The Young, Black, and Fabulous

Janet Jacksons Talks Bullying And Body Image Issues On "TODAY" + Beyonce Knowles Confirmed As Glastonbury Headliner
EVENT FAB: Belvedere Red Presents Usher Live!
Jim Jones Sued By Two Topless Video Vixens + VH1 Releases The "Love & Hip-Hop" Trailer
Rihanna Debuts Reb'l Fleur Promo Commercial + Softens Chris Brown's Restraining Order + Announces U.S. Tour Dates
BIRTHDAY FAB: MTV Presents Sean Kingston's "Super Stuntin 21"
THURSDAY CANDIDS: Kimora Lee Simmons And Djimon Hounsou Lunching In Santa Monica
FASHION WEEK FAB: Kelly Rowland, Ashanti, Taraji P. Henson Attend BCBGMaxAzria
Cassie Appears In Wiz Khalifa's "Roll Up" Video + Sean Garrett's "Feel Love" Video Ft. J. Cole + Chris Brown Dances To Rick James' "Cold Blooded
YBF EXCLUSIVE: Photos From Mindless Behavior's "My Girl" Video Shoot With Ciara
BIRTHDAY FAB: NBA Baller Dahntay Jones Hosts A Surprise Dinner For WEEN Chair Valeisha Butterfield
MUSIC FAB: Nicki Minaj Tops Billboard Album Charts+The Dream Dropping New Summer Album
EVENT FAB: Janelle Monae Honored By Essence+Solange Hosts Macy's Bar Pop-Up Store

Janet Jacksons Talks Bullying And Body Image Issues On "TODAY" + Beyonce Knowles Confirmed As Glastonbury Headliner

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 08:57 AM PST

Janet Jackson appeared on "The TODAY Show" this morning to promote her book "True You" and her “Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour”. See highlights and watch the video inside, plus get an update on Beyonce and the Glastonbury Festial.....

Janet Jackson did a very deep and personal interview with the "Today" show where she opened up about her distant father, being teased by her brothers and her struggles with weight and body image issues.

On being self-critical in at a very young age

I hated what I saw in the mirror. I would literally bang my head against the wall because I felt ugly. I would literally bang my head up against the wall because I didn’t feel attractive, there was so much going on in my life. I felt very unattractive. It stemmed from my childhood. I would always look at her [Older sister Rebbie] picture and think gosh she’s so beautiful if I could only look like that when I get older.

On being self-conscious while on the set of “Good Times”

I developed at a very, very young age. I started getting breast when I was 10. To make me look flat chested they would bin my chest. Janet says the producers of Good Times also wanted her to lose weight. And even her brothers including Michael would call her hurtful names like horse, pig, cow, slaughter hog…

On confronting Joseph

My father was never there the way I really wanted a father to be. I would see my friends interact with their dad and I would see my friends interact with their dads and I would say to myself that’s what I want to do, I want to sit on his lap. I want to be able to call him “dad”. Janet said that she tried calling Joseph dad once and Joseph immediately corrected her saying “ I’m Joseph to you, you do not call me dad!”

On finally being able to watch Michaels’ videos and listen to his music

I finally was able to – I was in Paris and I just spent the night just watching all of his videos, listening to his music and there were moments when I felt to cry. It’s still not a day that I don’t think about it. Not one day.

On the importance of being at the Preliminary Hearings of Dr. Conrad Murray

Michael’s my brother. That’s my blood. He’s [Michael] no longer here because of X,Y, and Z. I think it’s important to every family who’s lost someone. You want to see justice.

On her last time seeing Michael

The last time I saw Michael was 2 days before my birthday. The last thing we said to one another, I love you and Michael said “I love you too, donk.” My nickname “Donk.” Donky-Fried Chicken.

Janet's book True You is in stores February 15.

Watch the full interview here:

In other diva news....

It started out as a rumor, but now it's been confirmed that Beyonce Knowles will be headlining this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

Queen B will give a 90-minute concert on the last day of the event, scheduled to run June 22nd through the 26th in southwest England.

Talking about the gig, Beyonce told press,

"This really is the biggest festival in the world and I cannot wait to perform there. Everyone who attends is really appreciative of music and is in such a good mood that entire weekend. I'm pumped just thinking about that huge audience and soaking up their energy."

EVENT FAB: Belvedere Red Presents Usher Live!

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 07:46 AM PST

Belvedere Vodka recently celebrated the launch of its latest product, Belvedere Red with a special concert by Usher. Come inside to see pics of Usher plus some of your favorite celebs like LeToya Luckett, Estelle and Anthony Hamilton.

