Monday, May 2, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

HOT MAMA: Christina Milian Takes Violet To The Beach

Posted: 02 May 2011 08:10 AM PDT

Talk about a hot mama.  Christina Milian hit the beach with her daughter Violet and showed off her bikini body.  See more pics inside and also see Christina at a Cancer rally for kids inside....

 

Having been a mother for just over a year now, Christina Milian hit the beach in Miami over the weekend with her daughter Violet.

 

Christina wore a striped black and white bikini.

 

She put Violet in a cute sundress and hat to protect her from sunbrun. 

 

Also over the weekend,

 


 

Before Christina took Violet to the beach, she was seen attending the Rally for Kids with Cancer in Miami.


 

She even makes charity work look fabulous.

Then she and Violet went to brunch and continued to raise money and awareness.

The Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup "Start Your Engines Brunch" was held at the Eden Roc, a Renaissance Beach Resort and Spa in Miami.

 

 

Photos via WireImage/INFPhoto

SPOTTED: Fantasia Performs In N.O. + Jada Pinkett Smith At L.A. Book Fest + Nia Long Grabs Something Cold

Posted: 02 May 2011 06:31 AM PDT

 

Fantasia brought her emotionally charged show to New Orleans over the weekend.  See pics of her performing inside and also see Jada Pinkett Smith dropping knowledge at a L.A. book festival and Nia Long sipping an iced drink...

Yesterday, Fantasia performed at the 2011 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fesival at the Fair Grounds Race Course.

 

Of course the shoes came off.

And at one point, Fantasia got off the stage to be a little closer to her fans.


 

Then she lead the audience thru the chorus of one of her hit songs.

 
 

She is a great entertainer.

 

And over in Los Angeles.....


 

Jada Pinkett Smith attended the Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books.

Her shoes were hot. 


 

Jada was at the festival to interview bestselling author Sister Souljah about her book Midnight and the Meaning Of Love.

 
 

Then they both signed autographs.

Watch the interview here:

 

 

And on the other side of L.A...

A casual Nia Long was spotted leaving Panera Bread with an iced drink.


 

Even in a simple outfit she looks great.

Photos via WireImage/various

Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott And Kerry Washington Attend The Mary J. Blige Honors Concert

Posted: 02 May 2011 05:42 AM PDT

Last night, Mary J. Blige hosted the second annual Mary J. Blige Honors Concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.  The event raised money for scholarships for young women and was attended by Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott and Kerry Washington.  See pics inside...

The 2nd Annual Mary J. Blige Honors Concert was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom last night to benefit FFAWN’s (The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc.) 
Scholarship Fund. The fund helps send young women to college with full, four-year scholarships.

The fabulous Jennifer Hudson was among the attendees.

 
 


 

Kerry Washington looked radiant during her stroll to the red carpet.  She wore very minimal makeup and let the vibrant colors of her outfit do the talking.


 

Mary J. Blige was looking more youthful than ever as she posed with her husband Kendu Isaacs.

LaLa Anthony wore this blue dress with a purple train.


 

LeToya Luckett was there.


 

Tony award winner Phylicia Rashad posed on the carpet.

 

 

Hey Russell!

 

Jill Scott looked wonderful.

Singer Corinne Bailey Rae made an appearance.

 

And "The Voice" judge Christina Aguilera also helped raise money for the fund.

Photos via WireImage/H. Dziekan

VIDEO FAB: Swizz Beatz Ft. Eve's "Everyday (Coolin')"

Posted: 02 May 2011 05:19 AM PDT

Swizz Beatz has released a video for his collaboration with Eve called "Everyday (Coolin')."  Watch the video inside....

The black and white video was directed by Taj and is the lead single off Swizz Beatz next album, Haute Living.

In the video, Swizz and Eve are join by several dancers who look like they have been digitized to add a glow to their skin.  Check out the visuals...

President Barack Obama Responds To Osama Bin Laden's Death

Posted: 01 May 2011 08:47 PM PDT

Nearly ten years after the September 11 attacks he took credit for, Osama Bin Laden is dead.  Deets inside....

According to the Washington Post, American officials say Osama bin Laden was shot and killed iby U.S. Navy Seals in a mansion-like compounsd close to the Pakistani capital.  And during a televised message to America, President Barack Obama made these remarks.... 
 

     THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.
 
It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history.  The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory -- hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.
 
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world.  The empty seat at the dinner table.  Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father.  Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace.  Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.
 
On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together.  We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood.  We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country.  On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.
 
We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice.  We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda -- an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe.  And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.
 
Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort.  We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense.  In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support.  And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.
 
Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan.  Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.
 
And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.
 
Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden.  It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground.  I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan.  And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.
 
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.  A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability.  No Americans were harmed.  They took care to avoid civilian casualties.  After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
 
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.  The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.
 
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort.  There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.  We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.
 
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam.  I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam.  Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.  So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
 
Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was.  That is what we’ve done.  But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding.  Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.
 
Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts.  They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations.  And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
 
The American people did not choose this fight.  It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens.  After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war.  These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.
 
So Americans understand the costs of war.  Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed.  We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies.  We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror:  Justice has been done.
 
Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome.  The American people do not see their work, nor know their names.  But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
 
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country.  And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
 
Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. 
 
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11.  I know that it has, at times, frayed.  Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people. 
 
The cause of securing our country is not complete.  But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to.  That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. 
 
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are:  one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
 
Thank you.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.
         
                       
 

Watch President Barack Obama address the nation here:

 

Gold bless our President.  God bless our troops.

EVENT FAB: Pharrell, Sinbad, And Jermaine Dupri At ASCAP Expo 2011 + Keyshia Cole At The Walk For Women

Posted: 01 May 2011 01:16 PM PDT

Yesterday, some of the most prolific songwriters in the music industry gathered in Los Angeles to honor each other and talk about industry changes in Los Angeles.   See pics of Jermaine Dupri, Pharrell and others who keep up on the dance floor plus photos of Keyshia Cole helping raise money for charity.

 

Pharrell Williams was among the talent who helped inspire young producers, songwriters and artists at the ASCAP " I Create Music" Expo at the Renaissance Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA.

Now in its sixth year, the three-day conference provides a welcoming environment for aspiring music creators to learn and meet some of the music industry's top talent, as well as network with their peers.

Pharrell Williams sat  down for a master session to explore what can be accomplished when you have talent, ambition, vision, a knack for collaboration to build a successful career with host Jon Platt of EMI.
 

 

Jermaine Dupri sat down for an interview with longtime collaborator and friend songwriter Johnta Austin as part of a writer/composer focused Master Sessions.
 

Singer Mateo was among the performers.

Melanie Fiona was there too.

Fergie brought some superstar glam to the event.

 

Other attendees included comedian Sinbad and his daughter musician Paige Bryan.

Producers No.ID, Drumma Boy, Needlz and Keith Harris shared their success stories and offered advice on how to advance to the next level.

Melanie Fiona, songwriters Andrea Martin, Cri$tyle"The Ink" Johnson, Kelly Price and ASCAP VP of Membership Nicole George shared their experiences navigating the music industry and achieving creative success.

 

 

And in NYC........

Keyshia Cole attended the 14th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women.

I guess Keyshia didn't participate in the actual
run" with those heels on...but the fans were happy to see her.

 

We told you previously that her mom Frankie was back in jail, I hope things are getting better.

 

Photos via ASCAP

?uestlove's "When I was 17" + 50 Cent's "Origin of Me" Trailer + Baby Denies Trying To Sign Soulja Boy

Posted: 01 May 2011 09:51 AM PDT

This weekend's episode of MTV's "When I was 17" featured famous drummer, producer, and DJ ?uestlove. Watch the clip from this weekend's series plus read on to see the trailer for 50 Cent's new documentary Origin Of Me and Cash Money CEO Baby denies trying to sign Soulja Boy...

Ahmir Khalib Thompson aka ?uestlove discovered his love for music after he received a keyboard for Christmas. He told MTV:

          "It was my job to make beats during lunchtime period... I sorta got inducted into cool guy territory.

Well that keyboard definitelty helped him blossom into the super talented phenom phenom that he is today.

 

50 Cent will star in a new VH1 Roc Doc episode where he will travel  to Edgefield, South Carolina, and trace his family's tree and ancestral roots. In The Origin of Me doc, the G-Unit MC discovers that his former ancestors fought the "Redshirts," who were the precursors to the Ku Klux Klan. Peep the trailer:

 The documentary will premiere May 23rd at 9 p.m. ET/PT on VH1.

 

Yesterday, we reported that Soulja Boy announced that Cash Money President Baby was interested in signing him. Well, not quite. Baby took to twitter to clarify the rumors:

YMCMB busine$$ real talk.I neva tried 2 sign n0b0dy thts already sign 2 s0meb0dy.we d0nt r0ck like tht.I neva tried 2 sign s0ulja.but I respect tha lil h0mey wrk keep getn it$$$$

Womp.Womp.
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