The Young, Black, and Fabulous

PICS & VID: Swizz Beatz Revamps The NY Knicks Theme Song, Teams Up With Carmelo Anthony & Amar'e Stoudemire
ON THE SET: Beyonce Goes Desert Chic For New Music Video
WINE & DINE: The Braxtons Host Press Dinner In New York
Solange & Jordin Sparks Get FAB For ELLE's Women In Music Concert
Keri Hilson Goes Nude For ALLURE's May 2011 Body Issue
Weezy's Son Grabs Front Row Seats To His Concert+Rihanna Gets Cropped For Dinner
Jennifer Hudson Gets Bright & Happy With Baby David In Barbados!
Lamar Odom Exposes His Father's Heroin Addiction + Toni Braxton Still Thinking About PLAYBOY?!
Mathew Knowles Breaks Down Business Strategy To BLACK ENTERPRISE Mag Behind Split With Beyonce
BIKINI BABY BELLY: Mel B Gets WHITE HOT Flaunting Her Bikini Baby Belly
DO WE LOVE IT?: Eva Marcille's Sexy Tom Ford Look
VIDEO FAB: Somaya Reece Ft. Lumidee "Dale Mami"
Did Gucci Mane Push A Woman From His Car Because She Turned Him Down For $150 Sex?
SPONSORED//Finally Ready For REAL Spring? "CALL IT SPRING" With JC Penney!
PARISIAN CANDIDS: Akon And Kanye West Partying Under The Lights

PICS & VID: Swizz Beatz Revamps The NY Knicks Theme Song, Teams Up With Carmelo Anthony & Amar'e Stoudemire

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 09:17 AM PDT

Yesterday, Swizz Beatz teamed up with the Knicks City Dancers, a few fans, and Knick ballers Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire to tape a video for the new Knicks theme song "Go NY Go." We have a snippet inside plus photos of Swizz Beatz giving back to children in need....

Swizz Beatz, who was recently commissioned to revamp the Knicks theme song, headed over to Madison Square Garden yesterday to tape a video for the venture. Knicks stars Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony were also in the mix. Pics of the fellas from the shoot:

Both Melo and Swizzy took time out to pose for the cameras.

Swizz's son Prince Nasir came along to the shoot to kick it with dad.

After the shoot, Swizz headed over to the 2011 Garden Of Dreams Talent Show at Radio City Music Hall which is dedicated to helping children in need.

He posed with Jill Martin.

And he also posed with Miguel and DMC--who helped him get his start in the music industry.

Watch a snippet of Swizz and Amar'e on the court shooting their vid:

This dude Swizz is on some major business moves swag these days. Not mad.

Photos via WireImage/Nunez/Raglin

ON THE SET: Beyonce Goes Desert Chic For New Music Video

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 08:26 AM PDT

Looks like Beyonce Knowles is working on another video treatment. Supposedly, these uber raw and blurry shots of Bey in the Mojave Desert are part of an upcoming video for a track supposedly called "Girl." While nothing's been confirmed where titles and tracks are concerned, it is clear she's working on some new material.

Pics of desert chic Beyonce when you read on....

With a massive blonde front pouf of hair and a white hot low cut mesh and embroidered detailed top--which could be the bust of a gown--Beyonce headed to the Mojave Desert to shoot a new music video. While the Mojave Desert spans a significant portion of southeastern California and smaller parts of central California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah and northwestern Arizona, Beyonce reportedly shot in the Cali portion.

It has not been confirmed what this video is for--but some reports are saying it's for a single allegedly called "Girl."

I do find it odd the song would be the exact same title as a previous Destiny's Child track. So it makes the rumor a bit suspect for me.

Of course Bey would bring diamonds and fabulosity to the desert. Gotta love it.

Reports are flying that this new video--some of the first work done without her father's management and guidance--has a larger-than-life treatment that is hard to imagine. A few of the alleged details that leaked a few days ago:

Beyoncé is bringing 200 African dancers to Los Angeles today to ensure the dance sequences in her next video are like nothing fans have ever seen.

