Thursday, October 6, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

COSMO GIRL: Nicki Minaj Talks Suicidal Thoughts, Marriage, Babies, & Making Hundreds of Millions

Posted: 06 Oct 2011 09:10 AM PDT

After yesterday's sneak peek of Nicki Minaj's November 201 cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine, the actual pics are now out.  And the "Super Bass" rapper is revealing her former suicidal thoughts, and happier things like making millions upon millions one day.

 

Pics and quotes inside...

Onicka revealed in the new Cosmo that it took going through some dark times to get to where she is now:

“It was one dead-end after another. At one point, I was like, ‘What would happen if I just didn’t wake up?’ That’s how I felt – like maybe I should just take my life.”

“I would pray to God to make me famous, so I could buy my mother a huge house.”

And about where she sees herself in the future:

“I’ll have hundreds of millions of dollars. I will have put out five albums and will have an Oscar and Grammys. And I will be getting married and, a couple of years after that, [I] will have a bun in the oven.”

I actually like these pics--her cutesy without being gimmicky pics work for her.

 

Blake Griffin & Other YBF Athletes Show Off Their RIDICULOUSLY CUT & NUDE BODS For ESPN's Body Issue

Posted: 06 Oct 2011 08:13 AM PDT

The annual ESPN Body Issue always shows us the best side of athletes....their ridiculously cut bods that look like a work of art.  Check out NBA baller & Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin in all his naked glory....plus the other YBF athletes featured in the 2011 issue...

The 22-year-old L.A. Clippers star shot some behind the scenes footage during his photo shoot.  Check it:

A quote from his feature:

26-year-old Sylvia Fowles of the Chicago Sky WNBA team (she hails from Miami though) looks incredible.

Jon "Bones" Jones of Rochester, NY is a 26-year-old UFC Lightweight Champion. Gives a whole new meaning to "fighting weight."

Hot Olympic Gold Medalist trackstar Natasha Hastings fab'd up her pic with studded track shoes.  The 25-year-old sprinter is from Brooklyn and won the gold medal in 400m relay during the 2008 Olympic games in Bejing.

NFL baller Steven Jackson got artsy to show off his cut body.  *fans self*  The St. Louis Rams baller and Las Vegas native spoke about having no insecurities:

And the Dominican-Republic born Jose Reyes of the NY Mets.  The pro baseballer plays shortstop and is a 4-time All-Star.


 

Photog: Francesco Carrozzini/ESPN Body Issue

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth & Professor Derrick A. Bell Jr.

Posted: 06 Oct 2011 07:55 AM PDT

Yesterday, two very influential leaders in the African American community whom you should be familiar with passed away.  Come inside and find out about the impact both Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth & Professor Derrick A. Bell Jr. had on history.

 

Derrick A. Bell, Jr., (Nov. 6, 1930 - Oct. 5, 2011)

Professor Derrick A. Bell, Jr. was the first-tenured African American professor of Law at Harvard University and is credited with founding Critical Race Theory. 

In an obituary published by the NY Times, it said,

Mr. Bell was the first tenured black professor at Harvard Law School and later the first black dean of a law school that is not historically black. But he was perhaps better known for resigning from prestigious jobs than for accepting them.

In his 20s, while working at the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, he was told to give up his membership in the N.A.A.C.P., which his superiors believed posed a conflict of interest. Instead, he quit the Justice Department, ignoring the advice of friends to try to change things from within.

Thirty years later, when he left Harvard Law School, he rejected similar advice. At the time, he said, his wife, Jewel Hairston Bell, asked him, “Why does it always have to be you?”

In “Ethical Ambition,” a memoir published in 2002, Mr. Bell wrote that his wife’s question trailed him afterward, as did another posed by his colleagues: “Who do you think you are?”

Addressing law students grappling with career decisions, he extolled what he called “a life of meaning and worth,” even though, he wrote, he sometimes alienated associates who saw his actions as “futile and foolish.”

