Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

THURSDAY TIDBITS: Amar'e Stoudemire To Cover "Vogue"? + Jay-Z & Kanye's Luxury Recordings + Rihanna's New Fragrance Promo Pic

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 08:13 AM PST

Will Amar'e Stoudemire become the one of the few men grace the cover of VOGUE magazine? Get the deets on this strong possibility plus read about Jay-Z and Kanye West recording in high style and see Rihanna's latest promo pic.  

 

Last season, Amar'e Stoudemire was the talk of fashion week.  He was seen sitting front row at several shows and in the company of the legendary Anna Wintour.  That relationship may result in Amar'e landing on the cover of VOGUE. 

Amar'e just did a photo shoot for the mag's April issue. The shoot was done with Hamish Bowles and the VOGUE team at an apartment building called The Alydn on its full-size basketball court.  If he lands on the cover, Amar'e will join a small club of men, that only has three members:  LeBron James,  Richard Gere and George Clooney.

 

 

In music news...

 

The Kings of Hip-Hop, Jay-Z and Kanye West, take the title of their new new album Watch The Throne very seriously.  Sources say the duo are recording together in high style having rented out any entire floor of the posh NYC Mercer Hotel.  How's the for fab living?

When talking about the album, which comes out this summer, Jay-Z said,

"This is another level of recording . . . really, he's like a brother to me -- I've seen him from the beginning to where he is now . . . how he's growing as a producer and as an artist, for me, on another level, it's enjoyable."

 

In other music news...

 

Rihanna has released a new promo pic for her fragrance Reb'l Fleur.  The pic will soon be followed by an online video rumored to debut on Friday to promote the fragrance.  The company, Parluz Fragrances, says Rihanna's launch will be one of their largest ever. 

Also, Rihanna is set to hit the stage at the Grammys, where at least two of her former flames will be in attendance.  Rumor has it that both Matt Kemp and Drake will also attend the Grammys on Sunday. And there is a strong possibility that Drake may appear on stage with Rihanna.  If that happens, expect the cameraperson to cut to reaction shots of Matt Kemp. 

EVENT FAB: The Heart Truth 2011 Red Dress Collection With Gayle King, Patti Labelle And Eve

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 07:01 AM PST

 

Last nighit in New York City, The Heart Truth kicked off Mercedes Benz Fashion Week with their 2011 Red Dress Collection and TheYBF.com was there.  Tons of celebs in a sea of red gowns made their way down the catwalk.  Come inside to see pics of Gayle King, Eve, Natasha Bedingfield, Patti LaBelle, Laila Ali and others...

 

With Diet Coke, Swarovski, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and AOL Inc. as partners, The Heart Truth introduced the 2011 Red Dress Collection as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness.  The show was held at The Theatre at Lincoln Center.

 

And outside, the celebs posed in their designer dresses on the red carpet

A glowing Laila Ali showed off her baby bumb wearing A Pea In A Pod.

Taraji P. Henson wore designer Naeem Khan.

The delightful Gayle King wore Donna Karan.

Garcelle Beauvais wore a strapless gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt of large cascading roses by Monique Lhullier.

 

Eve rocked a David Meister dress.  But those tatoos ruin it for me.

Dania Ramirez wore Malandrino. I don't really like the cut of this gown from the front.

Here's a shot of Dania and Garcelle together.

 

Each of the ladies then took spins down the runway....

And the legendary Patti Labelle wore Zang Toi.

 

And after the show we snapped a few of our own pics.  

The ladies all posed on the runway for a final shot.

We spotted Miss Jay and Jay Manuel.

 

We also met Miss Black USA, Osas Ighodaro.  She is the first Nigerian American to win the crown.

And Natasha Bedingfield in Nicole Miller, posed with Eve.

Gayle chatted up Laila Ali.

And caught up with Patti.

And Eva Amurri wore the designer Chris Benz while she posed with Garcelle and Taraji.

