Friday, August 31, 2012

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous


Luda Drops New "Representing" TRACK Ft. Kelly Rowland, Parties It Up For Luda Weekend With Eudoxie, Keshia Knight Pulliam & More

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 09:57 AM PDT

Ludacris kicked off LudaDay Weekend with a new track called "Representing" featuring Kelly Rowland and a private dinner for friends.  Listen to the track inside and find out what Ludacris had in store for guests....

 

Last night, Ludacris and his gorgeous girlfriend Eudoxie partied with friends in ATL at club Vanquish to kick off his annual LudaDay Weekend.

LeToya Luckett partied with Eudoxie inside.

Bow Wow also came out to party.

 

Prior to the club.......

Ludacris and DTP Records hosted an invite-only dinner for 50 close friends last night.  The dinner was held at Frank Ski's Restaurant & Lounge where guests were treated to a four-course meal, Conjure Cognac signature cocktails and a silent auction.  All proceeds went to The Ludacris Foundation which supports educational programs for young adults. 

Above, Luda posed with girlfriend Eudoxie, his mom and Mayor Kasim Reed.  Sweet!

 

Chef G. Garvin, still sexy actor Larenz Tate and his brothers Larron and Lahmard were among the attendees.

NBA baller Kenyon Martin also supported the event.

Fab actress Keke Palmer always supports a good cause.

She attended with a few friends. 

Frank Ski made the supporters feel welcome.

Keisha Knight Pulliam showed off her hot bod in a chic black dress.  Chick never misses--always fab.

NBA baller Josh Powell also came out to support.

Singer Devyne Stephens snapped a pic with business exec Shanti Das.

 

And....

Just in time for his big weekend, Ludacris (who tweeted the hot car above saying, It's #ludadayweekend let the games begin!!!!!) has dropped a hot new joint with Kelly Rowland called “Representing.” The track will appear in Luda's upcoming album Ludaversal, due out this fall. Listen to it here:....

 

 

 

Photos via Paras Griffin/PrinceWilliams/ATLPics.Net

Dr. Metta World Peace....At Your (Party) Service!

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 09:43 AM PDT

Need a party doctor?  Metta World Peace...AKA Ron Artest...is at your service.  The Laker baller hit up a Nerds & Nurses party at Bootsy Bellows in L.A.  And, of course, he arrived with his artist-turned-girlfriend Shin Shin--who was dressed as the typical "sexy nurse."

 

Check the foolery inside...

Well isn't this nifty?  With a doctor's bag and all.  Ron Ron threw on his Doctor's outfit...alongside his girlfriend in her nurse's outfit...to go party with friends at Bootsy Bellows on Sunset Blvd. last night.

He invited all his fans as well tweeting:

 

Try your best to come as a nerd or nurse. But whatever;)) I'm with about 30 nurses at the pre party Lol This is fun!!! ... If ur sick, doctor Metta is on the way!

And inside, he served up drinks for friends and snapped some pics with the other nerds & nurses:

Looks like both of them sweated it out inside.  Interesting...

Pics: FAME/Pacific Coast News

WORK OUT: Tia Mowry Cheeses It Up While Working On That Post Baby Bod

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 09:14 AM PDT

Tia Mowry Hardrict is still perfecting her post-baby bod, even though she is looking quite fabulous (and back to her pre-baby self) lately.  The mom of 1-year-old Cree hit up a Pilates session in L.A.  And it seems she invited the cameras in to catch every angle.  Pics inside...

Since she's now left "The Game," Tia has much more free time to focus on her own mind and body....with Pilates and yoga.  She was pictured working it out during a session at L.A.'s V Pilates with her trainer Viveca Jensen yesterday.  And the giggly "Tia & Tamera" reality show star would be the one to smile all the way through it:

 

She's also been tweeting the praises of yoga telling her fans yesterday it gives her "peace of mind, flexibility, and strength."

Looking fab Tia!

