Thursday, June 28, 2012

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous


Erykah Badu LIGHTS UP THE STAGE In London + Jennifer Hudson Attends 'Lullaby And Goodnight' Unveiling

Posted: 28 Jun 2012 09:48 AM PDT

 Erykah Badu performed in London last night.  See the pics inside and photos of Jennifer Hudson unveiling her new music project with Pampers.

Erykah Badu performed at Hammersmith Apollo in London last night.  And doesn't appear to be the least bit bothered by her baby's daddy Jay Electronica getting caught up recently with a married woman, who he also works with music wise.

The stylish diva rocked a yellow hat, a tan trenchcoat, orange pants, black boots and numerous rings for a swagtastic outfit.

 

See E. Badu rock out here:

 

 

And in New York......

Singer Jennifer Hudson attended the unveiling of the Jennifer Hudson & Pampers 'Lullaby And Goodnight' recording at Espace Wednesday night.

Jen talked about recording the song and her own experiences with motherhood.

The company also gave out adoptable bears.

She also played with the kiddies in attendance.  But no David, Jr. in sight.  Awwww.

Listen to "Lullaby And Goodnight":

 

 

 The Randomness:

1.  Snoop Dogg busted for weed in Norway.  Story.

 

Mandatory Credit: Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com/PacificCoastNews.com

 

PICS & VIDEO: Magic Johnson Hosts Celebrity Bash To KICK OFF ASPIRE Network

Posted: 28 Jun 2012 08:59 AM PDT

To kick off his huge debut on Wednesday, mogul Magic Johnson hosted a star studded event at Cipriani's 42nd St. in NYC for his brand new network ASPIRE.

 

We've got the celebs who made the list of the hot event inside...

Magic Johnson hosted a big celebrity bash to kick off his new Atlanta based ASPIRE cable tv network last night.

The network combines  a unique mix of original and groundbreaking programming aimed at African-American viewers. The network will launch with inaugural distribution partners Comcast and Time Warner Cable.

Joining the network as hosts of its primetime programming blocks are award-winning actor Laurence Fishburne, who will host "Groundbreaking Movies"; actor and comedian Jonathan Slocumb (Meet the Browns, "The Steve Harvey Show"), host of "Groundbreaking Comedies"; Actor Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, I Will Follow), host of ASPiRE's first original series, "ABFF Independent"; and Grammy Award®-winning musician Esperanza Spalding, host of "Groundbreaking Music."

Actress Tika Sumpter and June Ambrose partied it up together (above).

June rocked a cutesy grey floral frock and sparkling heels.  And made nice with Rocsi.

Tika posed with some friends in a gold bandage dress.  Fab.

Russell Simmons made a beeline--of course--to Miss Universe Leila Lopes.


She looked gorge in a beaded and sparkling cocktail dress.
 

Eric Benet made his way to the event...after rolling out of bed apparently.

Model Jessica White rocked her shades and a slit-detailed jumpsuit for the ocassion:

I think the red hair is growing on us.

New Edition took the stage as the entertainment for the night.

Former "Apprentice" star Kwame Jackson was there.

Actress Lynn Whitfiled made a colorful appearance in this dress.  Her face looks softer these days....

VH1's Janelle Snowden and Dr. Michelle Callahan partied it up.

BJ Coleman snapped a pic with Natalie Cole. She's still battling several debilitating illnesses so it's good to see her out and about.

Erica Reid was there.

And actor Omari Hardwick--who has a role on the new network--was there to support of course.

Fab times for Magic & wife Cookie.

Check out New Edition performing (sans Bobby) for last night's big event:

And Mr. Johnson dishing on what to expect from his new network:

 

In case you didn't know....this is BIG. And necessary. Congrats to Magic Johnson!

Pics: Twitter/Rolling Out

The Randomness:

1.  Ann Curry made her official teary exit from "The Today Show" this morning. But will be staying on in a different capacity.  Check the body language of all the co-hosts.  STORY

Ne-Yo PARTIES IT UP In London, Works On Rihanna's New Album

Posted: 28 Jun 2012 07:42 AM PDT

R&B crooner Ne-Yo was spotted on London's party circuit last night. Get the deets inside....

Last night Grammy Award winning artist Ne-Yo was spotted partying it up in London at hotspot Aura.

 

He chilled with former Sugababe Keisha Buchanan at the club.

He also hung with Formula 1 champ Lewis Hamilton. 

The dad of two is in the UK working with Rihanna in the studio.  His upcoming album R.E.D Realizing Every Dream comes out September 18th on Motown Records/Compound Entertainment.

 

Pics via Harsha Gopal/Pacific Coast News

MUSIC FAB: Jordin Sparks & Whitney Houston's Video For "Celebrate" + Keyshia Cole's & Iggy Azalea's New Covers

Posted: 28 Jun 2012 07:13 AM PDT

Jordin Sparks leads her Sparkle co-stars in an upbeat party themed video for the lead single "Celebrate" from the film's soundtrack.  Check out the Sparkle cast inside, plus Keyshia Cole's "Enough of No Love: single cover and Iggy Azalea's Glory EP cover....

