Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

PERFORMANCE FAB: Common & Jill Scott Get Poetic At The White House

Posted: 12 May 2011 09:34 AM PDT

 

Last night, music superstars Common and Jill Scott showcased their poetic talents during An Evening of Poetry at The White House; however, both performers are now being attacked publicly for things they have written or said in the past. 

Get the deets on Common and Jill Scott's growing controversy inside and watch their White House performances...

 

Last night, President Barack Obama welcomed a diverse group of poets to the White House saying,

"The power of poetry is that everybody experiences it differently. There are no rules for what makes a great poem. Understanding it isn’t just about metaphor or meter. Instead, a great poem is one that resonates with us, that challenges us and that teaches us something about ourselves and the world that we live in."

Among those invited were rapper Common and R&B singer Jill Scott.  For fans of Hip-Hop & R&B, the selections of these 2 folks seem safe and ordinary, but it raised red flags with others.  Of course.

Although most people would consider Common a "socially conscious" rapper, commenters on FOX NEWS and Sarah Palin and otherts, coupled with the political blog The Drudge Report are attempting to paint the rapper as a racist and cop-hater based on previous records he recorded. 

And Jill Scott has found herself under the microscope too as critics blasted her for an article she wrote in Essence Magazine in March 2010 about interracial dating.  Critics of Jill have used her words to portray her as a racist as well.

So because of this, they shouldn't be allowed to be artists?  Or they shouldn't be allow to share their gifts at the WHite House?

SMH....At the end of the day, they are REACHING because Common has been in the music business for two decades and is the least violent person in the game. So STOP IT.   Folks are just DESPERATE to hate anything President Obama does--and it's more transparent than ever.  It's sad really. And I think most Black women (even others) can understand where Jill was coming from and it wasn't from a place of hate.

But if you want to see what the fuss was all about, you can watch the performances that FOX NEWS didn't want to happen below:

Watch Common's performance here:

 

 

Watch Jill Scott's performance here:

Loves it.

HOLLYWOOD SPOTTINGS: Christina Milian, Reggie Bush, Meagan Good, & More

Posted: 12 May 2011 08:32 AM PDT

Christina Milian rolled to the Southern Style St. Bernard Project Event with Ambassador Britney Spears looking pretty in pink last night.  Pics of Mommy Christina, plus Reggie Bush, Meagan Good, and Kat Graham, when you read on....

Christina and her damn near perfect self (how much do we hate her for it?) hit the red carpet in this ruched pink dress at the Beverly Hills St. Bernard Project charity event last night.  Her hair and makeup were done to perfection.  Loves the look.

Saints baller--well, at least for now since it looks like he's about to be traded--Reggie Bush also hit up the event.  Random sidenote--Kim K. was there too...awwwwwkward.

And "Vampire Diaries" chick Kat Graham also hit hte carpet in this all black leather and studs look.  Pretty.

Also spotted out in L.A. recently, Meagan Good, her sis LaMiya, and friend Lil B all went out for a night of fun at a mexican Karaoke Bar in The Valley.  They even took some time to pose with a fan:

Fun times.  Not everybody can look this cute with barely any makeup.

Former NFL QB Turned ESPN Analyst Kordell Stewart ARRESTED+NBA Baller Found DEAD At Home

Posted: 12 May 2011 07:50 AM PDT

Lots of drama in the sports world this week! After current Steelers star Hines Ward was mistakenly arrested just last week,  Former Pittsburgh Steelers star QB, Kordell Stewart, was arrested yesterday in Alpharetta, Georgia.  We've got the deets on the baller turned ESPN analyst, plus a former NBA baller who was found dead in his Puerto Rican home, when you read on....

Kordell Stewart, who played QB for the Steelers for 8 years and was in the league for 11 years total, was arrested yesterday Wednesday afternoon and detained 1 hour and 45 mins. The New Orleans native, who now is one of ESPN's top NFL analysts, was unknowingly driving with suspended license due to an out dated traffic ticket.

His publicist sent over a statement saying, "The arrest has opened Kordell's eyes about staying on top of his automobile issues with a closer eye."

