The Young, Black, and Fabulous

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• WHOA: FBI Reveals Whitney Houston Was BLACKMAILED And THREATENED During Her CAREER
• Beyonce Goes BLEACHED BLONDE As A Pepsi Bombshell
• MOVIE FAB: Sanaa Lathan & Terrence Howard STARRING In "Macbett" + Halle Berry REPRISING "STORM" For "X-MEN: Days of Future Past"
• MUSIC VIDEO ROUND-UP: Rick Ross' "Ashamed" + Brianna Perry's "9" + Mindless Behavior's "All Around The World"
• BUY IT UP: Rihanna OFFICIALLY Launches River Island Collection In London
• FIRST LOOK: Ashanti Flexes Her Acting Skills...And Promo Shots...For New Season Of Lifetime's "Army Wives"
• CHANGE UP: Actor Jesse L. Martin REPLACES Lenny Kravitz In "Sexual Healing" Biopic
• DO WE LOVE IT? : Ciara's "Body Party" (Plus Her Bathroom A Cappella Version)
• VIDEO FAB: Fantasia's "Lose To Win" + Shystie's "Control It" Ft. Azealia Banks
• STILL STROLLING: Kanye & Kim Grab A Romantic Lunch In Paris
• BEAT IT: Michael Jordan Moves To DISMISS Paternity Suit, Says Legal Docs Prove THE KID Is NOT His Son
• CIAA SHENANIGANS: Drake Drops $50K At Charlotte Strip Club + More Party It Up

WHOA: FBI Reveals Whitney Houston Was BLACKMAILED And THREATENED During Her CAREER Posted: 05 Mar 2013 08:59 AM PST The FBI has released a slew of scandalous documents that revealed deceased pop icon Whitney Houston was a victim of several extortion and blackmail attempts during her storied career.  More details inside.....   The fact that Whitney Houston had demons has been well-established and documented in books by Clive Davis and the pop icon's own mother Cissy Houston.  And with demons, there are often "secrets," and a 128-report released by the FBI has revealed that some of those alleged secrets may have led to an alleged payout to one of Whitney's tormentors. After requests were made (underneath the Freedom of Information Act), the FBI has released a long document that highlights the peak of Whitney's career (1988-1992) where she was subjected to extortion and blackmail attempts, as well as her share of stalkers.   One fan sent Whitney nearly 70 letters that went from admiration to alleged threats like, "I might hurt someone with some crazy idea and not realize how stupid an idea it was until after it was done." And there was also a 1992 letter where a woman claimed to have knowledge about Whitney's "private life" and demanded $100K, before upping her amount to $250K.  Though it was never revealed what the woman "knew," Whitney did tell the FBI that she had personal conversations with the woman (whom she considered a friend).  And it was later revealed that the woman received a substantial payout from Whitney's father to keep quiet.   Outside of the blackmail, the FBI reported that Whitney didn't receive any criminal threats through fan mail between 1988-1999. May she rest in peace.     The Randomness: 1.  Oprah Winfrey set to give Harvard University Commencement address.  Story.   2.  Dennis Rodman kicked out of NYC hotel for rowdy behavior.  Story. 3.  Rappers are finding inventive ways to deduct "making it rain" on strippers from their taxes.  Story 4. Andre Leon Talley ends relationship with VOGUE's print edition, will become a digital contributor only.  Story.

Beyonce Goes BLEACHED BLONDE As A Pepsi Bombshell Posted: 05 Mar 2013 08:19 AM PST Beyonce seems to be having fun with her new Pepsi ads.  From her face becoming yellow blonde pop art to her new bleached blonde bombshell look, she's  showing off her creative influence as the brand's newest spokeswoman.   Check out her latest campaign pic inside... She's Pin-Up Bey for her newest Pepsi ad.  The curvy superstar is donning bleached blonde locks, hot pants and red lips in her newest ad for the beverage company.  And it seems it will be used to promote her upcoming world tour, The Mrs. Carter Show.   The many faces of the 31-year-old are showcased in this new image as she gears up for her big tour. And if you're wondering just how much longer she'll be shaking it hard on stage to rake in those millions, Bey recently told the Express in the UK that she doubts it'll be long.  And probably not once she crosses that 50-year-old mark. “I’m not sure if I’ll be shaking it when I’m their age,” Beyonce told the Express in reference to Madonna and Cher who are both still touring in their 50s and 60s. “I don’t think I’ll be able to keep up with them. It will probably be all Ave Maria stuff when I get to that point,” Beyonce added. Time will tell.  Bey's UK and USA shows for The Mrs. Carter Tour have sold out in minutes.  People are clearly still loving it at this moment...   Pics: Twitter