In a fun & lively video for Jordin Sparks' and Whitney Houston's song "Celebrate," the Sparkle cast gets together to celebrate life...and the life of the late Whitney Houston.

Co-stars Derek Luke, Omari Hardwick, Goapele, Carmen Ejogo, and Tika Sumpter all party with Jordin while scenes from the film are intertwined throughout.

The film hits theaters August 10th.

 

Keyshia Cole just released her new single cover for her upcoming track with Lil Wayne, "Enough of No Love."  Our homies over at Rap-Up posted the cover for the single that will be from her fifth studio album, Woman To Woman.

Keyshia's keeping the blonde locks (which we kinda love) as she poses in a black leather bustier top and gold Chanel earrings.  The single will hit iTunes July 10.  And she already shot the Benny Boom-directed vid with Weezy.  Glad she's on the comeback tip....

 

And rapper Iggy Azalea released her new GLORY EP cover.

The usually blonde and striking Grand Hustle recording artist, recent Wilhelmina Models signee, and Aussie rap chick Iggy brings a mysterious ethereal red laced thematic feel to her EP cover. Glory will be released this summer and will feature T.I., B.o.B., Mike Posner and more.   Check out the newest single above, "MDM" Ft. B.O.B. 

By the way, Iggy recently shot the video to her hit track "Murda Business."  That's up next...

Rihanna GOES BRIGHT RED In London + Cheri Dennis SPOTTED In NYC, RELEASES "X/COKE" EP

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 05:32 PM PDT

 

 

Rihanna was spotted in a bright red suit in London earlier today. See the eye-popping outfit inside and pics of Cheri Dennis hanging in NYC.

 

Obviously inspired by this morning's fire, Rihanna donned a blazing suit in London this evening.

Rih pulled off the red and pink collabo nicely.

 

 

In other music news....

We haven't seen Cheri Dennis for a while but she was recently seen walking around the East Village in New York.

She jokingly stuck up her middle finger while posing next to a mural.

Fine way to make a return to the scene.

 

As far as new music.....

She recently dropped a new EP called X/COKE available for download here.

 

Watch the making of the EP here:

 

X/COKE: "A NEW PLATEAU" from Cheri Coke on Vimeo.

Photos via Demis Maryannakis, PacificCoastNews.comWill Alexander/WENN.com

Jennifer Hudson Gets STARRY, Dishes On Her Pampers' LULLABY & Her Summer Playlist

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 04:38 PM PDT

 

Jennifer Hudson just put a soulful spin on a classic lullaby for Pampers for little babies around the world. Get the deets inside and find out who's on her summer playlist....

 

Jennifer Hudson, who is pictured rocking a sheer star-printed Equipment blouse after her "Good Morning America" appearance today, spoke with The BoomBox about the Pampers project.  The mom of little David, Jr. recreated "Brahms' Lullaby" for the diaper company and the track will be available as a free download on the Pampers Facebook page.

The company is also donating $100,000 to the Julian D. King Gift Foundation, the charity Jenny and her sister Julia created in honor of her slain nephew.

She described her recording saying,

"The sweetest, lovable, loving and soothing and happy all in one song. I wanted it to feel good, too. Sometimes lullabies kind of feel like Christmas songs. I still want to keep that same spirit, still where it's like soothing. That song where you can just play, because when my baby was born, I would play jazz music and light candles and hold him around the house until he would fall asleep. And I want to bottle it all up into this and have that moment where you have a special moment with your child but still when that song ends, that baby's asleep. That's the little gift and the treat that the moms get. Like, "Whew, I get a break" [laughs]."


She added that being a mom herself definitely helped:

"I'm sure other moms will get that, that bond, that specialness, whether you sing or not, that you can hum to your child, that moment. When my baby was first born, like now I can't sleep without him. When I'm away from him, I can't sleep because he's not here. So when he was a baby in the middle of the night, nobody's getting up but mom. I don't care if you have a nanny or not, only mom is getting up in the middle of the night. But those are the moments I cherish the most, and that to me is what "Lullaby" gives, that moment."

She later revealed that Whitney Houston's "I Want To Dance With Somebody," "Domino" by Jessie J. and Drake & Rihanna's "Take Care" are high on her Summer playlist.  Loves it.

Pics: INF

HITTING THE NYC STREETS: Zoe Saldana + "Hollywood Exes" Stars Nicole Murphy & Andrea Kelly (While R. Kelly Suffers EMERGENCY HEALTH Situation!)

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 03:39 PM PDT

Nicole Murphy may be busy making her own promo rounds for her new VH1 show "Hollywood Exes," but she was all about her man Michael Strahan this morning as he co-hosted "Live With Kelly."  Pics of the gorgeous reality star, her co-star Andrea Kelly and the drama with her ex R. Kelly, plus Zoe Saldana looking fresh & summery out in NYC...