 

One of Mr. Bell's most interesting opinions is that he once said he thinks black Americans are more subjugated now than at any time since slavery. He added, he thinks desegregation might have worked out better if the court had instead ordered governments to provide both races with truly equivalent schools.  Hmm....something to think about.

 

Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, (March 18, 1922 – October 5, 2011)

Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth (whom some refer to as Dr. Martin Luther King's right hand man) was also know as the last of the civil rights movement's "Big Three," joining Dr. King and Ralph David Abernathy. The three founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957.

But unlike Dr. King, Rev. Shuttlesworth was known for his more confrontational strategies. Speaking about Rev. Shuttlesworth, Diane McWhorter, who wrote the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction for Carry Me Home, said,

"Shuttlesworth and King were the two major axes of the SCLC part of the movement.  Shuttlesworth was in the vanguard of direct action, pushing towards confrontation. King was the person who could really deal with white people and was more conciliatory. The two of them together formed a dialectic that drove the movement forward."

And his body paid a price for it.  Rev. Shuttlesworth claims to have been bombed twice, beaten into unconsciousness and jailed more than 35 times! 

Both are remembered as remarkable men as we enjoy the benefits of their time and labor (freedom and equality...or what's close to it). 

BIKINI CHICK: Kelly Gets Wrapped Up At The Beach

Posted: 06 Oct 2011 06:51 AM PDT

Kelly Rowland is back on the Miami sand after working hard on "X-Factor UK" overseas.  Pics of her cute beach trip with friends inside...

The beach seems to always be Kelly's first stop when she goes back to her home in the MIA.  She was spotted yesterday rocking a cute yellow cover up over her purple bikini (which we've seen before).  And she wasn't letting that hair of hers get whipped up by the beach winds either--so she donned a white hair wrap and oversized gold earrings.

Water does a body good.

The "Lay It On Me" singer laughed it up with friends while chillin' oceanside while her Girls Group from the showpractced at the X-Factor House in the UK.  The 30-year-old is expected to fly back to the UK today in time for the first X-Factor live show on Saturday, which begins at 8pm on ITV1.
 

 

But before arriving in Miami, she was spotted at Heathrow airport back in London:

Nice.

Photos via SPLASH

MAGAZINE FAB: Naomi Campbell Goes Black & Blue For Issue No.5 Of "LURVE"

Posted: 06 Oct 2011 06:03 AM PDT

Naomi Campbell vamps it up for the cover of the 5th issue of French/ German magazine "LURVE." See the supermodel's full cover inside......

 

Photographed in London last month, Naomi Campbell covers issue No.5 of "LURVE" magazine wearing an ensemble from Gareth Pugh’s Fall/Winter collection.

Asked about the photoshoot, "LURVE" founder/editor Lyna Ahanda decided to give Naomi a darker look saying,

“In this shoot, we wanted Naomi to look like a modern day Mona Lisa. She’s not sporting the usual long locks that we are used to seeing her with. Our idea was to make her look very different – yet still with an iconic reference.

As a black woman, it was such a big achievement to have one of the biggest top models alive on the cover of my magazine. Naomi is the essence of black beauty.”

Naomi looks fabulous!  Reminds me of her vintage modeling pics from 20 years ago.

 

And in case you missed it.....

Naomi recently sat for an in-depth interview with CNBC where she reflected on her life and famous tempter tantrums.  She says she is a work in progress.  Aren't we all...

Rihanna Strips Down For New Armani Jeans Short Film

Posted: 06 Oct 2011 05:36 AM PDT

 

With her blonde pixie-wig on full display, Rihanna sexes it up and strips down in her new Armani Jeans short film. Watch it inside......

 

Shot on location and in black-and-white, spokeswoman Rihanna's new Armani Jeans short, directed by Steven Klein, has the pop-rockstar going on a secret mission in an underground parking lot.

After a bag is dropped off, Rihanna strips down, as her song "Skin" plays in the background, into a new pair of tight Armani jeans.

Watch Rihanna's film here:

 

The short is to help Emporio Armani kick off their brand new website this week.