Photos via Wireimage/F.Harrison/Kambouris/Wargo/Tichanda Thompson

Reality Chick Rashidah Ali Attacks Bouncer In $10 Million Birthday Brawl Suit

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 05:47 PM PST

Shoe boutique owner Rashidah Ali, who's appeared on "Basketball Wives," is being sued for $10 million for viciously attacking a NYC club bouncer.  Deets inside...

 

NYC club bouncer Joseph Wright is suing Rashidah Ali (friend to Shaunie O'neal and the Basketball Wives) for $10 million claiming she cut him from his hairline to his mouth during her birthday blowout at Greenhouse.  In a suit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court on Tuesday, Joseph says an altercation went down after two of Rashidah's friends were accused of feeling up a cocktail waitress. 

As he was escorting the drunken guests out of the club, he says Rashidah ran up on him and reached for his face.  Joseph said it wasn't until he felt the blood streaming down his face that he knew he was attacked. 

"I felt her hand reach through and start grabbing at my face.  She's clawing over my eye, at my face, and I didn't feel anything at first....Then I realized I felt the blood dripping down my shirt. I was leaking."

While some may have seen Rashidah during an appearance on "RHOA" Joseph's lawyer Paul Edelstein said, "We think Ali should be on "The Real Housewives of Rikers Island."  
 

Rashidah is accused of fleeing the scene as Joseph waited for an ambulance.  He suffered a severed nerve and artery, and had to undergo surgery and receive 50 stitches.

But Rashidah may have "scratched off" on Joseph's face because of her financial difficulties. Her shoe sales are not on good financial footing.

Her Harlem shop, Bourgeoisie Shoes, recently shuttered because she owed six months of back rent, and last November, cops busted her for grand larceny after skipping out on a bill at a Ritz-Carlton.   She has a court appearance on March 1.

And in 2005, she was convicted of attempted larceny in Connecticut and given three years of probation.

SMH.  Rashidah has a lot going on.  But forget $10 milli Joseph, you're going to be lucky to get $10,000.  

 

 

Photos via Getty Images/Paul Edelstein

MOVIE FAB: Fantasia Gaining 45 LBS To Play Mahalia Jackson!+Kerry Washington Set To Lead New Shonda Rhimes Drama!

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 03:52 PM PST

Both Fantasia and Kerry Washington, who are both repped by CAA, are embarking on new lead roles in the tv and movie world.  We've got the deets on Fanny's Mahalia Jackson role, plus Kerry Washington's new ABC drama she's set to star in, when you read on...

After her own Lifetime movie, Life Is Not a Fairy Tale: The Fantasia Barrino Story, back in 2006, Fantasia is now set to play the leading role of another famous singer's life.

Gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, who died at the age of 60, will have her life story hit the feature-film circuit, and Fantasia will reportedly be gaining 30-45 lbs to portray her.

According to the Hollywood Reporter:

The Season 3 ["American Idol"] winner is slated to appear in a feature-film adaptation of the 1993 book Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel, which recounts the life of the late American gospel singer, a civil rights activist who was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The CAA-repped Barrino, whose biggest post-Idol gig to date was playing Celie in the Broadway version of The Color Purple, will portray Jackson on her journey from abject poverty in New Orleans to her rise as a global figure in gospel and early supporter of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The film will be directed by Euzhan Palcy (A Dry White Season) from a script by Jim Evering, and goes into production April in Pittsburgh and Chicago for a December release.

 

This might actually be the perfect role for her.  Time will tell...

 

And actress Kerry Washington has some big news of her own.  She's just been cast as the lead in famed director/producer (and fellow YBF chick) Shonda Rhimes' new ABC drama called "In Crisis".

This will be Kerry's first regular tv gig, and she was exactly who Shonda and the ABC Studios had in mind when writing the role.  The role was one of very few in tv written specifically for an African American lead actor.

The fabulous Ms. Washington will be starring opposite actor Columbus Short.  According to Deadline Hollywood:

Actor-dancer-choreographer Columbus Short (Stomp the Yard) is set to co-star in the pilot based on the career of famous crisis management consultant Judy Smith. The pilot, from ABC Studios, revolves around the life and work of professional fixer Olivia Price (Washington) and her dysfunctional staff. Olivia Price is described as something of a legend, a formidable, driven, insightful, intuitive and fearless woman. Short will play a lawyer on her team.