Kordell was leaving his mansion he's currently having built with his fiance, Porsha Williams (above), when he was arrested.  On a sidenote, he and Porsha are set to marry May 21st, 2011 at the St. Regis in Buckhead, Atlanta. What a way to kick off your pre-wedding week.

In other sports news, Lebron James' former Cav teammate, Robert "Tractor" Traylor, was found dead in his Puerto Rican home this week.  Lebron James tweeted:

Robert left the NBA recently after an injury, and began playing with the Bayamon Cowboys, a pro basketball team in Puerto Rico.  According to reports:

Traylor was talking with his wife on Skype on Tuesday night when the communication suddenly cut out. She tried to contact him several times, but couldn't reach him. Apartment maintenance staff forced his door open and found Traylor lying on the floor.

A team staff member said there was no signs of violence or any injury.

Other reports say signs are pointing to a heart attack, as he has had heart problems in the past.  So sad.

 

The Randomness:

1.  Dropping $80,000 in a strip club is nothing to be proud of Dennis Rodman. Story

PICS: YBF Folks Hit The Maxim Hot 100 Party

Posted: 12 May 2011 06:58 AM PDT

Keri Hilson tapped into her usual (these days) sex kitten self to sign the MAXIM 100 wall at the 2011 Maxim Hot 100 Party at Eden in Hollywood last night.

 

We've got the pics of all the fab chicks who turned up on the red carpet when you read on....

Kelly Rowland looked gorgeous in gray and gold last night.  Still not loving the wig but she looks great in the dress.

Cute.

Keri Hilson played coy on the carpet in this olive cut-out and revealing dress:

Sigh.  She's such a gorgeous girl.  But I just feel like her look is taking a turn for the D-list reality chick i'm-screaming-for-attention worse--instead of a chic and upgraded style.  Just sayin'.

Actress Kali Hawk worked the carpet in this geometric black and silver sequin dress.

Oh hey Evan Ross.  You and your pants...and whole pajama looking outfit really...are severely upsetting my eyes.  Let's not do this ish again...ok?

Hottie Romeo, who was just recently eliminated from "DWTS", hit the carpet.

Melanie Fiona always looks cute.  She rocked the event in this yellow pencil skirt and black lacy top. 

Would have been cuter had it not been a turtleneck.

Keri kicked it with her girls Melody Thornton and jewelry designer Melody Ehsani.

She's still trying...

Amber Rose and her barely fitting inside the dress chi chi's hit up the event.

Ok.

And actress Dania Ramirez was there as well:

Beautiful look.

RUMOR CONTROL: Prince Says He Didn't Ban Whitney Houston, "She's Always Welcome"

Posted: 12 May 2011 06:08 AM PDT

We told you previously that reports were flying that Prince had banned Whitney Houston from his concerts because of her diva demands, but now Prince's camp has backtracked saying the ban never came from the purple one himself.  Deets inside....

 

Contrary to what you've heard, Prince still wants to see Whitney Houston bathing in the purple rain.  Mama Whit is welcome to scream her head off at any Prince concert she wants.

Through a statement released by his manager, Prince spoke of Ms. Houston saying, "she's always welcome 4 all of eternity."

Although TMZ confirmed the ban with several sources connected to Prince's tour, another source emerged yesterday saying , 

"Someone could have taken it upon themselves to say Whitney was banned ... but it did not come from Prince. Whoever decided Whitney was banned did not have the authority to do so."

So there you have it.  We can expect to see more of Bobbi Kristina and momma Whitney rocking out with Prince this summer. 

 

 

TV FAB: "The Game" Creator Mara Brock Akil Signs Exclusive Multi-Year Deal With BET

Posted: 12 May 2011 05:28 AM PDT

Thanks to the success of "The Game," the show's creator, Mara Brock Akil, and her husband, Salim Akil, have signed a multi-year development deal with BET Networks.  Get the deets inside...