Pics: Bauer

DO WE LOVE IT: Rihanna's Python Boots & Leather Mini Look

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 08:35 AM PDT

There's a lot going on with Rihanna's latest London look.  But does it work for her?  Decide if we love the Tom Ford python boots, leather mini and sweatshirt look inside...

It seems like only a Spice Girl could pull off a leather mini skirt, but Rihanna rocked her cognac pick from T by Alexander Wang last night while hitting up Nizomi in London.  She paired it with thigh high spike heel python boots from the Tom Ford Fall 2012 RTW collection, a black Trapstar sweatshirt, her usual red lip, and black & nude half moon nails:

She even had a little fun on a scooter.  So, about her look...

DO WE LOVE IT?!

Pics: Splash/WENN/INF

SAD NEWS: Robin Roberts' Mother Has Died

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 08:06 AM PDT

"Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts has been dealing with many battles lately, including her rare blood disease, MDS.  And now, ABC reports her ailing mother has died.

 

Details inside...

Robin's 88-year-old mother, Lucimarian Tolliver Roberts, died Thursday evening in Mississippi.  ABC News reports that Robin started her scheduled medical leave one day early in order to travel back home to Mississippi to tend to her mother.  So Thursday was indeed her last day for a while.

She and her sister, Sally-Ann, who is also a match for Robin and will be her bone marrow donor, did make it back in time to see their mother one last time.

Mrs. Roberts, who was the first African American to head Mississippi's Board of Education, co-wrote Robin's My Story, My Song book and accompanied Robin on the book tour.  "GMA" will be doing a tribute to Mrs. Roberts on an upcoming show as she's been a guest on the show several times.

Robin tweeted yesterday after the show:

This morning is a memory I will cherish forever. Thank you and bless you. Sally-Ann and I are on our way to be with our beloved mother. X0

She's set to return to the show soon.  Our prayers are with Robin at such a difficult time.

REALITY SHAKEUP: "American Idol" JUDGE Randy Jackson Is Officially OUT!

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 07:30 AM PDT

Another shake up just went down on "American Idol" as veteran judge Randy Jackson won't be returning to the panel. Get the deets on his new role on the show inside...

 

 

First Steven Tyler, then Jennifer Lopez and now Randy Jackson won't be returning to the "American Idol" panel. Randy's departure is just the latest in a series of shakeups on the show that will now need a fresh cast.  

One of those fresh faces will most likely be Nicki Minaj as "AI" insiders revealed that her deal is very close to being signed.  Although Mariah Carey supposedly isn't be happy to hear that, producers are hoping for a little diva controversy to boost ratings.

Sources also said the show will return to the four-judge format and producers hope to fill one of those seats with a popular country singer.  But don't expect to see Diddy or Kanye West as they're no longer in the running.

So what happens to Randy?  He's hanging around next season as a "mentor" on the show.  

Nas RELEASES "Bye Baby" VIDEO + Alicia Keys DROPS "Girl On Fire" SINGLE Cover Art

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 07:37 PM PDT

 

 

Rapper Nas has dropped a visual for "Bye Baby" featuring appearances from Aaron Hall and Lance Gross. Watch the clip inside and see the cover art for Alicia Key's "Girl On Fire" single.

 

Backed by a sample of Guy's "Goodbye Love," the Nas' "Bye Baby" single tells the story of his romance and breakup with ex-wife Kelis. 

With folks like Omar Benson Miller,  Lance Gross and Mr. Hall offering support, the Aristole-directed clip shows Nas cleaning out his ex's closet and finding her green wedding dress.  He also reflects on their time together and signs divorce papers.

Lance Gross had fun on the set tweeting, "One set of @nasnyc 's "Bye Baby" video. Shout out to the legend Aaron hall! #lifeisgood #4real #Goodtimes"

 

 

Watch the video here:

 

 

Also in music...........

 

 

Alicia Keys looks smoking hot on the cover of her single “Girl on Fire.” She rocks a short slicked baby hairdo hair and looks away from the camera. The song is the title track off her Girl On Fire  disc that drops October 27.