The rest of the roles on the pilot are being cast colorblind, which is also how Shonda cast her hit series "Grey's Anatomy."  Shonda also created "Private Practice" and the new drama "Off The Map."

LOVING this already for Kerry.  Congrats to all the YBF folks!

 

VIDEO FAB: Erykah Badu's "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long"

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 03:10 PM PST

Erykah Badu gave us all a little surprise today.  She just dropped a brand new video for the "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long" track of her New Amerykah Part 2 album.

 

Read on to check it...

Very simple yet trippy.  You know...Ms. Badu's usual.  You feelin' it?

MOVIE FAB: "Madea's Big Happy Family" Makes Its Trailer Debut

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 02:02 PM PST

 

If you've been waiting for Madea to hit your screen, here's the trailer for the upcoming Madea's Big Happy Family movie.

 

Read on to peep it...

Tyler Perry is back again with his newest stage play to movie theater production: Madea's Big Happy Family.  The brand new trailer just hit the net.  And the movie will be hitting theaters this Easter.

Lauren London, Isaiah Mustafa, Bow Wow, Loretta Devine, Tyler Perry himself and several others are starring in the movie.

 

CLICK HERE to see the trailer.

 

You ready?  Helleeer?

WEDNESDAY SWEXY: Shaunie O'Neal's Beau Marlon Yates Talks About Their Love

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 11:51 AM PST

 

Just in time for Valentine's Day, our Wednesday eye-candy of the day is the real life arm candy of "Basketball Wives" creator Shaunie O’Neal.  His name is Marlon Yates, Jr. and he is a 23-year-old model from Los Angeles, CA.  See more pics inside from his Edge Magazine photoshoot/interview and find out what he likes most about Shaunie....

 

 

Edge: Tell us a little but about who Marlon is.

Marlon: I’m from LA born and raised. My family is from the South. I played football all my life until I got to my 2nd year of college. I committed to a few different schools but it was academics that set me back. So I left and fell into the Hollywood life. I signed with LA Models, I went to New York, signed with Fusion models, stayed out there for about a year, did my thing out there. I recently got a commercial agent and now I’m moving to the acting side.

Edge: Describe yourself as a man.

Marlon: Ambitious, hungry and a hustla.

Edge: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in this business?

Marlon: Loyalty. I learned that quick. Make people feel appreciated, people love to feel appreciated.

Edge: Describe yourself as lover.

Marlon: I just started “loving” recently so let me see…I love to give more than I receive. I like to see my significant other smile. I’m very sensitive to certain things that I really give a (expletive) about. I like to brush things off if it’s not that big of a deal. I let the little things go.

Edge: What does a woman have to do to gain your heart?

Marlon: Love me. I gotta feel it. Be ride or die with me. Just ride with me. Through thick, thin, top, bottom.

Edge: What do you do to make sure the woman in your life knows she is special?


Marlon: Wake up every morning, if she’s there, I kiss her, tell her how much I love her, tell her how beautiful she is the small things that count in most women’s’ eyes. See young girls they have a whole different mindset. But women know it’s the small things like asking her how she’s doing or how she’s feeling all that. Small things count. Most young girls are looking elsewhere. They’re looking at the pockets.

Edge: What was it about Shaunie that made you fall for her?

 

Marlon: First it was appearance. I was like “damn”. Once I said “damn”, I had to step to her. But I didn’t step to her the first time I saw her, it was another occasion. It was simple. She was simple woman. I like a simple woman; I don’t get caught up in the crazy world.

Edge: What’s the thing you admire most about Shaunie?

 

Marlon: She’s a hustla. She’s a mother, the way she looks at her kids. She’s a businesswoman. That’s what I’m saying, she’s a hustla. Sometimes I look at her like Oprah. “You can be Oprah one day”; I tell her that all the time.

Edge: What’s the one thing people would be surprised to know about your relationship with Shaunie?