Nicole Murphy was spotted looking fab outside of ABC studios in midtown Manhattan this morning as her boyfriend, NFL sportscaster Michael Strahan, hit the "Live With Kelly!' stage as this morning's co-host.

Loving this colorful ombre maxi dress:


The mom of 5 seems to be the sensitive yet fun & drama free cast member so far.  And, surprisingly, we were feeling the premiere episode of "Hollywood Exes" that aired Monday night.

Nicole's animated and quite comical co-star Andrea Kelly was spotted hopping out Wendy Williams' studio after appearing on the show Monday.  The professional choreographer injured her foot while dancing the tango...but she kept it moving with the promo.  Her ex-husband on the other hand, is doing anything BUT.

Today, word broke that R. Kelly canceled all of his appearances scheduled for today in NYC.  The Chicago native apparently is suffering an "emergency illness" that is keeping him home.  His people tell TMZ:

"Initial indications are that he is suffering from complications from surgery he had last year to treat an abscess on his vocal cords.  We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused."

He was scheduled to do a book launch at Barnes & Nobles in Tribeca for his new memoir, Soula Coaster: The Diary of Me.  He was also scheduled to appear on "The Today Show" and "Jimmy Fallon." 

 

Also out in NYC this morning, actress Zoe Saldana was spotted running errands looking extra summery rocking the new DKNY Eyewear Wayfarer shades:

The 34-year-old recently wrapped the Star Trek sequel (yet to be titled), and it's set to hit theaters May 13, 2013.  About how she will be reprising her controversial role of "Nyota Uhura," who has a relationship with the "Spock" character, she said in an interview:

 

All I’m going to say is, if you put all the time and energy and wit into setting these two characters together in the first movie and didn’t follow through, it would be a shame.

Zoe's currently filming the 70's thriller Blood Ties in the City. 

Pics: Pacific Coast News

Rihanna ESCAPES Fire At London Hotel + MORE Pics Of Andre 3000 Filming The Jimi Hendrix Biopic

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:50 PM PDT

Rihanna was evacuated from her hotel in London this morning after a huge fire broke out.  Get the deets inside and see more pics from Andre 3000's latest film.

In the wee hours of morning, the London Fire Brigade reports that Rihanna, along with 300 people, were evacuated from their hotel after an early-morning fire in an elevator shaft.  And as 10 firefighters fought the flames on the 7th floor of the luxury Corinthia Hotel. RiRi hopped herself in a cab and rode around the city tweeting “Roamin da streets since 6am! Fyah in da telly.”

 

Yesterday....

She was spotted signing autographs as she left her hotel.

She rocked one of her own Armani designs (for the second time).  And in case you missed it, one of Rihanna's bodyguard punched a photographer who got too close to the singer on Sunday night.  A fire and a fight?  Londontown's on fire for Rih.

Next up, the "We Found Love" singer landed a role in an animated film called Happy Smekday! The flick is about a friendly alien race that invades Earth and uses it as a hideout from their mortal enemy.

 

And in other movie news.....

More pics have emerged from the set of Andre 3000's All Is By My Side Jimi Hendrix biopic.

He is seen walking with co-star Hayley Atwell, who plays Linda Keith,  the then girlfriend of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

In the film, Linda introduces Jimi to Rolling Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham and later, producer Seymour Stein. And the rest is history....

BONUS:

Watch Tyler Perry take on a more dramatic role in the trailer for his latest film, Alex Cross, above.

 

Photos via Bauer Griffin

Trey Songz RELEASES Behind-The-Scenes VIDEO From "Chapter V" SHOOT + Kelly Rowland LANDS Role On Australian DANCE Show!

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 11:03 AM PDT

As Trey Songz prepares for the August 21st release of his Chapter 5 album, he has released sexy BTS video of himself preparing for his shoot.  Watch it inside and find out about Kelly Rowland's new gig down under....

Trey Songz is revealing more about his Chapter V disc having released the cover art yesterday and now a BTS video.  In the video, the sexy gent shows off his swag as he prepares to conquer the charts.

 

Watch the BTS footage here:

 

And down under....

Kelly Rowland will star in Australian Television Network Ten’s new program, “Everybody Dance Now.”  She'll serve as a “dance master,” leading a team of contestants through some intense routines.  Jason Derulo and fashion model Sarah Murdoch will also star on the program.  

David Mott, Ten’s chief programming officer, said, “We are thrilled about ‘Everybody Dance Now’ and our return to big event television.  Dynamic, creative, and inspiring, Sarah, Jason, and Kelly are the perfect fit for this fantastic new format—only good things lie ahead.”

Also, rumor has it that Kells will shoot a pilot for a yet-to-be-titled BET sitcom later this summer.

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