 

BET Networks has announced an unprecedented multi-year agreement with Salim and Mara Brock Akil's Akil Productions.  Through the deal, the YBF husband and wife duo, who currently serve as executive producers for "The Game" will develop new shows for BET Networks.

"We’re thrilled to build on the very important relationship between our network and the Hollywood creative community, especially with two proven powerhouses in entertainment – Salim and Mara Brock Akil,” said Loretha Jones, President of Original Programming at BET Networks.“Through this partnership we hope to continue to bring our audience high quality content that reflects their lives and our communities.”

When asked about the partnership, Mara said,

“Our goal is to expand on our existing brand, by way of Akil Productions, to create new opportunities for ourselves and others,” said the Akils. "BET has provided us with a tremendous platform to create smart, funny and dramatic, quality programming with multi-layered and multi-dimensional characters appealing to millions of viewers.”

The new deal is only the cherry on the Akil's sundae of success. Salim, who also directs "The Game,"  made his feature film directorial debut with Jumping The Broom which opened as the country’s #1 comedy last weekend.  Gotta love YBF folks directing and creating good ish on our own--for our own.  Loves it.
 

TV FAB: The "Love & Hip Hop" Reunion Special + Tichina Arnold's New Series "Happily Divorced"

Posted: 11 May 2011 11:42 PM PDT

 

 

We have the deets on VH1's "Love & Hip Hop" reunion special and Tichina Arnold's new television series inside....

 

We all know there is nothing like a good reality tv show reunion special and the "Love & Hip Hip" reunion is sure to deliver.  Tune in on Monday, May 16, 2011 AT 8PM ET/PT to find out what's going on with both professionally and personally with Chrissy Lampkin, Olivia Longott, Emily Bustamante and Somaya "Boss" Reece and Mashonda.   

Hosted by HOT 97's Angie Martinez, the "Love & Hip Hop" reunion special will answer questions like:

Are Emily and Fabolous still together?

Is the engagement still on with Chrissy and Jim?

Are they planning a wedding? Are Chrissy and Mama Jones finally getting along?

Did Somaya get the last laugh against Olivia on the music charts or vice versa?

To find out, you have to tune in to the reunion special of "Love & Hip Hop" on Monday, May 16th at 8PM on VH1.  Check out full episodes and extra scenes from "Love & Hip Hop" here. 

 

 

Also on tv......

 

Two time NAACP Image Award-winning actress Tichina Arnold is set to star in TV Land's new sitcom "Happily Divorced" with Fran Drescher as Fran's best friend Judi. "Happily Divorced is inspired by Fran Drescher's real life experience and follows Los Angeles florist Fran, whose 18-year marriage ends suddenly when her husband announces he's gay.  The show debuts on June 15th at 10:30pm on TV Land. 

 

MAGAZINE FAB: Amber Roses Covers The June 2011 Issue Of "KING" Magazine + Antoine Dodson's Sexy Bedroom Video

Posted: 11 May 2011 03:42 PM PDT

Amber Rose covers the June 2011 issue of KING Magazine.  See pics and highlights inside plus a "sexy?" video of Antoine Dodson....

 

Amber Rose covers KING Magazine this month and she talked to Sean A. Malcolm.  We have some pics and interview highlights.

What do you think is the perception of Amber Rose?

I spoke to people, asking why do I constantly get ridiculed. Is it because I was a stripper?

Well that doesn’t help that perception much.

But they said, “No, people don’t care about that, it’s that they think that you’re with all these men, when you’re not.” I’m only taking that from certain people that I spoke to. Maybe it’s that too, or that I’m very comfortable with my body. I can be topless on Miami Beach, that doesn’t make me a whore. That’s an everyday thing on Miami Beach. It’s just such a big deal because I’m in the public eye.

If you’re cognizant of these things, why go from one public relationship into another one with Wiz Khalifa?

Let’s put it like this, I promised myself that I would never in my life ever again deal with a man in the music industry…ever!

 

 

But?

I met him to give him a pair of sunglasses from my company. You know, he’s from PA, I’m from PA—I wanted to look out for him. We exchanged numbers over Twitter…

There’s something to be said about Twitter hookups. Continue.