A source close to Beyoncé said the dancers will help Bey incorporate some of their native moves into her “Girl” music video.

Can't say we're 100% confident all of this is true---yet. But we're just relaying what's out there for now. Can't wait to see the real deal!

The Randomness:

1. Jennifer Hudson performs live TONIGHT on "Dancing With The Stars" results show.

WINE & DINE: The Braxtons Host Press Dinner In New York

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 07:41 AM PDT

Last night, Toni Braxton and her fab sisters Traci, Towanda, Trina, Tamar and mom Evelyn hosted a swanky press dinner to talk about the premiere of their new WE tv reality show "Braxton Family Values."

Pics when you read on....

The Braxtons gathered at Pranna in NYC last to talk to the press about their no-holds-barred tales of drama, love and sisterhood. The show "Braxton Family Values" BRAXTON FAMILY VALUES premieres TONIGHT at 9pm ET/PT on WE tv.

Trina Braxton talked to the press as her sisters Toni and Tamar looked on. I see these are some lucky women with amazingly pretty genes.

Traci Braxton revealed that she missed singing with her sisters. Awww.

Towanda Braxton also acts as Toni's assistant.

Toni has been working that "hand over eye" pose from Eva's ANTM shoot for a few days now. Not mad, just an observation...

Evelyn Braxton, the matriarch of the group, looked lovely.

Tamar is the sister that speaks her mind.

The press ate up what the family was serving up--funny comments, sex tales, and fabness.

Tracey Ferguson of Jones Magazine posed with Jamie Foster Brown of Sister 2 Sister.

Egypt Sherrod of WBLS posed with Breeze Johnson of Music Choice.

And Cori Murray of ESSENCE posed with the homie Emil Wilbekin of Essence.com. Fab times all around.

Will you be watching the premiere tonight?

Solange & Jordin Sparks Get FAB For ELLE's Women In Music Concert

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 07:05 AM PDT

How hot are these ladies! Solange Knowles went 70's sexy chic with wideleg pants, bandeau top, and a wide brim floppy hat for her performance at the ELLE Women in Music Concert last night. And Jordin Sparks showed up looking pretty in purple...with a bit of her animal side coming out.

Pics of the ladies when you read on....

Jordin showed off her sexy new figure as she hit the blue carpet of the Second Annual Women In Music Concert Event at the Henry Fonda theater in Hollwood last night.

Hair on point, curves on point, and loving those shoes too. Lookin' fab Jordin.

Solange Knowles showed off her sultry 70's side in this wide leg pant and bandeau top with oversized cardigan look. She rocked a floppy hat on top of her natural curls:

And we love every bit of this.

Solo took the stage to perform as well:

And showed off another hobo chic look with designer Jeremy Scott and singer Robyn:

Hey Solo!

Keri Hilson Goes Nude For ALLURE's May 2011 Body Issue

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 06:32 AM PDT

Keri Hilson got naked for Allure Magazine's May 2011 Body Issue. And the full pic is inside for your viewing pleasure....

Under the watchful eye of photographer Patrick Demarchelier, Keri Hilson bared her body for the May 2011 issue of Allure magazine. And she was very comfortable with the process telling the mag:

"The transition to being in front of the camera was very, very difficult," she says. "Everyone has their idea of what you should look like. 'You need to get into the gym.' 'You need to wear less clothes.' 'Wear dresses and skirts.' 'Put a weave in.' 'Cut your hair.' 'Color your hair.' There are so many ways that others tug at you."

To Hilson, posing naked stripped her back down to her real self. "We do a lot of things to seek validation: I have to get more expensive handbags or fake lashes or fake boobs. This shoot was about dropping all that."

And we're not surprised she's comfortable naked after seeing her stage and red carpet outfits as of late. Anywho, Keri looks great in the photo. And it's for a great cause that's done annually by Allure. Keri's joined by actresses like Bridget Moynahan, Ashley Tisdale, and Kaley Cuoco. Issue is on stands now.

