction to the painkiller Zydrate.

But GeneCo’s CEO, Rotti (Paul Sorvino), is terminally ill in a way that no money can fix. His three children, Luigi, Pavi, and Amber Sweet, bicker King Lear-style over the inheritance of the company, but Rotti doesn’t want to leave it to any of them. Instead, he wants to leave the company to Shiloh (Alexa Vega of Spy Kids fame), the daughter of Nathan and Rotti’s ex-fiancée Marni. Shiloh has a rare blood disease that she inherited from Marni.

Marni died years ago from Rotti’s murderous and jealous meddling and has been blackmailing Nathan (Anthony Stewart Head) ever since by framing him for the death. Nathan is his head Repo Man, a fact that Shiloh is unaware of. Rotti’s blackmail doesn’t end there, either. Blind Mag (Sarah Brightman) is a famous singer and the spokesperson for GeneCo, held hostage by eyes provided to her by Rotti. She was Marni’s best friend and wants to retire, but leaving GeneCo means a visit from the Repo Man, and Nathan doesn’t want to do the job.

Shiloh sneaks out of her sickbed and becomes more aware of the real world around her, and she is guided by GraveRobber (Terrance Zdunich), a wily Zydrate dealer who knows all the ins and outs of the city. As the swirling whirlpool of life under GeneCo begins to suck everyone in, secrets kept for generations find their way to the surface. Blind Mag’s final show brings everyone together as the future of the company hangs in the balance, affecting not just Shiloh and Rotti’s feuding heirs, but the fate of everyone’s organs and lives.

Unfairly Underrated Modern Classic

As a film, Repo: The Genetic Opera is a work of art that deserved better than an arthouse release in only seven theaters. Zdunich presented audiences with a rich world of visual despair and economic scarcity. It has the vast scale of an opera, its setting oscillating between wealthy urban dwellings and the dark spaces of a city built on the bones of the dead. The story is intimate in scope, following the struggle between two men grieving over a long-deceased woman, while also being grand in scope, by making those men a king and his chief enforcer. Their personal clash affects more than just their own lives, with fallout affecting all of humanity.

Zdunich’s cyberpunk vision hits us at our deepest core by making our very organs a commodity and our bodies a palette that can be altered at will. The poor struggle to stay healthy while the wealthy try to ward off aging and make themselves as beautiful as they can. Everyone is addicted to painkillers to ward off not only the physical pain but the agony of the world around them. If this all sounds familiar, that’s not an accident.

Yet somehow, this operatic tragedy manages to be uplifting through its rock music soundtrack. Each song illustrates the character singing it, from the nearly sinister GraveRobber to the conflicted Nathan and the angry Shiloh. Rotti is grave and majestic in his secretive and nefarious plans, and Brightman’s performance as Blind Mag intertwines love, determination, and awareness of her own mortality in a moving mosaic.

Paris Hilton Knew The Assignment

As a viewer and a fan of this film, I was surprised to find out for this article that Hilton’s performance as the cosmetic surgery-obsessed Amber Sweet was so disliked as to earn her Razzies. The celebrity is indeed largely playing herself: the spoiled daughter of a rich father, using her inherited wealth in an attempt to promote her own fame. However, Hilton turns up the heat in her onscreen appearances, portraying a woman who is as desperate for perfection as she is flailing to be a sultry seductress and pop singer.

Even at her worst, the real-life Hilton has never been as cunning or as selfish as her portrayal of Amber Sweet. Her performance and singing are actually really good, especially in the self-deprecating Shakespearean climax, and her scenes are some of the most memorable in a movie stuffed with incredible visuals and songs. It seems to me that she was awarded the Razzie more because of who she was than how she performed.

Of course, it is the interplay between Head and Vega that takes center stage. Vega was a perfect choice at that point in her career, transitioning as she was from Spy Kid to grown woman. She portrays Shiloh’s growth from a coddled young girl to an independent woman with all the growing pains that such a transition causes. Not a little girl anymore, she rages through punk and metal styles before evolving into an adult, just like a typical teenager, but also mature enough to carry the ending of her story. She clashes with Head, seeing only a father who doesn’t understand her and not the secrets beneath.

Nathan, meanwhile, is a heart-wrenching bundle of regret for his lost love, hatred for his job, and desire to protect Shiloh at all costs. Head’s performance as the titular tragic figure in the story is a stark reminder that the recently deceased actor was more than just Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Nathan is very well aware that he is one of the villains of the story, and Head performs this inner conflict as deeply through his singing as his acting. His tribute to Marni is emotionally one of the strongest songs in a film that tugs at the heart at every moment.

REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA SCORE

Repo: The Genetic Opera is a cult classic whose soundtrack finds its way around, drawing more people to the movie. It is an underrated film that deserves a wider audience, especially in honor of Anthony Stewart Head. Fortunately, it is available for free on Tubi as of this writing, and once the songs get stuck in your head, you can listen to the soundtrack on Spotify.