Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

PHOTOSHOOT FAB: Mary J. Blige's Keeps It Classy In New Mandarin Oriental Photoshoot

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 08:45 AM PST

Mary J. Blige recently shotwq a few flicks (rocking a classy white blouse) at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC.  See the photos and find out about her latest songwriting gig inside.....

Mary J. Blige has been making the rounds in NYC and just this morning, she co-hosted with Kelly Ripa on "Live With Kelly."  As the twosome interviewed Chris Hansen of "The Bachelor," Mary says she's not the one to be fighting a bunch of women over a man:

"I watched it specifically because of today ... I used to try to watch it, but it was just like, you know, one guy and all these chicks and he's gonna pick the one he likes the best and they're all fighting for him. It makes sense to whoever thinks that way, but I'm a woman who doesn't think that way. I'm either worth it or I'm not. I'm the one. I'm not going to be fighting over you with 10 other women."

In addition to just singing, Mary's songwriting career is really taking off.  She was recently nominated for both the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards for penning "The Living Proof" from The Help.   

And now she's writing a new song for a documentary focusing on sexual assault in the U.S. military.  Nice.

 

Photos via Pacific Coast

OH OK THEN.....Chelsea Handler Reveals What REALLY Happened When She Dated 50 Cent...And How His Relationship With Ciara MESSED It Up

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 07:24 AM PST

Chelsea Handler went on "The Howard Stern Show" recently and she broke down the "break down" that happened during her fling with 50 Cent and how Ciara helped lead to their demise. Get all the juicy bits inside.....

During a recent stop by Howard Stern's radio show, comedienne Chelsea Handler revealed what really went on with her and 50 Cent.

The comedienne, sitcom creator, and late night talk show host confirmed that she "dated" him for a few months and he used to fly out to many of her shows all around the country.  He was even set to join her and her family on vacay in Anguilla.  But ish went left when Ciara got booked on her talkshow. 

She said Curtis called her and threw his semi-ex-girlfriend (or booty buddy, whichever fits their scenario) Ciara under the bus.  He said that Ciara was still in love with him and that she kept calling him and leaving messages so it may be awkward to have her on the show.  At that point, he attempted to put Chelsea onto a threeway call so he could play the message.....but she stopped him.

Chelsea basically said that she worked TOO HARD to play 8th grade games and then in her own words, called him an insult that involved him "being from the streets."  She added that he didn't deserve to even talk to someone like her.  She hung up in his face and they never spoke after that.

SIDEBAR:  She said she never used the "N-word".

And as her last compliment to him, she says to Howard, "He's kinda smart...in a certain kinda way."

 

Listen to the interview below (the first three minutes are about 50 Cent):

KID FAB: Kenzo Hounsou's FIRST DAY At School!

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 06:38 AM PST

It's Kenzo Hounsou's first day of school!  Kimora & Djimon's baby boy is all grown up.  And, of course, mommy Kimora documented the whole tear-filled occasion.

 

Pics inside...

Look at that cutie patootie with his backpack and Spiderman lunch box prepped and ready!  Kimora Lee Simmons Hounsou and Djimon Hounsou's 2-and-a-half year old son is ready for preschool.  So mama KiKi snapped some pics and wrote a message on her site about her little boy growing up:

"Can’t believe he’s so grown up! Why does Kenzo Lee’s first day of school feel like he’s leaving for college?? And why does he look so excited to leave his mommy? And what tips did his big sisters give him? Questions…

Regardless, I’m proud of him and gave my best effort not to cry – too much – as we dropped him off. Is anyone else out there struggling with letting go? Please let me know"

Awww.  More pics of Kenzo's preschool breakfast with his sisters Aoki & Ming Lee:

Loves it.  Kenzo spent the Christmas Holidays with his fam in St. Barts as well:

Oh the life of babes...

Pics: Kimora's Website

 

 

The Nominations Are In! "The Help" Stars Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer Nab ACADEMY AWARD NODS!

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 06:03 AM PST

Congrats are in order for YBF chicks Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer!  The fab actresses each landed a nomination for the 2012 Academy Awards.