MOVIE FAB: Sanaa Lathan & Terrence Howard STARRING In "Macbett" + Halle Berry REPRISING "STORM" For "X-MEN: Days of Future Past" Posted: 05 Mar 2013 05:52 AM PST The Best Man stars Sanaa Lathan and Terrence Howard are teaming up again for a remake of Shakespeare's Macbeth.  Get the deets inside and find out what famous role Halle Berry is set to reprise...   Sanaa Lathan and Terrence Howard have signed on to join Blair Underwood and Evan Ross in a remake  of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. The retooled film will be called Macbett and will shoot on location in Jamaica and Puerto Rico in September 2013. Terrence, who also serves as executive producer of the film, will be working with writer/director Aleta Chappelle (who'll make history as the first Black woman to direct a film version of the story).  Indiewire posted  the film's  synopsis: "after a gallant military victory, General Macbett (Wipes) encounters the “Weird Sisters,” who are the spirit daughters of Mother Africa and reign over fire, water, earth and sky. They delight in manipulating Macbett by feeding him predictions of royal titles including “King.” Macbett soon becomes obsessed with ambition, as does his beautiful and ruthless wife Lady Macbett (Lathan) . "As Macbett and his Lady spiral downward, indulging in treachery and political assassinations, they are soon haunted by their murderous deeds and driven mad. In a true exemplification of a tragedy, Macbett is defeated by his own zealous thirst for power, a heartbreaking end to a once beloved Hero". And in other news, Sanaa and Terrence will hopefully reprise their memorable role in The Best Man sequel called Best Man Holiday coming soon.     And in other movie news... It's official, Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry will return to the X-Men franchise in the role of Storm (which she originated in the first film) for the latest installment X-Men: Days of Future Past.  She told "Access Hollywood", "I'm in. I think I'm in. I am excited. I love Storm. That's one of my favourite characters that I've played. And people love that character as well." That sentiment was later confirmed with director Bryan Singer tweeted, Congrats Halle!

MUSIC VIDEO ROUND-UP: Rick Ross' "Ashamed" + Brianna Perry's "9" + Mindless Behavior's "All Around The World" Posted: 05 Mar 2013 05:00 AM PST Rick Ross is still dropping videos off his latest LP God Forgives, I Don't.  And after the 2013 he's already had, it's only right this next one is for "Ashamed."  Check it inside, plus videos from Brianna Perry and Mindless Behavior... In the DRE Films directed video, Rick Ross is proving why he's still the biggest Bawse...despite a drama filled 2012 with death threats from the BMF, an attempt on his life, and a copyright lawsuit over that "3 Kings" song. So he's keeping it "shameless" with his mink dragging on the floor, his mansion, his chick and tons of jewelry proving that he's self made.  Check it above.     Rapper/singer Brianna Perry is still on the come up, and the Atlantic Records artist just dropped her brand new video for her track "9".  It's the latest vid off the 21-year-old's upcoming mixtape album Symphony No. 9 : The B Collection. Future, Trey Songz, Teyana Taylor, Trina and more will all appear.  Check out Florida native Brianna taking you down memory lane above.     And lastly, the Mindless Behavior crew dropped their latest Colin Tilley-directed video "All Around The World."  The album title of the same name hits stores on March 12.  Then the teen heart throbs premiere their documentary, Mindless Behavior: All Around the World, exclusively at AMC Theatres on March 15: Check out the full visuals for their newest vid off the upcoming second album with the 4 fellas doing what they do...and in suits.