Weezy's Son Grabs Front Row Seats To His Concert+Rihanna Gets Cropped For Dinner

Posted: 12 Apr 2011 05:49 AM PDT

Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., also known as Lil Tunechi, watched his daddy Lil Wayne perform at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta during the "I Am Still Music" Tour.

Pics of Lil Tunechi and his mom Sarah taking in the concert for the first time, plus pics of Rihanna rocking a cropped haircut with her bestie Melissa out in L.A., when you read on....

Look at that curly cutie.

Sarah Vivan brought Wayne's first born son out to see his daddy do his thing a few nights ago in the ATL. The folks over at Global Grind grabbed some flicks of the fam. And it seemed they enjoyed the concert. Sarah tweeted:

Fun times.

Over in L.A., Rihanna was spotted grabbing dinner at her fave restaurant--Giorogio Baldi--a few nights ago. She and her bestie Melissa left dinner to head to the nightclub Los Palmas:

Cute skirt and jacket combo. Hating the hair though.

Maybe she needs a nap?

That skin is envious though. According to her fansite Rihannadaily.com, Rih has something to celebrate:

Rihanna has sold over a staggering 300,000 tickets for her UK ‘Loud’ Tour to date and to celebrate this record breaking feat she is adding her 10th and final show at the O2 London on Tuesday 20th December 2011. Rihanna has broken the venue’s record with ten shows, the longest ever for a solo female artist at The O2 arena since it opened in 2007.

Nice.

Jennifer Hudson Gets Bright & Happy With Baby David In Barbados!

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 04:24 PM PDT

Jennifer Hudson put on her island best to do some press in Barbados over the weekend. She rocked a cute and flirty white skirt with a multi-colored blouse. And she showed off her new figure in a few other cutesy outfits.

Pics of Jenny doing some interviews, walking the islands, and performing for fans with Baby David, Jr., when you read on....

Cute outfit for a braided Jenny. She rocked Barbados with a concert hosted by the local 104.5 radio station. And did some press beforehand.

She was also spotted around the island in this cute get-up. And hot printed wedges.

And she brought Baby David, Jr, on stage to help her serenade her fans at a concert on the island.

So cute! Jenny tweeted about her trip today:

Yall gotta help me out ! I am stuck n Barbados ! Not use to this ! I'm a city girl !

It is very beautiful here though! I guess I can get use to living on rihanna island

It was a very good crowd at the show here last night ! I love a crowd that give back to u what u give them !!!

She leaves out today.

Lamar Odom Exposes His Father's Heroin Addiction + Toni Braxton Still Thinking About PLAYBOY?!

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 03:36 PM PDT

The Kardashian family has always been very forthcoming with their dirty laundry and family spats, and now they have brought Lamar Odom into the fold. During his show's series premiere last night, Lamar opened up about his hard childhood and revealed that his father was a heroin addict.

Get the deets inside if you missed it, and find out if Toni Braxton is posing for Playboy.

Because Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian only had a 30-day courtship, we find out via their new reality show "Khloe and Lamar" that the couple still has A LOT to learn about each other. And one very troubling point in Lamar's past was his childhood, which he opens up about to wife Khloe.

'I had my mother around until I was 12 years old when she passed away and after that my father wasn’t around.'

'I witnessed things that a 10-year-old definitely wasn’t supposed to see… It’s hard for me to speak up on it and get it through to Khloe because she grew up so different.'

Lamar is referring to his relationship with his father who was a heroin addict. And in true reality tv form, Lamar's father made an appearance on last night's season premiere of "Khloe & Lamar." And while you hope he wants to start over with Lamar, he eventually turns the conversation towards money and tickets tot he Laker game, and you can see Lamar's pain. Sigh.......

Watch a clip here:

In other tv news:

Toni Braxton stopped by "The Wendy Williams Show" recently to dish on her new reality series "Braxton Family Values," her debt (she owes the IRS $500K), and her upcoming Playboy spread.

Toni said the magazine approached her about appearing nude and she is strongly considering it. They offered her $100,000 for the pics.

Toni told Wendy she is still making a decision because she doesn't want kids on the playground to tease her sons about seeing their mama's tig ol bitties. And Wendy gives her some advice as well.