You can catch her performing the track live at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards on September 6. She tweeted. “Crazy excited!!! My new single #GirlOnFire will be unleashed soon!!! Are you ready?”

 

 

Alicia also tweeted a new promo pic saying, "GIRL ON FIRE PROMO - SITE RELAUNCH SUNDAY.... U READY."

Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Diddy & Others REACT To Chris Lighty's DEATH

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 06:43 PM PDT

Music industry exec Chris Lighty was found dead outside his Bronx apartment this morning after an apparent suicide. Get reactions from his celebrity friends inside..........

Music industry executive and manager Chris Lighty was found dead at 11:30am Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to confirmed reports, Chris was found lying faceup with a 9-mm. pistol by his side.

Things hadn't been going so well for Chris as the NY Daily News reports he had just had a spat with his estranged wife Veronica and allegedly owed the IRS $5 million, which he paid most of after selling his apartment for $5.6 mill.  Reportedly, he still owed money for back taxes, as well as to his bank:

The shocking suicide followed a wild spat between Lighty and his 36-year-old wife, Veronica, who filed for divorce last year. Moving trucks were at the home, as the veteran music manager prepared to move out of the three-story townhouse, sources said.

Law enforcement sources said Lighty’s wife of seven years told police he was facing financial woes that include a $5 million debt to the IRS. However, the Associated Press reported that Lighty paid off most of what he owed by selling a Manhattan apartment for $5.6 million in October.

Lighty still owed more than $330,000 in state and federal taxes, the AP reported. And in April, he was sued by City National Bank for not paying them after he had overdrawn his account by $53,584.

His 17-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son were inside the W. 232nd St. home and left when the argument erupted. They were in a park nearby when Lighty, who has three other children, stepped outside and shot himself, sources said.
 

Here are some reactions from those who knew and loved him:

Diggy Simmons: Still in shock.. More than just my manager but my family. Love you and gonna miss you Chris. R.I.P

Vivica A. Fox OH WOW!! Chris Lighty u will be missed! This is soo shocking! Treasure Life Tweeps!

Diddy "In shock. R.I.P."

Sway Calloway ‏ RIP Chris Lighty

DJ Khaled ‏R.I.P chris lighty!! Chris is hip hop, a friend & a gr8 person! When I came in the game he acknowledged me from the beginning & aspired 4 me 2 B gr8! Chris always wanted 2 help everyone! & did! Much luv 2 the family & my prayers R w/ them!
 

Lloydbanks ‏R.I.P Chris Lighty

Free ‏RIP to @clighty prayers up to his entire family, siblings, wife and kids. Music Industry Legend, #goodman

Mack Maine‏ R.I.P. Chris Lighty.....#wow

DJ Whoo Kid‏ RIP Chris Lighty --- A very Sad day in Hip Hop and Life itself --- my brother is gone.

Monica Brown Another tragic loss!! God Bless the Lighty Fam,My heart aches

Terrence J RIP to Chris Lighty. Dude gave me life changing advice & wisdom. A tragic loss, he will be deeply missed. Prayers to the family.

Chuck D‏ R I P Chris Lighty SMH to the mongrels that have made the BLACKmusic industry a depressing game to drag such good cats into a pit of bullsht

PUSHA T Rest in Peace @clighty this is terrible news!!

Rocsi Diaz R.I.P Chris Lighty

DJ DRAMA‏ Wow. no words. RIP Chris Lighty.

FAT JOE‏ R.I.P CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE!!!

Ludacris‏ R.I.P. Chris Lightly who always had the best energy every time I had an encounter with him. He will be misse

Joe Budden Damn Chris Lighty ...... Smh. #RIP

Childish Gambino rest in peace Chris Lighty. thank you for everything

Chuck D ‏R I P Chris Lighty SMH to the mongrels that have made the BLACKmusic industry a depressing game to drag such good cats into a pit of bullish

FAT JOE R.I.P CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE!!!