[Laughs] Yeah, but it was strictly business for me to give him the shades. He calls and tells me he’s in LA and can he come and get the shades. I told him I’m about to go to Runyon and work out and I’ll contact him after. He says he has the day off and I told him he could come to Runyon with me because I’m going by myself. It would be cool to have some company. He said, cool.

You guys connected during that workout session, then?

We hung out, we were friends. That’s when I posted that picture [on Twitter] saying, “me and my little brother Wiz.” ‘Cause I was like, “I’m not dealing with no young rapper.”

So when did that relationship turn into incest?

[Laughs] I chilled with him for two weeks. We didn’t kiss or nothing. Then he left for Pittsburgh and when he left I was so lost without him. He has to come back, I just miss him, and I don’t look at him like a little brother.

Why is that?

He’s just so positive. He’s one of those people that in any situation he can always see the brighter side to something. And he always has a smile on his face, he’s never in a bad mood, he’s super talented and smart, he’s a boss. Just being around him I realized he’s not no little boy like I thought he was. He’s a grown man about his business. His music alone, he’s not in the same circle as those other dudes, he’s on some other shit. So when he left we just talked on the phone constantly and that’s when we realized we were really falling for each other. And I was like when this young boy gets back from Pittsburgh; he is definitely getting some…definitely [laughs].

 

Points awarded for honesty. Does it make sense to ask who made the first move?

[Laughs] Ah shit, it was mutual. It was that energy and that feeling, we really fell for each other really hard really fast.

What’s the difference between this relationship with Wiz and your last with Kanye?

The thing of it is…how can I say this without sounding crazy or mean? I’m sorry.

No need to apologize, the floor is yours.

There’s no comparison in personalities. You know when people say how do you go from Kanye to Wiz Khalifa, that’s a downgrade. But the only question I can ask them is: have you ever dated Kanye? Because I have, and believe me, I did not downgrade at all. Not in any aspect, at all.

 

Ouch.....you have to read between the lines on that.  Amber did take some nice pics......

 

 

Watch behind the scenes video here:

 

BONUS:

 

Watch Antoine Dodson dance to Rihanna's "Skin" in his bedroom.

 

EVENT FAB: Brandy And Ray J's Talent Showcase + Sheree Whitfield, Q Parker And Tameka Raymond At ATL LIVE

Posted: 11 May 2011 02:33 PM PDT

Last night, Brandy and Ray J hosted a party to celebrate the launch of their talent agency while Fonzworth Bentley and RL were among the performers at ATL Live.  See the pics inside...

 

Last night in Los Angeles, the Norwood Talent Agency hosted a launch party at the Roosevelt Hotel.  Above, Ray J and Brandy posed with parents Sonja and Willie Norwood.

The Norwood family hopes to turn other aspiring artists into stars like Ray J and Brandy.

Brandy rocked a casual look.

Here are the heads of the Norwood family.

 

Ray J posed with Harmony "Love" Bailey.

MC Lyte posed with Yamma Brown.

Singer Tionne was there.

 

And in Atlanta.....

 

Elise Neal came out to support.

 

 

And in Atlanta......


 

Tameka Raymond and Sheree Whitfield turned out for ATL Live on the Park.

Sheree posed with ex-husband Bob Whitfield and Jamal Anderson.

 

Ronnie DeVoe was there.

Q Parker was there.

Peter Thomas posed with Shante Paige.

RL performed with his group NEXT.

Designer Mychael Knight posed with Fonworth Bentley.

The ATL Live on The Park team all posed together.

Fonzworth Bentley posed with wife Faune Watkins.

 

Fonzworth Bentley was among the performers.

 

Photos via Hiltron Bailey/James Pray

FIRST LOOK: VH1 Releases First Clip From "Singles Ladies"

Posted: 11 May 2011 01:47 PM PDT

VH1 has released a first look at a clip from the movie Single Ladies starring Stacey Dash, LisaRaye McCoy and Charity Shea.  Watch it inside....