 

Marlon: That I’m a younger and she’s older. It’s a huge surprise because of the age gap. From who she used to deal with to who she’s dealing with now. I wake up sometimes like “damn, she chose me?” because y’all are always choosing …she chose me so there’s something about the boy.

Edge: What’s the biggest misconception about you and your relationship?

 

Marlon: I hear “are you with her for the money?” or “I know you’re with her for the money”.

Edge: And what do you say to that?

 

Marlon: You’re a hater. You would love to be in my position. I can’t (expletive) with Oprah just because she’s paid. I have to be attracted to her. I can’t lay down with her every single night. I can’t. Some dudes can but I can’t. I tell a dude telling me that “you a hater”. A few of my boys told me, “You want to trade places”…that’s why I just keep to myself.

Edge: How has your life changed?

 

Marlon: Drastically. I’m scared to even talk to people on the phone. Scared to text message an old friend. Facebook. Some neighborhoods I used to go to. People think “oh, he’s with her, he probably got at least a million”. I think about it, dudes are always plotting. Being with her I have to represent myself differently. So I can’t hang out with my boys in the hood and do dumb s***. I’m a different man. But I’ve always been like that even before her but now it’s really like that.

Edge: What do you think about marriage?

 

Marlon: I never thought about it. Now, sometimes I do. I just know when you tie that knot, you tie that knot. I never thought about marriage but the way I feel now I could say, “yeah I’d marry her” but I wouldn’t push the issue. Even with another chick, if I felt the way I feel now, I’d be like “let’s get married…tonight”.

Edge: What’s the sexiest thing a man can do for his lady on Valentine’s Day?

 

Marlon: Surprise her. Hotel room, probably. Lingerie, dinner, smooth music. Dim the lights. I don’t know. I’m a simple guy.

Edge: What’s a perfect date?

 

Marlon: Something not too uppity. Where you can be yourself, you can laugh, be loud. And…not a lot of questions. I hate questions.

Edge: What do you think of Basketball Wives?

 

Marlon: I think the show is very entertaining. I watch it. I watch it by myself sometimes I was with her when she filmed it, I give her my two cents, “dead that situation, you don’t want to look crazy” or sometimes I get the alcohol in my system and it’s like “f*** it, slap her a** if you got to” but the sober mind is like “don’t do that”.

Edge: Any shots you want to send towards the haters?

 

Marlon: I would love to bash people but it’s just not in me.  I can’t even hate on anyone…not even those people who hate on me.

Photos via EdgeMagazine.com

ON THE SET: Kelly & Nelly Reunite For "Gone" Music Vid

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 11:02 AM PST

If you were waiting on a follow up to their 2002 track "Dilemma," here ya go.

 

Nelly and Kelly Rowland took it to the beaches of Cancun, Mexico to shoot their video for their track "Gone" recently.  The first pics from the set when you read on...

The "Gone" track is produced by Jim Jonsin and Rico Love and appears on Nelly's new 5.0 album.  He told Rap-up.com:

“It’s kinda like an extension of the story and still playfully having fun with it like we did with the first one.”

Kelly's looking gorgeous by the way.

Jennifer Hudson To Lead Aretha Franklin Tribute At Grammys, Preps To Play Aretha In Biopic?+ Kanye West Covers "V-Man" Mag

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 10:37 AM PST

 

Jennifer Hudson will help open the 2011 Grammys this year with a tribute to Aretha Franklin.  Get the deets on the tribute inside, plus deets on her Oprah appearance and Kanye West's new V-Man Magazine cover.

 

This Sunday's 53rd Annual Grammy Awards telecast will open with a very special tribute to Aretha Franklin.  The lineup of those paying tribute to her includes Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, line-flubbing Christina Aguilera (we love her anyway...but don't F up Ms. Franklin's ish girl), Yolanda Adams, Martina McBride, and Florence Welch.  I'm expecting a power-packed performance and I'm sure Yolanda Adams won't be holding back during the gospel portion.

And remember a while back we told you that ReRe is working on a biopic?  Well....The Queen wants Halle Berry to play her, but I think we can all agree the better choice would be Jennifer Hudson.