OMAR EPPS Chris Lighty was a pioneer in hip hop & the music biz period! He was a good man & a good friend. Prayers for his family & his children..

Sway Calloway RIP Chris Lighty http://bit.ly/PT6zh6

Jennifer Williams Very sad news about Chris Lighty... You never know someone's inner struggles... #RIP

Rah Digga Chris Lighty was everything to me in my Flipmode years. So busy rescuing others sorry we couldn't rescue you. You will be missed brother...

Russell Simmons: I am deeply saddened by the loss of a hip-hop hero. Chris Lighty has been a dear friend of mine since he was a kid. Was a brilliant partner in business and I was so proud of all that he had accomplished. He is an amazing example of how a passionate kid from the street can go to the most even-keeled, smart, thoughtful manager in the business and a generous philanthropist. He was loved by everyone who knew him, including me. He will be missed greatly by all of us.

John Legend: RIP Chris Lighty. Hip-hop visionary.

Kelly Price: Chris Lighty was a power player in this business. PLEASE lets see that we ALL need love, support and encouragement. WE HAVE2HOLDEACHOTHERUP

?uestlove: Man, I’m really sorry about Chris Lighty. Such a nice guy to me & my band. May God rest his soul. Peace to his family.

Big Sean: RIP Chris Lighty. my condolences to the family and loved ones.

Keyshia Cole: Sad at the amount of influential people we’re losing to suicide!!!!! Damn man!!! Come on!!!

Jay Electronica: this C.Lighty news really saddens me at the core. Peace on him and his loved ones.

Talib Kweli: Rest in peace Chris Lighty. Your words and your vision are constant inspiration to me. Forever.

Ameriie: God bless Chris Lighty and his family…rest in peace.

Soulja Boy: R.I.P my manager Chris Lighty, I know you’re in a better place. this shit got me so fucked up big bro we just talked on the phone 2 days ago

Nicki Minaj: Another tragic & inconceivable loss for the culture. #RIPChrisLighty

Rihanna: Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy

Marsha Ambrosius: RIP Chris Lighty. Prayers to family and loved ones.

Big Boi: RIP Chris Lighty

Magic Johnson: So sad to hear the news about hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty passing. My prayers go out to his family.

Ciara: So Sad, and Truly Unbelievable:(..May Chris Lighty Rest In Peace..

Tameka J. Raymond: Rest Peacefully Chris Lighty... This business is not healthy. So much pain. He was a Key player in the music business. I hate this news. Smh

 

DADDY DUTY: HOV & BLUE Hop Off The Jet In NYC

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 05:50 PM PDT

 

Jay-Z is on daddy duty!  Mr. Carter was spotted arriving via helicopter with his baby girl Blue Ivy.  The rap head honcho is pulling double duty as he's also in the middle of getting ready for his first annual Made In America Festival in Philly, kicking off this Saturday.  Pics of Hov & B.I.C. inside...

PaPa Jay hopped off the heli...looking photoshoot fresh...in NYC this afternoon.  And with Blue Ivy in tow, of course.  It was just daddy and his little girl, sans mama Beyonce, skipping into the city ahead of this weekend's Made In America Festival.

Blue had her ears covered with protective headphones as the twosome made their arrival:

 

 

Awww.  And if you're not making it to Philly this weekend to catch Drake, Rita Ora, Odd Future, Maybach Music, Jill Scott, D'Angelo, Jay himself and plenty more, no worries.  Jay will be live streaming the 2-day event via Pandora & Youtube.  Get ready....

 

Pics: INF

Ne-Yo & Melanie Fiona CELEBRATE Michael Jackson's 54th BIRTHDAY At The Pepsi/Billboard Summer Beats Concert

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 05:31 PM PDT

During the Pepsi/Billboard Summer Beats Concert in NYC last night, both Ne-Yo and Melanie Fiona paid tribute to Michael Jackson's birthday and the 25th anniversary of the Bad album.  See pics and watch video inside.....

 

Numerous YBF celebs turned out last night for the Pepsi/Billboard Summer Beats concert at Gotham Hall in NYC.

