Saturday, January 21, 2012

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

BEHIND THE SCENES: OUTTAKES From Toya Wright's PHOTOSHOOT With Reginae & Bria Williams

Posted: 21 Jan 2012 08:39 AM PST

Author and reality star Toya Wright just sat for a fab photoshoot with Robert Ector. See behind the scene pics inside and check out YBF kids Bria and Reginae on the set too....

Toya Wright and her new brown tresses recently tweeted a few flicks from her ATL photoshoot with Robert Ector.  Not sure what publication it's for, but pretty pics nonetheless.

She gave props to her team saying,

giving me the Wright look!

thank u so much for styling me today for my Photoshoot...... U killed all 3 looks. U are the Bomb!!

The Ampro Gel spokeswoman and her spokesman hubby Memphitz will be doing press days at Wal-Mart today in ATL. 

Robert tweeted that Baby's daughter Bria and Toya and Lil' Wayne's daughter Reginae were also a part of the shoot.....

Just wrapped fun shoot w/ the YOUNG MONEY PRINCESSES! .

Pretty girls they are....

 

Photos via Robert Ector

Essence Atkins SPOTTED Looking Fab One Month After Giving Birth! + Eric Benet's NEW Baby Girl "Lucia Bella"

Posted: 21 Jan 2012 07:43 AM PST

Only one month after giving birth, Essence Atkins was spotted out looking fab at a Hollywood event.  See the pics inside and look at the first image of Eric Benet's daughter Lucia Bella.


New "momma" Essence Atkins was spotted out in Hollywood recently.  And snapped right back to her pre-baby look in just 1 month.

She hit up the gifting suite for the Golden Globes and a few other Hollywood parties.

And in other baby news......

Thanks to his PR folks, the first image of Eric Benet and wife Manuela Testolini’s new baby girl Lucia Bella, who was born in LA on December 21st, 2011, is out.

The couple is featured in this week's Us magazine as well.

Eric says about his newly expanded family:

"Manuela and I are overjoyed with baby Lucia! She is perfect in every way and as expected, Manuela is truly proving to be the world's best mother. She is so attentive, nurturing and loving.  Little Lucia also gets a doting big sister in India, and an older, wiser daddy this time around. We must be the happiest family on the planet right now."

By the way, Eric has a new single “Real Love,” which is the first single off his forthcoming, new album The One, available May 8th, 2012.

 

Watch the making of Real Love vid which will feature couple in love, below:

Photos via Amy And Stuart

 

 

DINNER & DIAMONDS: LaLa Anthony & Monica Brown Shop It Up Before Watching Their Hubbys Courtside

Posted: 21 Jan 2012 06:51 AM PST

Wednesday night, before the Phoenix Suns played the NY Knicks at Madison Square Garden, NBA wives Monica and LaLa did a little pre-game shopping at Jacob The Jeweler's place and grabbed some dinner afterwards. Pics of the twosome inside...

Since their hubbys were competing against each other Wednesday night--Shannon Brown's wife Monica and Carmelo Anthony's wife LaLa had some pre-game girl time.  The two dined at Parea Bistro--a Greek restaurant in the Flatiron district of NYC:

Cute looks for the ladies.  And loving Mo's yellow Balenciaga bag.

Earlier in the evening La hit up Jacob & Co. were reportedly La planned on copping a $50,000 watch!  No word if she actually went through with the transaction.  But her girl Mo was there to give her a second opinion if so:

The Suns beat the Knicks 91-88.  You've always got your diamonds to comfort you La...

Pics: SPLASH

IT'S OVER??!! Heidi Klum DIVORCING Seal!!??

Posted: 21 Jan 2012 05:19 AM PST

After nearly seven years of marriage and 4 kids (3 biological) Heidi Klum is set to file for divorce from soul-singer Seal. Deets inside....

Sources are reporting that next week, supermodel Heidi Klum plans to file divorce papers in L.A. County Superior Court from husband Seal.

She will cite "irreconcilable differences" as the cause for the divorce.

And though they have 3 kids (plus Seal adopted Heidi's eldest daughter), I guess one of the poster-couples for blended families just couldn't make it work.

So now the couple known to renew their vows every year, won't be walking down the aisle Jackie Christie-style for their anniversary on May 10.

Deets are sketchy, but reports say Heidi Klum made $20 million last year.  I wonder if they had a pre-nup?

Meanwhile, Seal was spotted smiling upon arival at LAX airport yesterday after promoting his new cd Soul 2 (Jan. 24th).  Maybe he didn't know what was coming:

So much for a kiss from a rose...