 

Deets inside...

It's official.  Viola Davis has been nominated for Best Actress for her riveting role in The Help.  She's up against friend Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady, Rooney Mara for Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Michelle Williams for A Week With Marilyn, and Glenn Close.

And the other star of The Help, Octavia Spencer, nabbed the Best Supporting Actress nomination.  Her good friend, the hilarious Bridesmaids star Melissa McCarthy, was also nominated in the category.

Funny actress Octavia called in to "GMA" right after the announcement just minutes ago and said, "I am so over the moon, once we're done with all of this I'm going to do a drive by...[rest is inaudible]."

The Help also grabbed the coveted Best Picture nomination, along with the following 9 films: War Horse, The Artist, Money Ball, The Descendants, The Tree of Life, Midnight In Paris, The Help, Hugo, and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.

The 84th Annual Academy Awards air live on ABC, Sunday, February 26th at 7p ET.

Congrats to the nominees!

ON THE SET: Denise Vasi Shows Off Her "Single Ladies" Man + Amar'e Stoudemire Stars On "The Exes"

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 04:54 AM PST

VH1's newest Single Lady, Denise Vasi, is showing off her hot new Cuban leading man.  Pics inside of the two on set, plus Knick star Amar'e Stoudemire appears on TV Land's new comedy "The Exes."

 

Pics inside...

His name is William Levy and he's starring as Denise Vasi's character's leading man on the upcoming season of "Single Ladies."  And Denise tweeted pics of them at a "Single Ladies" dinner recently.

When the show kicks off early this summer, the hot model/actor (who was also caught up in a cheating scandal with Jennifer Lopez when her separation from Marc Anthony was first announced), will be steaming up the set.  Denise will be playing "Raquel"- a wealthy southern bell who is changing the rules of love. 

 

And NY Knick star Amar'e Stoudemire will appear on TV Land’s new comedy series “The Exes” for tomorrow's episode, which he filmed during the lockout.

Amar'e will play Phil's (Donald Faison) top client, basketball player Kevin Tyler who starts dating Holly (Kristen Johnston). Their on screen romance takes a comedic spin while Haskell (Wayne Knight) lures Stuart (David Alan Basche) into the world of sports betting. Check out a sneak peek below:

The show airs Wednesdays at 10:30 pm ET/PT on TV Land.

The Randomness:

1.  Halle Berry will reportedly ask the judge in court today to prevent Gabriel Aubrey from having any contact with daughter Nahla until child neglect case and assaulting nanny issue is solved. STORY

2.  Seal called Heidi Klum still the most wonderful woman in the world and said they will always be connected through their children while appearing on both "Tavis Smiley" and "Ellen" shows yesterday.   Videos below:

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Gabriel Aubry Being INVESTIGATED For Child Endangerment AND Assaulting Nahla's Nanny!

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 03:14 PM PST

Gabriel Aubry, Halle Berry's baby daddy, is being investigated for both child endangerment and shoving Nahla's nanny...while she had Nahla in her arms! Get the deet on how it all went down inside.....

Halle Berry is due in court tomorrow for an emergency hearing stemming from a police report filed by her daughter's nanny. 

In the report, Nahla's nanny accuses Gabriel of being verbally abusive and shoving her while she had Nahla's in her arms.  And on top of that, seems like Gabe was up to some sneaky stuff....which won't please Halle.

The nanny showed up at Nahla's school to pick her up one day, only to find out that Gabe kept her home for two days, "sick."  Umm...she's sick but you don't inform the nanny...or her mother?  Bet Halle's lawyer will bring that up tomorrow....

So when the nanny arrived at Gabe's house to figure out why Nahla didn't make it to school...all hell broke loose (according to the nanny).

Based on the report, Gabe said,

"You're the f**king nanny. Who do you think you are? You are a nobody. You don't need to f**king know anything."

Nice language.....all this in front of little Nahla?

Then the report says 6-foot-4 Gabe allegedly pushed the 5-foot-2 nanny against the door...while she had Nahla in her arms.  So this is where the "child endangerment" portion comes in.