Ne-Yo was among the superstars there and he posed with RaVaughn and Adrienne Bailon.

Melanie Fiona looked fab.

Swizz Beatz was spotted walking the red carpet.  

He later posed with DJ Cassidy.  

 

Ne-Yo and Melanie also rocked the mic.

And Ne-Yo did a duet with RaVaughn.

Watch Ne-Yo perform "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" ft. RaVaughn 

Watch Melanie Fiona perform "Dirty Diana" here:

Photos via Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America

 

Tamia CONNECTS With FANS At "A Conversation With Tamia" + Kendrick Lamar PUSHES Album RELEASE Back, ANNOUNCES Tour Dates

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 04:07 PM PDT

"Give Me You" singer Tamia spent an intimate evening talking to fans in Atlanta recently.  See the pics inside and find out about Kendrick Lamar's new release date and tour.

While promoting her 5th album, Beautiful Surprise, Tamia spent an evening talking to fans last night for Majic 107.5 | 97.5's "A Conversation With Tamia."

The event was held at Taboo 2 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dressed in a lovely floral jacket, the singer chatted it up about her new album and her career in the music business.

The down-to-earth diva was approachable and very receptive to her fans.

 

 

Also in music.......

Kendrick Lamar has announced Monday, October 22, as the new release date for good kid, m.A.A.d city.

The disc will feature the hit T-Minus-produced track “Swimming Pools (Drank). and a collaboration with Lady Gaga called “Partynauseous."

And for fans who want to see him live, he's headlining the “BET Music Matters” tour with special guests Stalley, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock.

Check out "BET Music Matters" tour dates:

Sept. 7 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
Sept. 8 – Richmond, VA – The National
Sept. 11 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
Sept. 12 – Baltimore, MD- Rams Head
Sept. 13 – Philadelphia, PA – TLA
Sept. 14 – Washington, DC – Howard Theater
Sept. 15 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
Sept. 16 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur Theater
Sept. 19 – Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
Sept. 20 – Detroit, MO – Royal Oak
Sept. 21 – Minneapolis, MN – Epic
Sept. 22 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
Sept. 23 – Chicago, IL – The Congress
Sept. 25 – Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
Sept. 26 – Tampa, FL – The Ritz Ybor
Sept. 27 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore
Sept. 28 – Orlando, FL – Plaza Live
Sept. 29 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
Sept. 30 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
Oct. 1 – Baton Rouge, LA – Varsity Theater
Oct. 6 – Fresno, CA – Big Fresno Fair
Oct. 7 – Pozo, CA – Pozo Saloon
Oct. 8 – Denver, CO – The Ogden Theater
Oct. 9 – Blacksburg, VA – Burruss Auditorium – Virginia Polytech University
Oct. 10 – San Diego, CA – SOMA
Oct. 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theater
Oct. 13 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theatre
Oct. 14 – Seattle, WA – The Neptune
Oct. 16 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom
Oct. 17 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia
Oct. 18 – Pomona, CA – Fox Theater
Oct. 19 – Las Vegas, NV – Hard Rock Cafe
Oct. 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
Oct. 26 – Morgantown, WV – WVU Collisuem – West Virginia University



Photos via Paras Griffin

R.I.P. Hip-Hop Industry Exec Chris Lighty Has DIED

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 01:17 PM PDT

Chris Lighty, founder of Violator Management, has died. Details inside....

Chris Lighty, the man who's helped guide the careers of Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Missy Elliott, Fantasia, Mýa, Diggy Simmons, Cormega, Ja Rule, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J, and Nas has died. He was 44.

The passing was confirmed by VIBE and Chris' close pal Jeff Robinson ‏who tweeted, "So very sad about Chris lighty..Great long time friend,fellow bronxite and peer...incredible businessman and person."

Chris, who divorced his wife Veronica last year, was rumored to have financial issues.  Strangely, Chris' last tweet was about the death of a friend as he posted, "Rest in peace to my main man The Grand Incredible Dj Scott La Rock. I am still Criminal Minded. 8/27/87."

