The Young, Black, and Fabulous

SNEAK PEEK: The Stars Of "R&B Divas" DISH On Upcoming Debut In New PROMO
ELECTION BITS: Beyonce READS Her Letter To First Lady Michelle Obama In Campaign Vid + Condoleeza Rice Gets Endorsement For Possible VP Position
VACAY! Rihanna Jets To The Mediterranean To YACHT IT UP With Her Girls!
HOT SHOTS: Solange's "RAILROADING" Photoshoot In TEXAS!
"BBW: LA" Stars Throw On Their Bikinis For Summer Pool Party + Cassie PARTIES IT UP In Las Vegas
Ne-Yo Hosts George Lucas, Arsenio, Rocsi, Russell Simmons & More At Foundation Benefit In The Hamptons
COMIC-CON ROUND-UP: Kerry Washington, Jamie Foxx & Taraji P. Henson Get Their PROMO On
*UPDATED* Jason Kidd ARRESTED In The Hamptons For DWI!
Is Will Smith FILMING "The Fast And The Furious 6" With Tyrese? + Romeo Miller HITS THE BEACH With Friends

SNEAK PEEK: The Stars Of "R&B Divas" DISH On Upcoming Debut In New PROMO

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 10:22 AM PDT

The stars of TV One's "R&B Divas," Monifah Carter, Nicci Gilbert, Faith Evans, Syleena Johnson & Keke Wyatt are featured in a sneak peek video about their upcoming show. Watch it inside.....

We told you earlier about five fab ladies of R&B music offering fans a peek into their hectic lives. And now the stars of TV ONE's "R&B Divas" have released a promo that reveals what the show is about. The key theme for the show will be "resolution" with the ladies helping each other work through conflicts.

Co-executive producer Nicci Gilbert said,

"The beautiful thing about this cast is that everyone is so vocal and you’re gonna see honesty, you’re gonna see truth , you’re gonna see adversity, you’re gonna see triumph, you’re gonna see sisterhood, and you’re gonna see love. You won’t see a drink flying across the table, but you might see Keke cuss her husband out (laughs). There are definitely times when we have to check each other. You will definitely get those moments but every single one of those moments is protected by love. It’s a lot of excitement, not a snooze fest."

Watch the promo here:

Check out the premiere on August 20th on TV One.

ELECTION BITS: Beyonce READS Her Letter To First Lady Michelle Obama In Campaign Vid + Condoleeza Rice Gets Endorsement For Possible VP Position

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 09:28 AM PDT

Beyonce is on the virtual campaign trail for President Barack Obama and has recorded a special tribute to First Lady Michelle Obama. Watch it inside and find out who wants Mitt Romney to pick Condoleeza Rice as a running mate.......

We previously reported about Beyonce penning an appreciation letter to First Lady Michelle Obama about being a great role model, and now she's recorded it.

As part of the President's 2012 campaign, the superstar performer, wife & mom read her letter to Mrs. O. in an Obama/Biden campaign video released today. She said,

"Michelle is the ultimate example of a truly strong African-American woman. She is a caring mother, she’s a loving wife, while at the same time, she is the First Lady. No matter the pressure, and the stress of being under the microscope, she's humble, loving and sensitive. Michelle, thank you so much for every single thing that you do for us. I am proud to have my daughter grow up in a world where she has people like you, to look up to."

Watch Beyonce read her letter here:

In other political news.......

Though she's mentioned several times that she has no interest in running for an elected office, the Boston Herald has endorsed former Secretary-of-State Condoleeza Rice as a good choice for Mitt Romney's VP. Especially after a reported "short list" of alleged Vice Presidential candidates for Mitt Romney was released last week--and she was on it. The publication said,

"The chorus of Condoleezza Rice fans imploring Mitt Romney to add the former secretary of State to his presidential ticket is growing. And OK you can count us in that camp." "...Romney needs the kind of foreign policy gravitas that Rice would bring to the ticket...."

We know this is very likely not going to happen, but it's great to see that Dr. Rice getting the respect she deserves.

BONUS: Speaking of Mrs. O., our First Lady made a stealth appearance at Porgy & Bess on broadway in NYC this weekend. Nice!

VACAY! Rihanna Jets To The Mediterranean To YACHT IT UP With Her Girls!

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 08:41 AM PDT

It's been a rough few weeks for pop star Rihanna. Between her grandmother's funerals, traveling amongst NYC and London and Barbados, and still having to perform, chick needed a break. So the 24-year-old rounded up her gal pals for a vacay yachting it up around the Mediterranean.

Pics inside...

Water and beer, private jet, and a yacht. That's all a pop star needs. Rih tweeted, "#boatsandhoes #phuckyopussygame," with some pics of her arrival in Porto Cervo, Cala di Volpe.