The Randomness:

1. Marc Anthony gets tattoo for new girlfriend.  Story.

Pic: Fame/Flynet

FASHION FOLKS: Kanye Hits Givenchy's Front Row+Thandie Newton Covers MONARCH

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 05:44 PM PST

Mr. West snuck away to Paris for the Givenchy Menswear Autumn/Winter 2013 show today.  We've got the pics of Kanye chillin' front row, plus Thandie Newton looking fab for MONARCH magazine...

Kanye's been chillin' overseas for a while working on his music, his clothing line, and more in London, Milan, and elsewhere.  So he skipped over to Paris today to take in the Givenchy 2013 Menswear show.


Love seeing a smile on 'Ye again.  He kicked it with former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld.  He's loving his leather pants these days too.  Paris Men's Fashion Week ends on the 22nd.

 

In other fashion news, Tyler Perry's Good Deeds star Thandie Newton is covering the Winter 2012 issue of MONARCH magazine.
 

"The older you get, the more time is extraordinary," Thandie told the mag.

In the magazine, the 39-year-old opens up about family, the power of humanity and the meaning of letting go.

SPOILER ALERT: Kimbella Reveals BIG BABY SECRET On "Love & Hip Hop" Finale

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 04:09 PM PST

While her man Juelz Santana is in lock up at the time, Kimbella reveals a big secret on the upcoming "Love & Hip Hop" finale.  Spoiler and video of her reveal inside...

The girl involved in the most fights this season of VH1's "Love & Hip Hop," Kimbella Vanderhee, reveals on Monday's season finale that she and Juelz are having another baby.  Her oldest is third grader Leandro, and youngest is her baby with Juelz, who is a little over a year old.

Rumors on the net had everyone in the cast pregnant at some point this season--but it seems as though the baby ticket holder is actually Kimbella.

Kim told her parents, who came up from Miami for a visit, that this was the longest time Juelz had been in custody (he was arrested in November on suspicion of making terrorist threats and disorderly conduct)--and he's now out on $46K bail.  So she was "just making it" but seemed very happy about her pregnancy news.

 

She partied at Club Perfections in Queens with castmates Olivia and Yandy earlier this week and tweeted this pic before going out:

No obvious baby belly yet, but if this was filmed back in November, she's only 2 months. Or possibly another explanation?  Here's the video clip from Monday's upcoming episode where Kimbella spills the beans about expecting another child, with her 2 sons there as well:

 

Also in the season finale, Chrissy, Jim and Mama Jones head to Jamaica for some fun in the sun. Yandy attempts to move past her problems, but will she ever resolve her differences with Jim and Chrissy? And for Somaya “Boss” Reece, she is headed back to Los Angeles with a new investor and a new look, but, does she have what it takes to really be a “Boss?”

Kimbella is booked to party in the Bronx this weekend amongst other places.  Interesting...

Nicki Minaj RELEASES "Stupid Hoe" Video & Pushes Album Back + Ashanti ENDS Beef With Ja-Rule, Says "We've All Grown"

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 03:44 PM PST

Nicki Minaj has released a video for her "Stupid Hoe" track off her forthcoming Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded disc. Yeah, we're shocked by it too.  Check the visual inside and find out about Ashanti and Ja-Rule making up......

Nicki Minaj has released the Hype Williams-directed clip for "Stupid Hoe" from her upcoming Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded LP, which she just announced via twitter has been pushed back to April 3rd.

The colorful clip also features an appearance from her alleged, supposed, might-be lover....hypeman SB. 

The neon rampant clip features Nicki and all her personalities in various wigs and Barbie poses.  And at one point she dresses up like a leopard (in a cage).

Watch the video below:

 

Also in music.....

Ashanti stopped by “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” where she talked about her new single “The Woman You Love,” record label and making amends with Ja Rule recently.  Here are the highlights:

On reconciling with Ja Rule:

“We had a three-and-a-half hour conversation and we just hashed out years and years and years of stuff. That’s my brother. I love him and I hope he’s doing well. I think he’s in good spirits. We’ve all been through a lot. We’ve all grown. We’ve all learned. We were all young starting out in the industry. We hashed out a lot of stuff and we needed that.”

On recording her single with Busta Rhymes:

“We were listening to the playback of the record and [Jerry Wonda] had the speakers knocking crazy, so Busta came in the room like, ‘Yo, what is that?’ So we had to bring the beat back. And he was like, ‘Shuck! My sister, queen. I need to be on that.’”