Let's just say Gabe has A LOT to answer to tomorrow.....and I can already see Halle putting that visitation ON LOCKDOWN.

We'll keep you posted.....

 

 

EXCLUSIVE DETAILS: Amber Rose's Former Publicist BLASTS Her, Says She's A THIEF & Calls Her Lies About Kanye "Repugnant"!

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 12:46 PM PST

Amber Rose's former publicist is putting her thieving ways on BLAST.  Janero Marchand claims the stripper turned "model" stole money from him and others.  And once Janero told Kanye West that Amber was stealing from him--THAT is what led to their break up.  Not Kim Kardashian like Amber is claiming.

 

We spoke to Janero today to get more details....

Janero made some serious allegations today against his former client Amber Rose.  He tweeted about not only introducing Amber to Kanye (whom he worked closely with behind the scenes), but about Amber stealing Janero's "agent" cut when he booked her for 'Ye's "Robocop" video.  She got paid $100,000 for the video, and he claims she stole HIS 20% cut as well!  And was plotting to steal from Kanye too.

Mr. Marchand gave TheYBF.com the additional juicy details.  He revealed that Amber's infidelity and stealing are the real reasons behind their breakup.  And since he hates seeing how Amber is dragging other people's names through the mud to cover her own wrong doings, he's revealing ALL.

Janero tells TheYBF.com:

I was the person who introduced Kanye West and Amber Rose. Amber wanted me to lie to Kanye when he asked me about her stealing.  My integrity and morals I was raised on would not allow me to do something like that.
I just want the public to know that I am a man that conducts my business with integrity and morals. And I support my clients 100% until they do something that is unethical or unlawful business wise. I never had intentions to speak on this subject, but seeing Amber being dishonest to the media about the reason she and Kanye broke up was the last straw. Kanye is a good person.  He helped book my first two music videos, and if it wasn't for him co-signing Amber, she would not be in the position she is in today.

He continued:

Amber Rose allowed fame, money, and greed to get in the way of her self respect, dignity, and morals. Kim Kardashian did not break up their relationship, Amber did. Amber's lack of gratitude and disrespect for the people who paved the way for her is unconscionable and repugnant.
Through it all, I still wish her the best and forgive her for what she did and said to me. I just want the truth to be out there.

Janero broke down exactly how Amber pulled a sneaky move to steal his cut of the booking fee:

That "Robocop" video was set to really break Amber's career and make her a movie star since 90% of the video was centered around her. It was a $1 mill budget video, one of Kanye's most expensive videos. Amber got paid $100,000 for it and I was suppose to get 20% of that, but she had the people pay her directly and try and cut me out of the equation with hopes I never found out. I knew the guy who paid her for the video and he later told me about it. And when I asked her about the money, she was caught off guard that I knew she already got paid. And told me she only got $10,000, but didn't know I saw the receipt of how much she got paid. So that ended our business relationship indefinitely.

Interestingly, we broke the initial story about these stealing allegations over two years ago.

Janero tweeted the above letter Amber sent to him, and this little nugget: "Amber & her brother Antonio were going to Hawaii plotting & stealing money from Kanye. I didn't want anything to do with it so YES I told Ye."  Sounds like Amber didn't regard him as a real agent of hers.

And about why that "Robocop" video never got released, Janero revealed:

"The "Robocop" video never got released because of Amber's infidelity. It was put on hold and never released after Kanye caught Amber cheating. Kanye to this day thanked me for my honesty."

He continued: "Once I told Kanye the truth, he later caught Amber red handed when she accidentally called an ex of hers with him on the phone. He wrote a song about it called "Blame Game".

Need more details?  Janero is set to release his documentary, "The Michael Jordan of Models: This Is Janero," in February where the Amber/Kanye story will be discussed in detail. 

Amber's reps have not yet responded to our request for statement.

Oh what tangled web we weave....

TV FAB: Sean "Diddy" Combs PLANNING To Launch Music-Themed Cable Network "REVOLT"?