Including this pic of her and bestie Melissa boarding the jet. That hashtag sounds awfully close to Breezy's "F*ck Yo Pictures" instagram name. Just an observation.

Laced in a black maxi dress, red Trapstar snap back, and sneakers, Rih was all about her boat time heading to Sardinia & Italy:

Her assistant Jennifer Rosales' boyfriend Aaron came along.

Looks like fab times though...

Meanwhile, it was just announced that Rihanna will be doing a clothing line collabo with River Island.

Rihanna said: “I’ve been wanting to design my own collection for some time. River Island is the perfect partner for me to collaborate with and working with a British, family run business also really appealed to me. I find London really inspiring and River Island loves to have fun with clothes. I’m looking forward to working with them and creating something really special.”

It hits stores Spring 2013!

The Randomness:

1. Nick Cannon said "American Idol" can't afford pay his wife Mariah to be a judge. STORY

Pics: RihannaDaily.com/Splash/Fame/Twitter

HOT SHOTS: Solange's "RAILROADING" Photoshoot In TEXAS!

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 07:20 AM PDT

Texas native Solange Knowles grabbed a beer and posed for a photoshoot in her home state recently...and she called it "Railroading." See the pics she shared on her own damn blog inside.....

Solange Knowles found herself standing on the railroad tracks of Marfa, Texas for a photoshoot. She hit up the city several weeks ago with her big sis Beyonce, mom Tina and some friends. And apparently got some insiration from the desert like landscape of the city.

Called ‘Railroading’, the photoshoot shows the Texas gal enjoying the heat and doing what she does.

Her hair dark curls took center stage against the backdrop. Loves it!

By the way, some folks have been buzzing that she's warned her big sis to keep an eye on attention-craving Kim Kardashian.

Chick even managed to make beer look sexy. Hot!

The Randomness:

1. The Game lands reality show about his upcoming wedding. Story

"BBW: LA" Stars Throw On Their Bikinis For Summer Pool Party + Cassie PARTIES IT UP In Las Vegas

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 02:15 PM PDT

The "other" Basketball Wives got together for a pool party in LA recently and chilled with a new cast member. Meet Brooke Bailey inside and see pics of Cassie partying in Las Vegas.

The ladies of "BBW: LA" hosted a pool party at Custom Hotel in LA recently. Laura and Gloria Govan welcomed their newest (alleged) castmate, former video vixen Brooke Bailey. Brooke was celebrating her birthday and everybody flaunted their bikinis and new bodies for some of the cast members.

And Draya Michelle, rocking a bikini from her own swimsuit line Mint Swim, will also be back to stir up trouble when the show returns to VH1 in September.

Malaysia Pargo recently dished to GlamCouture Magazine about her children's jewelry line, the secrets to a good marriage and NBA groupies. Get the deets inside......

And in case you were wondering what she's been up to, Malaysia Pargo recently opened up to Glam Couture magazine about her children's jewelry line, her marriage and sideline chicks in the NBA. Here are the highlights:

On a happy marriage

“It’s important to Keep God in Your Marriage, Open Communication, Laughter, and Sex lots of Sex!”

On groupies

“Groupies come in all forms .You never really know who the groupie is, it could be your son’s teacher or your mother –in- law’s friend. It’s not something that you talk about. It’s not like you go –Hey! Don’t go near that groupie-I don’t walk around wondering if [husband] Jannero is going to cheat on me, I seriously don’t. If that happens then I will deal with it when it does.”

On her children's jewelry line

“I started designing my pieces when I was pregnant with Lil Jay. I was on bed rest, so I had time to sketch and write.”

Well that's nice.

And in Las Vegas.............

Cassie, decked out in a hot white & nude look with Chanel earrings, hosted a King of Hearts party at LAVO nightclub inside The Palazzo Resort and Casino Las Vegas, Nevada. The night after her boo Diddy hosted a party elsewhere in Vegas.

She tweeted, "So excited to be in Vegas hosting 'StereoSaturdays' Come out and say hi tomorrow!"

Hopefully Cassie took it easy with the Ciroc seeing she just got out of the hospital for a stomach virus the other day. How do we know? She tweeted a pic of her IV of course....

Photos via Judy Eddy/WENN.com

Ne-Yo Hosts George Lucas, Arsenio, Rocsi, Russell Simmons & More At Foundation Benefit In The Hamptons

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 12:54 PM PDT

It was a fabulous evening for a cause Saturday night as Ne-Yo's 1st Foundation benefit was in full swing in The Hamptons. Check out a few flicks from the "Lazy Love" singer's celeb filled Compound Foundation event inside....

Celebs came out to East Hampton, NY yesterday to celebrate Ne-Yo's 1st Annual Compound Foundation "Fostering A Legacy" Benefit.