 

We told you earlier about Single Ladies, the 2-hour movie event premiering Monday, May 30th at 9 PM ET/PT on Vh1, and now we have an extended clip of the film. 

Single Ladies is a comedic drama set in the world of Atlanta fashion, music and celebrity that follows three best friends— Val, Keisha, and April —through their journey to find love.  After the movie event, "Single Ladies" will continue on VH1 as a scripted series, on June 6 at 9PM.

 

Watch the clip "Spa Day For The Ladies" from the VH1 film Single Ladies:

 

Beyonce Discusses Her New Album Called "4" In The June 2011 Issue Of "BILLBOARD" Magazine

Posted: 11 May 2011 01:06 PM PDT

Beyonce covers the June 2011 issue of Billboard Magazine where she speaks about the next phase of her career and why she cannot be defined as an artist.  Read the interview inside....

 

Beyonce, who will be receiving the Millenium Award on May 22nd from Billboard, recently interviewed with the magazine about her next album 4.  She talks about managing herself, where her career is going and how she understands herself as an artist. 

Read the interview here:

Whenever you put out a new song, it seems to generate a catchphrase. Is that something you think about?

That's what I always want to do - I'm attracted to songs that will become a dinner conversation! [laughs] With "Single Ladies," clearly I'd just gotten married, and people want to get married every day - then there was the whole Justin Timberlake thing [recreating the video] on "Saturday Night Live," and it was also the year YouTube blew up. With "Irreplaceable," the aggressive lyrics, the acoustic guitar, and the 808 [drum machine] - those things don't typically go together, and it sounded fresh. "Crazy in Love" was another one of those classic
moments in pop culture that none of us expected. I asked Jay to get on the song the night before I had to turn my album in - thank God he did. It still never gets old, no matter how many times I sing it.

The new album is called "4." Aside from this being your fourth solo album, what significance does that number hold?

We all have special numbers in our lives, and 4 is that for me. It's the day I was born. My mother's birthday, and a lot of my friends' birthdays, are on the fourth; April 4 is my wedding date.

How did the creative process begin with the new body of work?

I recorded more than 60 songs: everything I ever wanted to try, I just did it. I started off being inspired by [Afrobeat music pioneer] Fela Kuti. I actually worked with the band from "Fela!" [the hit Broadway musical based on his life] for a couple of days, just to get the feel for the soul and heart of his music; it's so sexy, and has a great groove you get lost in. I loved his drums, all the horns, how everything was on the one. What I learned most from Fela was artistic freedom: he just felt the spirit. I also found a lot of inspiration in '90s R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, Teena Marie... I listened to a lot of Jackson 5 and New Edition, but also Adele, Florence + the Machine, and Prince. Add in my hip-hop influences, and you can hear how broad it is. I also gave myself more freedom to really belt out some songs, and bring soul singing back: I used a lot of the brassiness and grittiness in my voice that people hear in my live performances, but not necessarily on my records.

This is your first record that you've made without your father managing you. What sort of options opened up that may be different than before?

It's not that anything bad happened between us. My family has my support always, and they support me, but when you've been working with the same people for 15 years, it's natural to eventually have your own ideas. I believe that parents prepare their kids for the moment that they're on their own: at this point, I'm taking everything my dad and my mother have taught me, and I'm able to do things my way. We were at a point where we'd learned so much from each other, and now it's exciting for me to do this on my own and hire my own team. I've started managing myself.

Your film career recently took an interesting turn. You've gone from "Dreamgirls" to "Cadillac Records" to "Obsessed," and now you're working with Clint Eastwood on the latest remake of "A Star is Born."

It's a dream come true; I'm still in shock that it's really going to happen. Clint Eastwood is clearly the absolute best, and I'm so honored and humbled. I was in no rush to do another movie unless it was the right film, and I didn't even want to touch "A Star is Born" unless it was with him. I actually learned that this project was in existence, and kind of claimed it. I want to get to work right now!

"A Star is Born" is an appropriate choice, as it follows the rise of a female singer to stardom. What have been your milestones on the way up?