J-Hud will be bringing her A-game...and she should approach this like an audition.

But the big question is--will Ms. Franklin appear at the show? In a press release yesterday, the Recording Academy said the performance is a type of "valentine and get-well card" for the Ms. Franklin, an 18-time winner and a recipient of the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and Grammy Legend Award.

I'd love to see ReRe on stage.  Fingers crossed. And speaking of J-Hud and performances, be sure to catch her on The Oprah show Thursday, Feb. 10.  She will perform her R. Kelly-penned single “Where You At” and open up about her emotional welfare following the murder of her family members.  

 

 

On magazine racks....

Kanye West covers the latest issue of V-Man Magazine. And for promotional purposes, 1 in 10 magazines will contain real dollar bills. So this could be a magazine purchase that pays--in part--for itself.

Lookin' good 'Ye.  Congrats to anyone lucky enough to get one of the monied copies.  Buy yourself a few pieces of penny candy...

 

The Randomness:

1.  The Game has been ordered to pay $91,000 for custom gold chains he ordered, but didn't finishing paying for.  Story.

Magic Johnson Makes MAJOR Move With VIBE+"Basketball Wife" Jennifer Williams Confirms Divorce Decision

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 10:23 AM PST

Big news on the table for Magic Johnson and VIBE.  The NBA Hall of Famer turned entrepreneur master has just invested a HUGE stake in VIBE Holdings.  And he's also been named chairmen of the whole group.  

 

We've got the deets on that, plus Jennifer Williams' confirmation of her divorce from Eric Williams...

 

Magic Johnson just made a big move in the media world.  He and Ron Burkle just put in major mula into VIBE Holdings company.  And Magic has been named the Chairman.  VIBE Holdings encompasses VIBE magazine, Vibe.com, Uptown mag, and the whole Soul Train franchise.  

According to the press release just sent out:

Vibe Holdings LLC (“Vibe Holdings”) today announced an investment from Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle’s The Yucaipa Companies, joining Vibe Holding’s existing owner, InterMedia Partners. Vibe Holdings is a leading multi-cultural media company consisting of treasured and celebrated brands including Vibe Magazine, Vibe.com, Uptown Magazine and the revered and iconic Soul Train TV show and library. This investment transaction will invigorate and further cement these brands as formidable urban media outlets spanning the broadcast, digital, live entertainment, and print mediums.

As part of the transaction Earvin “Magic” Johnson will become Chairman of Vibe Holdings. In the role of Chairman, Johnson, a venerated and proven architect of niche market development, will utilize his unparalleled business acumen to fuel the continued growth of Vibe Holdings through targeted brand extensions and the creation of diversified advertiser-friendly platforms. Through the strategic combination of InterMedia Partners, MJE and The Yucaipa Companies, Vibe Holdings will be positioned as the globally recognized voice of influence, and continue to deliver compelling and relevant content dedicated to magnifying the heart and soul of the rich urban culture."

 

Magic said about the partnership:

“The mission of Magic Johnson Enterprises is focused on building mutually beneficial relationships between corporations and the underserved urban market. Through programs designed to cultivate the existing profit potential of this burgeoning, and frequently neglected demographic, we are able to revitalize and maximize profit margins. Currently the landscape of modern media lacks a platform to serve this community on a global scale

History and legacy are paramount in building brand affinity and we plan to integrate this ideology into the resurgence of Vibe Holdings. Through leveraging established brand equity we will create a pertinent message vehicle for major advertisers. We will redefine Vibe Holdings as the center of influence for the coveted urban audience."

LOVE this.  I'm always a huge fan of blacks investing in BLACK.   Nice!

 

In reality tv news, "Basketball Wife" Jennifer Williams has confirmed sheis officially divorcing her husband, Eric Williams.  Yeah, we kinda figured that after all the foolery between them on the show.  And him seeming not to really care much more about the relationship.

Jennifer tells Life & Style mag that she's planning on filing for divorce in the next couple of weeks:

"It's a new year and I just want to put this behind me,” Jennifer tells Life & Style exclusively. “He doesn't know exactly when I'm going to do it. He’s just waiting for me to pull the trigger.