The very special Usher event was held at Avalon in Hollywood, CA.

And the man of the hour walked the red carpet with a smile.

Looking good Tocarra. I can't wait for her new reality show on TvOne.

Hey Mya!

Melyssa Ford was there too.

We saw actor Brandon T. Jackson in the house.

And singer Anthony Hamilton too.

LeToya Luckett looked great.

Former Cheetah girl Adrienne Bailon was there.

Later she posed with Julissa Bermudez.

Cutie pie Laz Alonso walked the carpet.

And we saw Kelly Price.

Estelle looked lovely.

Jay Sean was in the house.

And so was our American Idol Jordin Sparks.

Then our celebs posed with the new product...

I see you Evan Ross.

And then the man of the hour hit the stage.

Looks like a packed house.

Photos via WireImage/benson/polk/rodriguez

Jim Jones Sued By Two Topless Video Vixens + VH1 Releases The "Love & Hip-Hop" Trailer

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 06:37 AM PST

Jim Jones is being sued by two women for using their images in his "Summer Time" video without their knowledge. Get the deets inside and watch the trailer for "Love & Hip-Hop" from VH1 which stars Jim Jones' baby momma, Olivia, Mashonda, and Emily B...

Two women from Houston, Tx are suing Jim Jones for using topless images of them in his video to his song "Summer Time," which as garnered over 30,000 clicks on YouTube.com.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, alleges that Jim Jones violated their civil rights when he used footage of them topless on South Beach in the video, which featured strippers and money being tossed around.

The two women, Samantha Stotts and Sharie Johnson, claim they never thought they would end up in a rap video when they went topless on South Beach.

"It was supposed to be fun and natural. But then you have someone who turns it into a rap video, which is totally unacceptable," said Samantha.

Their lawyer, Taso Pardalis, said:

"They're beautiful women and they knew they were being filmed. At a minimum, [Jones] should have asked permission before putting up a video on the Internet of someone half-naked."

Can you imagine the phone call they got when friends told them I just saw you naked in Jim Jones' new video?

In reality TV news,

VH1 has released the trailer for "Love & Hip-Hop" about women who are or have been involved with Hip Hop artists trying to balance their relationships and their work. It stars Olivia, Chrissy Lampkin (Jim Jones' baby momma), Emily Bustamente (Fabolous' baby momma), Somaya Reece (Joe Budden) and most recently added, Mashonda (Swizz Beatz ex-wife).

Love & Hip Hop premieres March 14 at 10:30 pm.

Hmm....this looks like it will be good.

Rihanna Debuts Reb'l Fleur Promo Commercial + Softens Chris Brown's Restraining Order + Announces U.S. Tour Dates

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:56 AM PST

Rihanna has a lot going on these days, being one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Today she dropped the online commercial for her fragrance Reb'l Fleur and we have it for you inside.

Also, she will perform on the Grammys on Sunday, has released her North American tour dates for the LOUD tour and she softened her restraining order against Chris Brown. Get all your Rihanna news here...

Rihanna's new promo for Reb'l Fleur is meant to be watched twice. The New York Times reports:

For half of the one-minute video, by Droga5, a Manhattan agency, Rihanna lounges in an oversize flower and glides around a lush topiary garden wearing a peach dress and smiling. Then, Alice-like, she steps through a mirror and is suddenly wearing a black dress and a come-hither expression, and is embraced by a dark stranger wearing a tuxedo.

A specially designed video player enables users to choose to run the video in either direction, which of course conveys different situations, such as the singer stepping toward the man in one mode and backing away from him in another. When the page is uploaded, the frame frozen on the video is at the 30-second point, as Rihanna’s nice and naughty personae gaze toward one another from either side of the mirror, and viewers may proceed in either direction.

The video is expected to be uploaded to rihannareblfleur.com, and a simplified version will appear on video-sharing Web sites like YouTube.

We have the YouTube version for you here, as her fragrance website's version was not available at press time.

Check it out:

And about that Chris Brown situation...

No Chris won't be at the Grammys, but RiRi and her team have decided to soften the restraining order against Chris to a "do not annoy" level. This means that the two are allowed to contact each other. But before this takes place, a judge must approve.

The original order by Judge Patricia Schnegg, put into effect in August 2009, mandated that the former couple were barred from communicating with each and maintain their distance if ever in the same room. And it seems like both parties have healed from the incident.