On launching her own label, Written Entertainment:

“I am the first artist on my new record label, so I’m super excited about that, so you know that profit share is big, homie.”

 

Listen to the interview here:

And......

Well good for them.

Clippers Stars Blake Griffin & Chris Paul Get HEMMED UP By Marilyn Monroe Look-A-Like

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 02:28 PM PST

The L.A. Clippers stars are just living it up these days.  In true Hollywood fashion, Blake Griffin & Chris Paul had a feisty night with a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like.  Pics inside...

No need to tweet Chris' new wife Jada or Blake's girlfriend.  The look-alike was a Marilyn Monroe impersonator who did her Ms. Monroe best of being all up on the fellas...kisses and all.

The Clippers had a luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel yesterdayto celebrate their new season being off to a great start with their new mansion-copping star Chris Paul.

Other coaches and players, like Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, and DeAndre Jordan, were all there too. 

Have fun fellas....

The Randomness:

1.  It's official...Vanessa Bryant was broken off $75 mill and all 3 of ex-husband Kobe Bryant's homes in the divorce settlement.  That was a mighty profitable 10 years of work put in.... Story

Pics via Pacific Coast News

 

SOPA Bill DIES! The White House Celebs & Have Some Words About It.....

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 02:12 PM PST

Earlier today, it was announced that Rep. Lamar Smith has withdrawn SOPA, the highly controversial anti-piracy legislation attempting to be passed in Congress.  Read his statement inside and find out how Swizz Beatz and other celebs play a role in all of this....

It's been a messy week online for a few a few internet companies and a few top notch celebs.  A while back, Universal Music Group got pissy after a few of its artists (Diddy, Kanye West, Will.i.am, Chris Brown, The Game, Alicia Keys) appeared in an online video for "Megaupload" (a file sharing company for which Swizz Beatx is the acting-CEO). 

So what's the problem?  Don't celebs lend their names to upstart companies all the time?  Well....yes.  But this is a file-sharing company and the music industry (not always the celebs themselves) gets pissy about those because "sometimes" folks use them to trade music and movies (for free). Which is also labeled as "piracy."  So the hugely popular file sharing site was totally shut down by the Feds yesterday and also sued for “racketeering conspiracy, conspiring to commit copyright infringement, conspiring to commit money laundering and two substantive counts of criminal copyright infringement.”

Swizz Beatz was surprisingly revealed to be the ACTING CEO (not the owner), but was not named in the suit--only the German, Hong Kong, and other owners/investors were named.

Watch the video here:

Also, check out the Dept. of Justice statement about Megaupload which names all the people arrested and charged with piracy over at DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD Here.

 

Simultaneusly, there was also a bill put forth in both the House (SOPA) and the Senate (PIPA) which targets cracking down on online piracy (which folks claim Megaupload would be used for).  The bill was looked at as a slippery slope into censoring ALL internet and social media, as it would vaguely control (meaning SHUT DOWN) any website that has any dealings (whether directly or indirectly) with any unapproved property uploaded/linked to on the site.  Even if commenters/users were the people uploading.  And even if the artist approved.  The debate crossed political, musical and social media platforms.

And Hollywood was not silent about its views on SOPA.  Several celebs tweeted their opinions:

Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk) said,

“Please don't ignore what's happening here. IMPORTANT MOMENT IN HISTORY! #StopSOPA http://t.co/fgPx2zQH”

Omar Epps (@omarepps) said,

 “Dear Wikipedia, Until you legitimize your sources and hold yourself accountable for falsities and misinformation, you really won't be missed at all. Sincerely, Me”

MC Hammer also tweeted his opposition to SOPA, in one instance, a fan asked him

@MCHammer Wouldn’t it be nice if the tech & content industries could work together from scratch to find a solution? #stopSOPA.”

MC Hammer responded, “yes.”

And the White House shot down SOPA as well saying,

" While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet.”

After a big messy week with blacked out sites, pissy celebs, Hollywood big wigs still attacking the President despite his stance, the bill ended up dying. 

Rep. Lamar Smith, who was the chief sponsor of SOPA, announced earlier today that he's pulling the bill “until there is wider agreement on a solution.”  He added, “I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy.  It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products.”

He released this statement:

“We need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products. “The problem of online piracy is too big to ignore. American intellectual property industries provide 19 million high-paying jobs and account for more than 60% of U.S. exports. The theft of America’s intellectual property costs the U.S. economy more than $100 billion annually and results in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Congress cannot stand by and do nothing while American innovators and job creators are under attack.”