I really wanted it to work and believed he would change. This whole lifestyle is dysfunctional; it's not a typical marriage. The bad just started to outweigh the good.  I just want to live comfortably and move on, get it over with.  I definitely will not put up with this type of behavior ever again!”

About the rumors a love child that surfaced last summer:

“I wasn't distraught about it, but I really felt bad for the child.”

 

Goodness.  Maybe it's for the best....

The Randomness:

1.  In non YBF news, Ashlee Simpson just filed for divorce and spousal support from husband Pete Wentz! Story

Michelle Obama Talks About Obesity, Barack's Smoking And If He Dyes His Hair on "Today" & "Regis And Kelly"

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 09:50 AM PST

 

This morning, the first lady Michelle Obama made the rounds of the morning talk shows to mark the one-year anniversary of her "Let's Move" anti-obesity initiative, and talk about how the President quit smoking and if he dyes his hair or not.  See the video/highlights of Michelle on "Today" and "Live With Regis and Kelly" inside....

 

Michelle Obama, rocking a dotted H&M dress, talked to Matt Lauer this morning on the "Today" about a variety of subjects dear to her heart, like childhood obesity, healthy living and her family.  Here are some highlights:

On Egypt:

"I''m not going to comment on his policy. the entire west wing has focused a lot of energy on this. When i look at what's going on in egypt it reminds me how grateful we are to live in a democracy. I wish the people of egypt the best and i know that america will be working to do the right thing."

On Barack's smoking:

"All of the women in my husband's life. We want him to be healthy. He's worked hard and i'm proud he's been able to kick the habit. Once he made the commitment to quit, I left him alone. it's a very personal thing. I don't think there is one right way to do it. I know once a person makes the decision they have to find the best path. I think i said when a person is doing the right thing, you leave them alone."

On Making Sasha and Malia's life normal:

"I think about it all the time. Barack and I try to keep them out of it. I think we have done a good job. If you talk to our kids they are very normal. We recognize them. But friends who is come to visit they look and say, these are the little girls we have known. We're just going to stay vigilant."

On People Not Liking Barack:

"I'm sure that there are some people who don't like my husband. Any president of the united states-- this is a tough job. You're not going to please everybody all the time. That's not why you do this job. There are tough decisions that have to be made. So i'm sure there are people who don't like my husband. There are people who have had strong feelings about every single president that's ever held the office."

On the "Let's Move" Campaign:

"I think seeing the broad-based coalition of people who are stepping up. We are getting involvement from every sector. From businesses, from the medical profession, from teachers, parents. You know, I had hoped when we started this that this would be a unifying issue because we all care about our kids. And I have seen that positive momentum that people are ready to make some hard changes in their lives in the way we live. We fundamentally started shifting the conversation in this country and that's been a very good thing.

With the passing of the child nutrition legislation this year, we are seeing some of the most sweeping changes in school lunches that we have seen in generations. That was a surprise to me. I would have thought of all the changes that we would have improvements in school lunches but we haven't, but now we'll start seeing that."

On if Barack Dyes his hair:

"No. He's pretty gray.  I think if he had known he would be president he would have started dying his hair ten years ago."

 

Watch Mrs. Obama on the "Today" Show above.

 

 

After Mrs. Obama left the "Today" show, she stopped by "Live With Regis And Kelly" to continue the discussion about "Let's Move" and the royal wedding.

The first lady said she is not going to the Royal Wedding, just simply because she has not been invited.

“No, no I’m not going to go,” she told Kelly Ripa this morning.  “I wasn’t invited.”

But this isn't viewed as a slight.  Michelle continued, "Marriage is a personal private thing, they should invite who they want to invite.  And if I get invited, I’ll go.”

And on being able to separate family life from work, Michelle says Barack is excellent at being able to leave his stressful job in the West Wing and come home to the family quarters and relax.

 

Watch video of Mrs. O. on "Live WIth Regis And Kelly" here:

 
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