What do you think....should Toni drop trou for the mag?

Mathew Knowles Breaks Down Business Strategy To BLACK ENTERPRISE Mag Behind Split With Beyonce

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 02:41 PM PDT

Mathew Knowles, the CEO of Music World Entertainment, talked business strategy to Black Enterprise magazine. And surprisingly, he sees the Beyonce split as being good for both her and for his company, which will now focus on gospel music. What Pappy Knowles had to say inside...

As he helped nurture the rise and rise of both Destiny's Child and his daughter, Beyonce, Mathew Knowles has stamped his name in ink when it comes to music's legendary managers. And though the highly publicized split with his daughter seemed to come out of nowhere, Mr. Knowles sat down with Black Enterprise to discuss the strategy of letting Beyonce go and expanding his empire.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

After 20 years working as a successful team, you and your No. 1 artist—daughter Beyonce—decided to part ways. As her father and manager; will not having her under your wings be a difficult transition for you?

Interesting enough the transition started way before the official announcement. If you’re strategic, which we are, you don’t make a decision like that before you start dialogue. That dialogue started nine months ago. At the end of the day, I’m Beyonce’s father first and her manager second. Remember, this is 20 years I’ve been doing this. She’s almost 30 years old and if she says, "I want to run my business," I think she’s smart enough that she will get the right team. Beyonce is smart enough to know what she knows and what she doesn’t know, and that takes an even smarter person to admit that. And she knows she can call me anytime. It takes a lot of hours and a lot of staff to run the business of Beyonce. (Laughs)

You’ve set the blueprint for R&B girl-groups with Destiny’s Child and R&B/pop phenoms with Beyonce, yet you’ve expressed interest in solely focusing on gospel/inspirational music. Why have you chosen to ditch secular music?

First of all, I never use the word “secular” because I believe there are just different genres of music. The reason I chose to focus on faith-based and inspirational music is because of the message and hope and it gives people. Folks, especially young people today, want hope. [Music World’s] goal is to get that message across for the masses. There’s tremendous growth potential for the faith-based inspirational community in digital, production, branding, endorsements and merchandising. I believe we can share 20 years of knowledge and successes to make that happen.

How has Beyonce’s departure affected Music World’s momentum and relevance?

To give that comparison, I evaluate my email activity, which has gone up 100 emails today. Now I’m really focused and I have activated myself in such a way to embrace new opportunities. I’m so grateful and blessed to have had so many successes. I pinch myself sometimes to think of this country boy who has accomplished so much from my career at Xerox to be the No. 1 sales rep, have talented daughters and a wife, the creation of Destiny’s Child, a No. 1 female artist. And I don’t know if folks know this but of all the artists in the world in a decade, Destiny’s Child and Beyonce are on that Top 10 list. I’ve achieved and accomplished more that I could have ever dream.

So after achieving Music World domination—literally and figuratively, what’s next?
(Laughs) One of the things this [decision] has allowed me to do is reduce my overhead and now personally focus on our gospel/inspirational label and to take some days off and some more relaxing time. For the last 20 years I’ve worked quite a bit and even more importantly I can look at other opportunities. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day we land another A-list R&B client or Destiny’s Child (that we still manage) goes on tour or puts out a commemorative box set that includes everything about them that their lifelong fans want.

Great interview with Mathew. Your thoughts on the split?

Source

BIKINI BABY BELLY: Mel B Gets WHITE HOT Flaunting Her Bikini Baby Belly

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 01:19 PM PDT

How precious is this! Mel B. was spotted getting smothered with kisses all over her body by her youngin' Angel Iris and hubby Stephen while chillin' poolside in L.A. recently. The hot mom slipped into her white hot bikini and flaunted her protruding baby bump.

Pics of toned and fab mom-to-be 3x over when you read on...

Mel said her body changed almost over night this time around. She tweeted today:

'Hell yizzels!!! My bump and my ass have towns named after them now!! Hahaha.'