“The online theft of American intellectual property is no different than the theft of products from a store. It is illegal and the law should be enforced both in the store and online.

“The Committee will continue work with copyright owners, Internet companies, financial institutions to develop proposals that combat online piracy and protect America’s intellectual property. We welcome input from all organizations and individuals who have an honest difference of opinion about how best to address this widespread problem. The Committee remains committed to finding a solution to the problem of online piracy that protects American intellectual property and innovation.”

 

Over in Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) also stopped their bill saying, 

“In light of recent events, I have decided to postpone Tuesday’s vote on the PROTECT IP Act.”

The internet is a little bit safer from Big Brother...for now. But folks are still watching and the block is hot...

 

Beyonce Says Losing Etta James Is "Huge," Janet Jackson, & More Respond To The Loss

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 01:01 PM PST

After portraying the late Etta James on the silver screen back in 2008 in Cadillac Records and covering her song at the 2008 Inaugural Ball, Beyonce Knowles paid homage to the legend today on her official website.  We've got her heartfelt words and what Janet Jackson, Kimora Lee Simmons, Mariah Carey, Slash, and plenty more had to say about the loss...

Beyonce, pictured above with Etta James and her family at the Cadillac Records L.A. premiere in November 2008, posted a message in remembrance of the "At Last" singer on her official site:

"This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed."

And celebs are also remembering Mrs. James and tweeting their thoughts:

Janet Jackson: Today we lost a Remarkable Woman, Etta James. Your music and legacy will live on forever. Etta, I love u.

Alexandra Burke: Omg. RIP Etta James... I'm so sad . So so sad. I have no words.

Slash: Deeply saddened by the loss of Etta James, a true legend in our time. RIP.

Tia Mowry: Etta James may you rest in peace. Your soul will never be forgotten! XoxoT

Rosario Dawson: The great Etta James has left this earth... RIP Miss Peaches

Russell Simmons: our contributions to this earth are never erased...the spirit lives on... RIP Etta James

Mariah Carey: Rest in peace to one of the world's most influential singers Etta James, you will be missed.

Cyndi Lauper: Omg, we lost Etta James today. May she rest in peace and thank you Etta for all the wonderful singing you left behind for us. I'll miss her

Kimora Lee Simmons Hounsou: RIP Etta James! One of the best to ever do it! #OftenImitatedNeverDuplicated. I luv u 4ever! #Fabulosity #fb

Chaka Khan: Rest in peace Etta James. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kelly Rowland: CLASSIC. ONE OF A KIND. PURE SOUL. ETTA JAMES! Thank You for gracing us with your incredible talent & presence!

Anthony Hamilton: Etta James helped pioneer the heartbeat of a new generation w/ a musical style that allowed people 2 feel outside the box. She'll be missed.

Niecy Nash retweeting Sheryl Lee Ralph: Etta was my neighbor for many years. RT @thesherylralph: "At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over." RIP Etta James

Amber Riley: RIP Etta James :( such a unique & beautiful voice

Latoya Jackson: RIP Etta James One of the greatest voices we ever had! You will definitely be missed! The way you sang#AtLast was so moving!!! #TooSoon?”

Tracie Thoms: I'm so sorry to hear about Etta James' passing. We lost a LEGEND today. #ripettajames. Nobody did it like you did.

Flo Rida: I'm deeply saddened by the passing of the Great Etta James and I will be forever grateful for the gift she Blessed me with.

Jason Derulo: R.I.P Ms Etta James. You put a piece of yourself in each and every song you sang... so a piece of you will remain...

Mystikal: RIP to the late great Etta James.. God has called you to share your beautiful voice with him.  People sayin they know Etta James Bc of Beyonce. But don't realize you know Beyonce Bc of Etta James. She paved the way for so many. #RIP

Jordin Sparks: RIP Etta James. <3

Pink: RIP to the late and great Etta James. Your voice and your fight inspired me and many. I love that through recordings,people can live forever

 

R.I.P.

CHEEKY: Rihanna Flaunts Her Cakes In A G-String

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 12:23 PM PST

If we weren't aware of Rihanna's body of envy before....she's making sure we are now.  Chick put on her skimpiest g-string swimsuit possible for another day out on the Hawaiian islands.  Pics inside...

With not much left to the imagination, "Cake" singer Rih Rih was spotted out on a surfboard with friends, lathering up with suntan lotion and laying out to to tan every body part.

 

She's been vacaying on the island of Oahu for days and twitpic'ing every bikini moment possible.  She resting up after two long tours and before she performs with Coldplay at the BRIT awards the day after her birthday next month.