Site screenshot.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs, Apple Releases Statement

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 06:05 PM PDT

Steve Jobs is one person who crossed all cultural, political, and racial lines. And he gave us a whole new facet of technology and products which now seems none of us go without.

 

The 56-year-old outspoken co-founder of Apple, Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios died today after battling cancer for years. The official statement from Apple, Inc. inside...

President Obama with Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and others at the Silicon Valley dinner in February

Apple said today:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today,” the company said in its statement, released shortly after 4:30 p.m.

“Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”

Apple has lost a visionary and a creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

And President Obama commented:

"The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented."

His innovative foresight in the technology world (and leadership style) is much appreciated.

Here's Steve's much acclaimed commencement address "How To Live Before You Die" at Stanford Univ. back in 2005.

ON THE SET: Trina Returns To The Pole For The "Red Bottoms" Video

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 04:28 PM PDT

Rapper Trina is filming her new video for "Red Bottoms." See Trina take it back to the pole inside....

In her Gil Green-directed video, Miami-based rapper Trina returns to her roots in the strip club for a sexy video shoot for "Red Bottoms."  No shade.  We love Trina around these parts. 

The track appears on her Diamonds Are Forever mixtape.

Trina held auditions for the video recently where she requested ladies who could handle up on a variety of dance styles.

And she recently did a show in Tampa, FL and one of her friends sent her this funny tweet:

Screeeams!! : I agree with , there is alot of lacefronts at this show and that's just the niggas

I already know what y'all are about to say.  Yet and still, I think she looks great in the vid...

Photos via Derickg.com

NEW MUSIC: Willow Smith Ft. Nicki Minaj "Fireball"

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 02:55 PM PDT

Willow Smith just whipped a new track out her bag-o-tricks.  Check out her new single, which just premiered minutes ago, "Fireball" featuring Nicki Minaj inside...

The two ladies in the game who love their bright colors, eyebrow raising outfits and interesting hairstyles have teamed up for a double dose of eccentricity.  The sound is what you would expect from these two--upbeat, gimmicky, feisty, and something for kiddies.

"Fireball" was produced by Stoopid Robots and will likely appear on Willow's upcoming, yet-to-be-named debut studio LP.  You feelin' it?

That Was Quick! Zoe Kravitz's New Boo Is....

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 01:55 PM PDT

Well we didn't see this one coming.  Zoe Kravitz has apparently moved on from her X-Men co-star boyfriend Michael Fassenbender...to another Hollywood male star.

 

Check the pics inside of Zoe slobbing down her new boo....

It's "Gossip Girl" star Penn Badgley.  All my fellow GG fans know Penn, who also starred in the big screen movie, The Stepfather, previously dated his blonde and shiny co-star Blake Lively for a long while.  But who knew he would go for a rock heiress:

The model/actress was seen getting kissy-faced and holding hands with Penn in NYC this morning....just a month after she was spotted strolling around the city with Michael who she (we assume) broke up with. 

Do you boo.

Oh, and speaking of Zoe, the movie Yelling To The Sky that she stars in with Gabby Sidibe and won several film festival awards just got picked up by MPI Media Group.  Now it's slated for a spring 2012 theatrical release.

Pics via SPLASH

VIDEO FAB: Melanie Fiona's "4AM" Video

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 01:36 PM PDT

Melanie Fiona is back with a new video off her The MF Life disc called "4AM."  See Melanie question what's keeping her man out all night inside.....

 

Melanie Fiona has just released a video for her Rico Love-produced track "4AM" off The MF Life disc which hits stores on Dec. 6.

In the Colin Tilley-directed clip, the Toronto-native sits at home while her man parties until the wee hours of the morning.  She has to wonder....what's he doing at 4am?

 

Watch the "4AM" video here:

 

 

The Randomness:

1. Beyonce's "Countdown" video will premiere on MTV at 7:56pm tomorrow (Thursday). Story.

FIRST LOOK: Ne-Yo, Tristan Wilds, & More Behind-The-Scenes Of "Red Tails"

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 01:14 PM PDT

As the premiere date of the likely-to-be-epic movie Red Tails nears, behind-the-scenes footage has just been released with the stars of the film.