For Chris Brown's part in this, the judge said,

"Of all probationers I've ever had, and I've had thousands of probationers, no one has ever done a better or more consistent job than you have," Schnegg said during a November hearing. "And I really want to commend you for taking responsibility, and for actually working diligently to complete all of the things the court has required of you."

And in concert news...

RiRi is just about ready to bring the LOUD tour home for a few American dates. As the cd, LOUD, is one of the best selling discs around the world, I'm sure her fans her in the States can't wait so see her. Tickets go on sale Valentine's Day and so far she has announced:

June 4 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
June 7 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
June 28 Los Angeles, CA Staples
June 30 Oakland, CA Arco Arena
July 19 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
July 21 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
July 23 Uniondaie, NY Nassau Coliseum

Rihanna herself spoke about the tour, saying,

“We’re creating an incredible ride with this tour. I’m excited to get out on the road and share my new music from this album. We are going to have an amazing time and I know my fans are ready to get Loud!”

Rihanna will release more show dates and times in a few weeks.

Photos via RihannaDaily.com

BIRTHDAY FAB: MTV Presents Sean Kingston's "Super Stuntin 21"

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 05:15 PM PST

Singer Sean Kingston recently celebrated his 21st birthday with a taping of MTV's "Super Stuntin 21" birthday party. And Sean's party brought out some young Hollywood star power with Meagan Good, Tristan Wilds, Ray J, Lil Romeo, and Serena Williams. See the pics after the cut...

MTV Presents Sean Kingston's 21st Birthday was held at Premiere in Hollywood, CA.

Sean celebrated the special evening with his mother Janice.

Ray J was among the young stars at the party.

Tristan Wilds was there.

And Meagan Good wore jeans. It must have been chilly outside.

Inside, Meagan celebrated with the birthday boy.

And so did Serena Williams.

Sean took a group pic with Ray J and Tristan.

Then he got on the mic and performed.

And sipped some champagne.

Romeo was there. Am I the only who noticed how good looking he is turning out to be? Who knew Master P would create cute kids.

Later on Romeo posed with the birthday boy too.

Photos via Wireimage/Charley Gallay

THURSDAY CANDIDS: Kimora Lee Simmons And Djimon Hounsou Lunching In Santa Monica

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 04:35 PM PST

Earlier today the photogs spotted Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou having lunch in Santa Monica. Come inside the check out the pics of the couple and their hot wheels...

Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou were spotted leaving Ivy On The Shore after having lunch.

Kimora hopped on the passenger side of Djimon's $200,000 Ferrari 'California' before they sped away to their fabulous mansion.

FASHION WEEK FAB: Kelly Rowland, Ashanti, Taraji P. Henson Attend BCBGMaxAzria

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 04:13 PM PST

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week kicked off yesterday and many of our favorite celebs are in town for the week of excitement. Today, we have photos of our celebs at the BCBGMaxAzria show earlier today. Come inside to see flicks of Kelly, Ashanti, Taraji and more.

If you love clothes and shoes, New York's Lincoln Center is the place to be right now. One of the first shows on many celebs' agenda was the BCBGMazAzria show.

Of course Kelly Rowland was there. Expect to see much more of her as she usually sits front row and rocks a new outfit at every show.

Looks like Ashanti is in NYC this week and we will be seeing her.

NYC socialite and jewelery designer Genevieve Jones attended the show.

And then there was Taraji P. Henson.

Garcelle Beauvais was also spotted outside.

Inside, Maz Azria posed with many of the celebs at the show, like Tiki Sumpter of "Gossip Girl."

Taraji was working the camera as much as the runway models.

Kelly is shooting that front row "side eye" as somebody. I wonder who.

I just love seeing our girls on the front row. It's gonna be a fun week.

Photos via WireImage/N. Barnard/Johns PKI/Splash

Cassie Appears In Wiz Khalifa's "Roll Up" Video + Sean Garrett's "Feel Love" Video Ft. J. Cole + Chris Brown Dances To Rick James' "Cold Blooded

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 12:41 PM PST

In today's video roundup, we have a new clip from Sean Garrett ft. J.Cole called "Feel Love," a fun clip of Chris Brown dancing to Rick James' "Cold Blooded" song and a first look at pictures from the set of Wiz Khalifa's new video "Roll Up" which stars Cassie.

Rapper Wiz Khalifa is shooting a video for his latest single "Roll Up" (sigh...Khalifa with the subliminal messages) and it stars Bad Boy chick Cassie. And I have to saw she looks great in the photos.