Police found Chris around 11:30am Thursday morning with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in the backyard of his apartment at West 232nd Street in Riverdale, The Bronx.  The suicide allegedly happened after Chris had a fight with Veronica.

 We will keep you posted as the story develops.

"Love & Hip Hop" Star Kimbella Shows Off Her & Juelz Santana's New Baby Girl BELLA MONROE!

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 12:48 PM PDT

Preciousness ahead!  Kimbella of "Love & Hip Hop" just showed off her 5 week old baby girl, named Bella Monroe James.  Pics inside...

 

Kimbella took to her Twitter to share her bundle of joy with fans.  And little Bella is pure cuteness in this pic!

Her parents, Kim & rapper Juelz Santana, have been taking some time to themselves in between diaper changes and feedings.  We have a couple more pics of them partying for a second time in NYC last week:

Kim looks great.

And a cute new pic of Juelz with his & Kimbella's son Juelz, Jr.  "Love & Hip Hop" is on deck to return soon.  You ready?

Pics: Kimbella's Twitter

Brandy REVEALS "Two Eleven" COVER ART + 2 Chainz's "Birthday Song" VIDEO FT. Kanye West

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 11:32 AM PDT

"Wildest Dreams" singer Brandy has revealed the cover art for her upcoming disc Two Eleven.  See the pic inside and watch 2 Chainz's video for "Birthday Song" featuring Kanye West.

 

Superstar actress Brandy has revealed the cover art for her highly-anticipated album TWO ELEVEN. The disc will be available in standard and deluxe editions. Set for release on October 16, 2012, the album also features her hit "Put It Down" single.

B described Two Eleven saying,It’s just an R&B album, a rhythm and blues album. No gimmicks, real R&B music.” 

And in new music videos........

 

2 Chainz dropped the visual for "Birthday Song" featuring Kanye West. 2 Chainz recently talked about the state of rap music with HuffPost saying,

"I think it's just the energy right now. It's to have fun again. It's time to relax and realize there are way less fortunate individuals than me. The people want to do what they do, and we should just have fun. It shouldn't be stressful. I think people finally get that, and the music goes along accordingly."

 

I guess "fun" is what you can call it.  Watch the video above.......  

 

BONUS:

 

In the "No Panties" video by R&B singer London Taylor, "Hollywood Exes" star Nicole Murphy plays a sexy cougar. When asked why she decided to be a part of the project Nicole answered “I initially thought it would be a creative way to introduce my jewelry collection. Then once I heard the song and London’s vision for the video, I fell in love!”

The video (reminiscent of a vintage Calvin Klein ad) was shot in Palm Springs and features a flawless Nicole stranded in the desert with London Taylor being her only hope for survival.

London is new to the scene and is sure to make a big smash as he plays bass, piano and guitar and has church-bred vocals to back up his music.  Watch the video above....

 

REALITY BESTIES: NeNe Leakes & Jennifer Williams Grab Grub At Mr. Chow

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 11:01 AM PDT

The Talls expand beyond "Real Housewives of Atlanta"!  NeNe Leakes was spotted out to dinner with one of her equally tall reality besties--former "Basketball Wives" star Jennifer Williams--last night in Beverly Hills.  The ladies threw on their heels and got leggy as they hit the streets.

 

Pics inside...

A flirty mini dress wearing Lucid Cosmetics owner, Jennifer Williams, was spotted flaunting her leg game out with the captain of Team Tall, NeNe, last night.  The twosome hit up Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills while soaking up the attention from the paparazzi cams.

Jennifer is looking gorgeous by the way, and NeNe's looking pretty fab and happy herself.

Ms. Leakes is gearing up for the premiere of her new comedy, "The New Normal," on September 11th at 8:30p on NBC.  I'll be watching because it does look pretty funny...
 

You can check out the full pilot episode now, before the premiere date, below:

 

Pics via SPLASH

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