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 12:24 PM PST

Sean "Diddy" Combs will soon be swimming in the same shark waters as Oprah (OWN) and Cathy Hughes (TV ONE) when he launches "Revolt" a music-themed cable network at the end of the year. Deets inside.....

Though details are very hush hush, insides sources are reporting that on 12/12/12 Sean "Diddy" Combs will launch Revolt, a music-themed cable network.  

The network is being described as "the old MTV" and will be geared toward African Americans. 

And Diddy didn't have to reach too far into his pockets, as sources say the venture is well funded and will be distributed Comcast And Time Warner Cable.  No word on who the other major investors are yet.

In other black network news, Charles Barkley (co-founder) will launch Kin TV in the spring around the same time as Soul of the South.  Also, James Brown, of CBS Sports, was recently named managing director at Black Heritage Network.

Work.

PICS: YBF Celebs INVADE The Sundance Film Festival!

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 11:10 AM PST

Tons of YBF celebs invaded Park City, Utah over the weekend for the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. See photos of Common, Meagan Good, Toni Braxton, Chris Rock and Octavia Spencer inside.....

 
Lots of YBF actors were spotted in Utah over the weekend at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.  The popular annual festival, taking place from the 19th-29th this month in the beautiful and luxe Park City, is to advance the work of risk-taking storytellers. The Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization founded by iconic actor Robert Redford in 1981.  And this particular Film Fest is known as an institution which secures a space for independent artists to explore their stories free from commercial and political pressures.
 

Meagan Good attended the ‘Love, Peace & Hair Grease’ Party hosted by HBO and looked cute and casual in jeans and a striped tee.
 
 
Golden Globe winner Octavia Spencer was spotted out and about.  Cute hair Octavia!

 

Danny Glover and wife Asake Bomani were spotted going for a walk and Danny grabbed some SOREL footwear. 

 
Common attended the T-Mobile Presents Google Music at TAO party while in town.  And even shook some hands of fans while hitting the snowy streets.
 
 
 
Chris Rock and Nelson George were seen at the HBO Sundance Documentary Party at Wahso Asian Grill.  
 
 

Biz Markie came out to support the films as well.  This dude never changes...

 

"Grey's Anatomy" star Jesse Williams was seen around town with fiance Aryan in the background.

 

Jesse also attended a event by The Blackhouse Foundation where he hung out with Rashida Jones and Toni Braxton.

And Rashida kicked it on her Daddy Quincy's lap.  Cute.

 

Allstate spokesman/actor Dennis Haysbert made the rounds as well.   Why is he SO HOT to me??

 

Ice-T and his wife CoCo were also spotted around town.  This outfit CoCo.  That camel toe was basically deliberate.  No other excuse for it.

And fans swarmed their car for autographs...

Ice also stopped by a session for The Blackhouse Foundation.

Bevy Smith hung out with Estelle at The Blackhouse.

 

Drake (posing with Aziz Ansari) was also at Sundance where he performed at the Bing party. He admitted that he risked his life to just to show up at the gig.  he told the crowd mid-performance:

“I almost lost my life six times to get to this mother[bleeper]. My flight was delayed six hours. I was on the curviest roads of my life!” A few songs in, he said, “I need a massage and a grilled cheese.”

Hope they paid well!

Photos via  Shook / Sweedler / Splash News / JMA

 

 

UH OH! Aretha Franklin CALLS OFF The Wedding!

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 10:33 AM PST

Trouble in paradise?  Aretha Franklin just announced that she and fiance Willie Wilkerson have called off the wedding!  Deets inside...

After announcing their engagement at the beginning of this month, it's quickly come to an end.  69-year-old Aretha and 68-year-old Detroit businessman Willie--who have been together off and on for over 25 years--apparently think things are moving too fast.  Really?

Via a statement issued by Aretha's rep this morning, the "Natural Woman" singer says they have decided to halt the wedding plans:

"Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast, and there were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time.  We will not comment on it any further because of the very personal and sensitive nature of it. We appreciate all of the many well wishes from friends."

Aretha was planning on a summer 2012 Hamptons or Miami wedding, complete with either a Donna Karen or Vera Wang wedding dress.  No word on if they are still a couple...
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