The charity event took place at the private estate of Bill and Michele Nuti, CEO of NCR and Chairman of Sprint. As for the celeb guest list: Arsenio Hall, Russell Simmons, George Lucas, Paula Abdul, Andre Agassi, Anthony Anderson, Michael Strahan, Jason Kidd, Adrienne Bailon and Rocsi Diaz.

Since the event was co-sponsored by Porsche, attendees snapped a few pics with the whips on display. Rocsi and actress Elise Nea l were on hand for the benefit.

Ne-Yo brought his fiance Monyetta along...who flashed her engagement ring as usual.

Ne-Yo's newest signee, Adrienne Bailon, was there in a strapless blue gown.

Ne-Yo also had his protege Ravaughn (standing next to Adrienne) on hand. And DJ D Nice was on the 1's and 2's.

Russell aint slick.

Jason Kidd (before his arrest) and wife Porschla snapped a pic with director George Lucas. Mr. Lucas--who has a connection with Ne-Yo after directing him in Red Tails--was the honoree of the night. Fab times all around.

Photo Credit: Ajon Brodie/Twitter/D-Nice

COMIC-CON ROUND-UP: Kerry Washington, Jamie Foxx & Taraji P. Henson Get Their PROMO On

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 11:42 AM PDT

The YBF folks have rolled into the 2012 Comic Con International in San Diego. Check out what Kerry Washington, Jamie Foxx & Taraji P. Henson were up to this weekend at the world's largest comic book festival inside...

Kerry Washington looked flawless as usual at the DJango Unchained Press Line at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel on Saturday. She kept it fab in a floral semi-full skirted dress with a leather-like bodice and black pumps.

The 35-year-old is starring in Quentin Tarantino's controversial flick about a slave turned bounty hunter on a mission to rescue his wife from a horrific Mississippi plantation owner. The movie doesn't hit theaters until Christmas Day, but Kerry and her co-stars, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Walter Goggins, have already started making their promo rounds.

After hitting the carpet, Kerry participated in a press conference and poster signing for fans:

Gorge.

And Jamie was also spotted doing a signing with director Tarantino.

Taraji P. Henson also hit up Comic-Con to promote her CBS show "Person of Interest."

She and her co-stars Jim Caviezel and Kevin Chapman snapped flicks with fans and signed autographs.

Check out Taraji and her co-star doing a funny interview at Comic-Con:

As for what comic book character she wishes she could be? The BROWN Hornet. Oh....

And check out a few portrait session pics done by EntertainmentWeekly.com from Kerry, Jamie, Rutina Wesley & Don Cheadle:

Christopher Meloni, Rutina Wesley, Alexander Skarsgard, Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Kristin Bauer Van Straten for "True Blood."

Shane Black, Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau for Iron Man 3.

Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Walton Goggins, Christoph Waltz for Django Unchained.

Pics: Getty/SPLASH

*UPDATED* Jason Kidd ARRESTED In The Hamptons For DWI!

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 10:58 AM PDT

This is NOT the way to start off a brand new contract. The newest New York Knick, Jason Kidd, was arrested for DWI after partying it up in the Hamptons last night.

Deets inside...

He's 39 and been in the league for 18 years. But Jason Kidd is still making rookie mistakes. Just days after signing his brand new 3-year $9 million contract with the New York Knicks, Mr. Kidd took his wife, Porschla and their 2 kids (including brand new baby girl) to the Hamptons. And was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated after having a few too many.

After attending Ne-Yo & George Lucas' big "Fostering A Legacy" benefit in East Hampton Saturday night (pictured above), Jason was stopped by Southampton Police early Sunday morning. The police department confirms that Kidd was taken into custody, arraigned on a misdemeanor DWI charge early this morning, and then released on his own recognizance.

There has been no statement by Jason on the matter as of yet. Jason bought a home in the Watermill section of the Hamptons last year for $5.97 mill.

*UPDATE* Jason was spotted getting carried out the club, SL East, right before he copped a DWI. Apparently, he was so drunk that he couldn't manage to walk out alone. But he surely hopped behind the wheel of his car. And he crashed it--which led to his citation.

Is Will Smith FILMING "The Fast And The Furious 6" With Tyrese? + Romeo Miller HITS THE BEACH With Friends

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 10:20 AM PDT

Romeo Miller got some rest and relaxation on Miami Beach with the ladies and some friends over the weekend. See their pics inside and see Will Smith on the film set of "The Fast and the Furious 6" with Tyrese.

Tyrese just tweeted this pic saying, "Fast Six ...??? Shit just got real" Hmm....Is Will Smith joining Tyrese, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in the 6th installment of the franchise in some way? That would be extra interesting. Oh....hey Willow!

And on the beach.........