 

Check out what the talented group of fellas playing Tuskegee Airmen showed off inside...

A new behind-the-scenes video from the production of Lucasfilm’s epic action film RED TAILS just hit the net.  And the fellas are giving an inside peek into what their life in Prague was like while filming.

As we previously reported, RED TAILS is the highly anticipated film directed by Anthony Hemingway and produced by George Lucas, chronicling the story of the heroic Tuskegee Airmen. The film stars a slew of amazing actors, including Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Tristan Wilds, Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Method Man, Elijah Kelley, Michael B. Jordan and more.

Red Tails hits theaters January 20, 2012.  Will you be watching?

Backstory: 1944. As the war in Europe continues to take its toll on Allied forces, the Pentagon brass has no recourse but to consider unorthodox options -- including the untried and untested African-American pilots of the experimental Tuskegee training program. Just as the young Tuskegee men are on the brink of being shut down and shipped back home, they are given the ultimate chance to show their courage. Against all the odds, with something to prove and everything to lose, these intrepid young airmen take to the skies to fight for their country -- and the fate of the free world.

 

SNEAK PEEK: Hill Harper Directs Rockmond Dunbar, Dwight Eubanks & More In "The Truth"

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 11:25 AM PDT


Actor and NY Times Bestselling author Hill Harper makes his directorial debut with "The Truth" a thrilling short film starring Rockmond Dunbar, Mel Jackson and Dwight Eubanks from "RHOA." Watch the trailer inside......

 

Author Hill Harper makes his directorial debut with "The Truth" a short film written by Randy Crumpton and Craig J. Harris about a man who suspects his wife of infidelity. 

But while demanding to know the truth, he “receives news that devastates their marriage and forever changes their lives, while imparting an important life lesson.”

The film stars Rockmond Dunbar, Diandra Lyle, Terisa Griffin, Dwight Eubanks, Jensen Atwood, Mel Jackson and Eric Lane. 

 

Watch the trailer here:

DO WE LOVE IT?! Christina Milian's Cleavage Baring Look

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 10:28 AM PDT

Christina Milian said she danced on tables all night last night with her girls Teyana Taylor and Jennifer Freeman....since she's still celebrating her 30th birthday.  And we wouldn't think this is what she was dropping it low in.

 

Decide if we love Christina's cleavage baring look inside...

 

Chris tweeted: I just realized that I might as well declare this Birthday.. "30 days of my 30th Bday"!  And she hit Rose Restaurant in L.A. last night for some fun times.

That explains why she's had a million parties over the past month.  And we're not mad at that.  But are we feeling what she chose to party in last night:

Ms Milian showcased some of her "sexy" in this long black skirt and uber deep V sheer black bouse with shoulder embellishments (possibly all one piece).  Had she made one wrong move some serious boobage would have made its debut.

But the pretty mom kept it all in place with her all black look and ponytail.  So...

DO WE LOVE IT?!

ON THE SET: Malinda Williams & Brian T. White Get Bloodied For Monica's "Until It's Gone" Video

Posted: 05 Oct 2011 09:46 AM PDT

Monica teamed up with veteran actors Malinda Williams and Brian T. White for her "Until It's Gone" video shoot. See the pics of the actors and their dramatics on the set inside....

Monica Brown recently tweeted photos from the Harlem, New York set of her Diane Martel directed video "Until It's Gone" with actors Malinda Williams and Brian T. White. 

She tweeted @CEOTUFFLUV Thx 2 & & Im Excited about Diane Martel directing, haven't seen her since Angel Of Mine vid

Then said, Love when we shoot videos more like movies Diane Martel directing, SO honored 2 have Melinda Williams & Brian White as cast.

Malinda tweeted: Wrapped a long day on set #UntilitsGone video @MonicaBrown acting made me proud. Her spirit made me even more proud!!! Thx @actorbrianwhite.

And it looks like Melinda and Brian got "bloodied" during the dramatic shoot.

 

We can't wait to see the finished product off of her NEW LIFE disc in stores on Nov. 29.
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