Asked about Cassie, Wiz said “She’s really, really dope in the video. Just her movement and her following, I felt like it’s just real positive and it matches what we represent. For the type of chick that we were representing, like a really bossy chick, a chick who has some stuff going, it felt like Cassie was perfect for it.”

And Wiz looks smitten.

The song will appear on the new album Rolling Papers (sigh....) on March 29.

Also, we have the video for Sean Garrett's new clip with J.Cole called "Feel Love."

And just for fun, Chris Brown went 80s old school for this clip where we caught him getting down to Rick James.

Photos via Cameron Lazerine/Rap-Up

YBF EXCLUSIVE: Photos From Mindless Behavior's "My Girl" Video Shoot With Ciara

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 11:51 AM PST

TheYBF.com has obtained exclusive pictures from the video shoot of Mindless Behavior's remix to "My Girl" featuring Ciara, Lil' Twist and Tyga. See the photos inside...

The group Mindless Behavior recently shot a remix to the single "My Girl" and it features Ciara, Lil' Twist and Tyga.

And you can catch the group in a city near you very soon.

The group will serve as the opening act for Janet Jackson's "Intimate" world tour begining in March.

Photos via Meeno

BIRTHDAY FAB: NBA Baller Dahntay Jones Hosts A Surprise Dinner For WEEN Chair Valeisha Butterfield

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 10:50 AM PST

Indiana Pacers baller Dahntay Jones hosted a surprise birthday dinner for his "rumored fiance" WEEN chair Valeisha Butterfield in NYC recently. Come inside to see pics of the happy couple and friends Letoya Luckett and Mashonda.

We first noticed the couple a few months ago when they were spotted getting close at Dahntay's birthday party in NYC. Now Dahntay has given Valeisha a birthday dinner and the couple look happy together.

Mashonda came out to support her girl's birthday dinner.

And so did Letoya Luckett & Alesha Renee.

Emily B, the girlfriend of Fabolous, was also there.

I am loving the dresses ladies!

NFL star Sinorice Moss was at the dinner.

And Dahntay presented Valeisha with a lovely floral birthday cake.

Looks like the couple had a fun time with their close friends. And the next day, Dahntay went on to lead the Indiana Pacers in a win against the New Jersey Nets.

MUSIC FAB: Nicki Minaj Tops Billboard Album Charts+The Dream Dropping New Summer Album

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 09:10 AM PST

More big news for Ms. Pink Friday. We've got Nicki Minaj's newest cause for celebration, plus The Dream speaking on his upcoming release of a brand new album this summer, when you read on...

Nicki Minaj has finally grabbed the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Her Pink Friday album just moved past the 1 million SOLD mark since its late November release and it debuted at #2.

Billboard reports:

Minaj’s patient wait for her turn at No. 1 is a rare sight. For the most part, an album is only No. 1 because it debuted there. It’s unusual for a set to climb to the top. Case in point: in 2010, there were 30 albums that hit No. 1, but just one — Lil Wayne’s “I Am Not A Human Being” — actually rose to the top. Wayne debuted at No. 2 off of just downloads, then fell to No. 16 the next week, only to reach No. 1 the next once the CD version of the album dropped.

Minaj’s 18% sales gain could be attributed to sustained impact from her “Saturday Night Live” guest turn on Jan. 30, in addition to some surprising viral love from confessed fans Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. The latter ladies can be found — separately — on YouTube rapping to the “Pink Friday” cut “Super Bass.” The two most popular clips have racked up more than 2 million views in the five days they’ve been online.

Alrighty then.

The Dream announced on the purple carpet of Justin Bieber's Never Say Never Hollywood premiere the other night that he's giving his fans what they've been asking for. No, not a new face that doesn't look like Teddy Ruxpin. He's dishing out a new album....this August. You ready?

The Randomness:

1. Audra McDonald is leaving "Private Practice." Nooooo! Story

EVENT FAB: Janelle Monae Honored By Essence+Solange Hosts Macy's Bar Pop-Up Store

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 08:45 AM PST

Bad Boy chick Janelle Monae was honored by ESSENCE last night in L.A. We've got the pics of all the fab folks who cam out to congratulate her--Letoya Luckett, Melanie Fiona, Diddy, Toccara, and more. Plus, we've got pics from the fashion event for Macy's last night--DJ'd by Solange of course.

Pics when you read on...

ESSENCE & Sean "Diddy" Combs saluted GRAMMY®-nominated artist Janelle Monae at the 2nd annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music event last night. The invitation-only, red-carpet event was hosted by ESSENCE.com Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin, Joy Bryant and Taraji P. Henson and it all went down at Playhouse Hollywood.