Looks like Papa Stephen can't keep his hands off though, so he's not complaining. Can we blame him?

The fam played around poolside and mom and dad got PDA happy.

LOL.

Mel looks uber fab preggo. And it looks like her family life is on the up and up now too. Mel has been estranged from her sister, Danielle, and her mom and dad for the past 2 years after they made comments to the press about Stephen (who they don't approve of) and Mel and their relationship. Recently, Danielle allegedly spoke tot he tabloids telling them she and Mel still haven't spoken in months.

Mel tweeted recently to Danielle: 'Hi sis weird press saying we don't talk, when we spoke a few weeks ago, btw @theshed looks amaz herd you have grt buns lol!!!'

Danielle then replied: 'OMG a tweet that is nice but a call would be nicer, I dont have your number LOVE YOU(call mum and dad too) xxx'

Mel later added to Danielle on Twitter: 'So sorry I just texted you and everyone my number, would love to see you if you have time, so proud of you! Xxxxx'

Well at least they're in touch again. Stay fab mama!

DO WE LOVE IT?: Eva Marcille's Sexy Tom Ford Look

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 12:43 PM PDT

Eva Marcille is back on her modelicious grind. Decide if we love how she's rocking these uber sexy Tom Ford boots behind the scenes at her new photoshoot, when you read on....

Eva Marcille was seen behind the scenes of her new photo shoot in her 2011 Spring limited edition runway lace up Tom Ford boot. Sticker price: $5,200. Did she rock every cent of that boot?

DO WE LOVE IT?!

VIDEO FAB: Somaya Reece Ft. Lumidee "Dale Mami"

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 11:53 AM PDT

Reality star Somaya Reece has released a new single (which she is calling her first official single) called "Dale Mami" and we have it for you inside. Come see what the hype is about and say if you think Somaya has skills on the mic....

Somaya Reece of VH1's "Love & Hip Hop" dropped a video today called "Dale Mami" and it features Lumidee. We listened to the track and we agree with Jim Jones' girlfriend Chrissy...Somaya needs more practice.

Chrissy had her man's back when she stopped him from jumping on one of Somaya's tracks.

Watch Somaya Reece ft. Lumidee in "Dale Mami" here:

And here's her "Would You Still Love Me" video:

Did Gucci Mane Push A Woman From His Car Because She Turned Him Down For $150 Sex?

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 11:13 AM PDT

We told you previously that Gucci Mane aka Radric Davis was arrested by the DeKalb County Fugitive Squad for a parole violation...now we have details about the incident that put him back behind bars...

Don't turn Gucci Mane down for sex. Because if you do, one woman claims he'll push you out of a moving car.

We now know that Gucci was arrested for a parole violation after a woman filed a complaint on April 1st and had a Magistrate Court Hearing. The woman claims that on January 28th, Gucci Mane picked her up at South DeKalb Mall in a white Hummer and asked her to breakfast.

Said woman recognized him as a rapper so she got inside the car. But when Gucci kept driving and didn't stop for food, she says he turned to her and asked her to have sex with him for $150. When she refused, she says he physically shoved her out of the Hummer while it was still on the road. 11 Alive News reports:

According to the report, the woman was transported to Atlanta Medical Center complaining of soreness and pain. The woman was advised to apply for a warrant. "Detectives did not take out a warrant," said DeKalb Police spokesperson Mekka Parish. "In misdemeanor assault/battery cases the victim applies for warrants."

Sigh.....so after the woman filed her complaint, it hit the system and alerted officers that Gucci was up to no good while on probation. This is not a good look Gucci!

Watch the report here:

SPONSORED//Finally Ready For REAL Spring? "CALL IT SPRING" With JC Penney!

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 10:40 AM PDT

PARISIAN CANDIDS: Akon And Kanye West Partying Under The Lights

Posted: 11 Apr 2011 10:16 AM PDT

Akon and Kanye West spent the weekend in Paris performing, shopping and flirting with French girls. See candids of Akon inside and also see Kanye's new mystery date....

Rapper Akon performed at the VIP Room in Paris yesterday and he drove the French women wild.