And looks like she's having a damn good time.  She threw on a see-thru  cover up and pointed at the paps she noticed were snapping pics (below).  Check out lots more pics in the gallery...

Pics via SPLASH

Time For A Sun Bath....

Teyana Taylor CLEARS UP RUMORS About Her Sexuality, Chris Brown And Breaking Up With Her Baller Boo Over Virginity

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 10:54 AM PST

Singer/actress Teyana Taylor stopped by The Breakfast Club this morning to clear up rumors about her life and musical career.  Everything from getting dropped from Pharrell's label Star Trak to her sexuality to friendship with Chris Brown.

 

Deets inside.....

Some folks are still asking "Who is Teyana?"  And some are saying "And why do we care what Teyana's up to?"  Regardless--she's been at the center of some interesting rumors around the net--esp. now that the once self-proclaimed virgin has been dating an NBA baller. 

So Teyana stopped by The Breakfast Club this morning to talk about her life and many of her projects (from the past).   She added that she was "released" from Star Trak records (not dropped) and is now a free agent (and not signed to Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music). 

About her rumored "more than friends" relationship with Chris Brown, Teyana insisted he's like her brother and she gets along fine with his girlfriend Karrueche because she is TOTALLY not interested in dating him.  She also said she NEVER beat up a girl in the studio over Chris, despite the rumors.  But, when it comes to that Gang Of Roses 2 director....she wouldn't go into detail about their altercation.

When questions about her sexuality came up, she said it's crazy people assumed she was a lesbian just because she has dressed like a tomboy since she was 15.  She also revealed she and Bucks baller Brandon Jennings broke up once the NBA season started because they both needed to focus on their careers.  She laughed off the rumor that he broke things off because she didn't want to give up the goods.

Watch the interview here:

Tristan Wilds Surprises RED TAILS Movie Goers & BUYS Their TIX, Says Movie Is "Necessary"

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST

Last night, Red Tails star Tristan Wilds made a surprise appearance at the sold-out midnight screening of the new Red Tails movie in LA.  And he came bearing free tickets and celebrity friends. 

 

Get deets inside, plus what Tristan tells TheYBF.com about why YOU need to have yourself in a seat opening weekend...

Last night in LA, Tristan Wilds asked his Twitter followers to come watch the Red Tails midnight screening with him at Universal City Walk (California).  The cutie actor showed up and surprised 25 people with free admission to the sold out movie! 

Tristan exclusively told TheYBF.com earlier today that this movie is simply necessary for the world to see.

"Its been a crazy ride, I'm forever Grateful for this experience, and the movie needs to be seen by the world," Tristan dished to us. "Not because of the Nazi's trying to take over the entire free world, or because they never complained about their struggle. The movie needs to ultimately be seen because It's necessary."

Agreed.  One fan (shown above) tweeted,

: Just got home from seeing Red Tails, and guess who bought the ticket, only the star

The 22-year-old even brought his celeb friend to the screening as well-- Jessica Stroup (Tristan's co-star from "90210"), Tank, Omarion and more.

Omarion later tweeted,

: Red tails was awesome by the way support the brother n the other talented brothers on that film as well

The Red Tails cast is planning to pop up at theaters everywhere all weekend--maybe even yours--with celeb friends and will give free admission to people.  Loves it.

 

And recently, Lucasfilms and Walmart celebrated the release of Red Tails on the campus of Tuskegee University (as they have been doing all week) with the cast of the film, Tom Joyner and Lionel Richie.  Check it above.

Red Tails is in movie theaters today.

R.I.P. Etta James

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 08:50 AM PST

After fighting long battles with leukemia, dementia, and hepatitis C, 73-year-old legendary soul/blues/jazz singer Etta James died today.  Details inside...

 

With her husband and sons by her side, "At Last" singer Etta James passed away today at a Riverside, California hospital.  Her 74th birthday would have been next Wednesday.

L.A. native Mrs. James had been undergoing treatment for leukemia since early 2011.

" This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world," her manager Lupe De Leon said. "She was a true original who could sing it all -- her music defied category.  I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always."

The legendary spitfire, born Jamesetta Hawkins, with such an iconic voice had six Grammys under her belt and seventeen Blues Music Awards. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in both 1999 and 2008. 

Her life was portrayed on-screen in the 2008 Cadillac Records musical bio-pic, which was loosely based on the rise and fall of James' label of 18 years, Chess Records.  That voice, that fieriness, and her beauty will indeed be missed.

R.I.P.
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