I would say when Destiny's Child worked with Wyclef Jean on "No, No, No Part 2" - we were so young and green and in awe of everything, and couldn't wait to sing for him. And winning our Grammy for "Say My Name" was incredible. I remember hearing the song on the radio for the first time: I felt like "Wow, this sounds like a classic - something that will be around forever." Those melodies and that fast, staccato way of singing created a new style; it inspired a whole movement in R&B. Being part of that was amazing.

After all those achievements, what was it like going solo?

Scary and empowering! Everyone in the group was very nervous, and terrified to do things on our own. We missed each other; it was hard having to make your own decisions and not have someone there to say, "I agree" or "I don't agree." But going through that is a part of life; it was a big first step for me, but one of many first steps I'm sure I'll have. I kind of feel like that now again.

I'm approaching 30, and finally took a break in my life, which I've never had. I took more than a year off: I traveled around, spent time with my husband, woke up in my own bed, ate whatever I wanted, went to museums and Broadway plays, watched documentaries, and just had life experiences. I never get to go to concerts because I'm usually performing, so I saw so many shows - great bands, like Muse and Rage Against the Machine, that also inspired the album. There were a lot of artists I'd never been exposed to: I'm like a sponge and soak everything up, and I learned so much from watching these great performers. Having time to grow as a human being was really inspiring, and gave me a lot to pull from. I'm excited about growing: I can just have fun, and the artistic freedom to do whatever I want. At this point, I really know who I am, and don't feel like I have to put myself in a box. I'm not afraid of taking risks - no one can define me.

 

 

EXTRAS:

1.  Today is the 30th anniversary of the day Bob Marley died.  Story. 

2.  Beyonce and Nicki Minaj has been added to the GMA concert series.  Story. 

Rihanna Releases "Man Down" Cover Art And Lashes Out On Twitter + RiRi Endorses Vita Coco Water

Posted: 11 May 2011 11:01 AM PDT

 

 

Rihanna released the cover art to her "Man Down" single today and the picture didn't go over well with one of her Twitter followers.  See what Rihanna said to the "rude" fan inside and find out what drink product Rihanna has decided to endorse....

The "Man Down" cover art looks like it was take during the time RiRi shot the "Only Girl In The World" video, and her red wig didn't sit well with one fan.

The fan asked RiRi why her hair looks "nappy" in the photo.

And Rihanna replied.....

 

LOL.....classic.

 

 

Also in Rihanna news,

Not only is the singer endorsing NIVEA, she has become a spokesperson for Vita CoCo Water saying,

“I love Vita Coco! It’s real coconut water from hand-picked coconuts. It’s delicious and so good for you!”

 

"Road Trip" Actress Mia Amber Davis Dies + Gary Coleman's Remains Still Unburied

Posted: 11 May 2011 10:36 AM PDT

 

Actress Mia Amber Davis, who starred in Road Trip, went into the hospital on Monday for what should have been a small operation, but it also may have led to her death.  Get the deets inside on Mia and also what's going on with Gary Coleman's remains....

 

In an effort to correct an on-going issue with her knee, the husband of Mia Amber Davis says she checked into the hospital on Monday for surgery.  Michael Yard said everything was fine on Tuesday morning when he spoke to his wife, but he got a phone call later saying she was taken to the hospital because of dizziness.

Michael says the next phone call he received was to say that Mia had passed away.  Michael is now in L.A. looking for some answers.  He told TMZ, "I want to know what happened to my wife."

We will keep you posted.

 

Also.....

 

Gary Coleman's body remain unburied.   Although it's been almost a year, Gary's former manager Vic Perillo told the Huffington Post that burial plans have been put on hold because of fighting between Gary's parents and his estranged wife, Shannon Price.


"This was not the proper and dignified manner to show respect for the magnificent talent the world TV and film audience knew in Gary Coleman," Perillo said.  "This was not the send-off he deserved."

Smh.....it's sad to see that so many of our Black stars like James Brown, Gary Coleman and ODB all leave behind family members fighting over money and other things.  I hope this works out. 

 

 
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