BUY IT UP: Rihanna OFFICIALLY Launches River Island Collection In London Posted: 04 Mar 2013 03:47 PM PST Rihanna's officially unleashing her Rihanna for River Island collection tonight.  And she hit up the River Island store on Oxford St. in London for her big launch.  Pics and video inside... If you've been wanting to get your hands on Rih Rih's River Island Collection, now's your time.  The "Diamonds" singer rolled up to the clothing brand's London store to sign autographs and to officially start selling her line: She was spotted leaving her London hotel in the collection's black long sleeved turtle neck maxi dress. And snapped pics showing off the shoes from the collection once she arrived. Pretty. She signed copies of her brand new ELLE UK mag for her young fans as well.  The collection goes on sale online tonight. Here's a behind the scenes look at Rihanna's Spring/Summer 2013 Collection ad campaign featuring Jourdan Dunn and Rih herself: BONUS: Here's another sneak peek at the poptress rehearsing for her upcoming Diamonds world tour kicking off in just a few days:   Pics: Splash/Pacific Coast News

FIRST LOOK: Ashanti Flexes Her Acting Skills...And Promo Shots...For New Season Of Lifetime's "Army Wives" Posted: 04 Mar 2013 01:52 PM PST Ashanti's looking gorgeous in her new promo shot for her new role in Lifetime's series "Army Wives".  Check it inside, plus new flicks from her role for the new season... "The Woman You Love" singer Ashanti is putting on her actor's at as one of the newest cast members of Lifetime's #1 drama "Army Wives." Her newly released promo shot is a fab one, and more deets and pics from her new role as "Latasha Montclair" is officially underway.  Season 7 of the show premieres March 10th with 13 episodes, and here's a few of the first shots of Ashanti in her role:   She has a dog named Tucker and, according to BlackFilm.com, is a mother of three with a husband who is deployed: Ashanti will make her series regular debut in "Army Wives" as “Latasha Montclair,” a force of nature and an indomitable spirit for whom “southern hospitality” isn’t just a concept, it’s a way of life. Latasha finds joy in navigating the daily chaos of singlehandedly wrangling her three children while her husband, “Quincy” (Joshua Henry, Godspell, The Scottsboro Boys), is deployed overseas. YBF actress Wendy Davis will also be returning to her long time role.  And Brooke Shields has also been added to the cast. We'll be watching...

CHANGE UP: Actor Jesse L. Martin REPLACES Lenny Kravitz In "Sexual Healing" Biopic Posted: 04 Mar 2013 01:25 PM PST Actor Jesse L. Martin is replacing Lenny Kravtiz in the lead role for the upcoming Marvin Gaye biopic "Sexual Healing."  Find out more inside.... Previously, we told you about the controversial Marvin Gaye biopic "Sexual Healing" and how Marvin's son, Marvin Gaye III was a little upset that his childhood friend Lenny Kravitz had agreed to the role.  Mainly because the film focuses on the turbulent times of Marvin's life and III wasn't feeling it.  Now, Deadline.com is reporting that there's been a shakeup in casting and now Marvin III will have to direct his frustration towards actor Jesse L. Martin.  If he still has any. Jesse, who formerly starred on "Law & Order", will replace Lenny in the Julien Temple-directed flick which will start filming in later this month in Europe. The film, produced by Vassal Benton and Fred Bestall, will focus on the music legend's time in Europe in the 1980s when he attempted a drug-free comeback with the help of British music promoter Freddy Cousaert (played by Brendan Gleason). Outside of the film, Jesse recently starred in the NBC pilot "The Secret Lives Of Husbands And Wives" (so far....the show hasn't been picked up).

DO WE LOVE IT? : Ciara's "Body Party" (Plus Her Bathroom A Cappella Version) Posted: 04 Mar 2013 12:53 PM PST Ciara just released the full version of her newest single "Body Party."  Check out the sexy track inside, plus CiCi belting out the chorus a cappella in her bathroom in Paris.... Just a few days ago, CiCi dropped a snippet and her nude single cover for "Body Party."  The track appears on her upcoming EPIC records album One Woman Army.  And as a follow up to her "Sweat" single, the hot singer/dancer tapped her boyfriend, rapper Future, to help her co-write the song. She gushed about him and why this song was a good description of their relationship telling Billboard: "If you listen closely, you can [hear him]," she told The Juice while giggling."Let's just say that this record came out of a very sincere place," Ciara says of working with Future. "I think when things just organically feel right, naturally good things come from it." You can hear his adlibs in the background.  She gushed about her boo even more saying: "He' s such an amazing, creative person," she continues. "I can be very creatively expressive myself, but there's nothing like being able to work with someone that can bring a new flavor. What I like about [working with] him, it's almost like I got to learn more things about myself." Mmmhmm we're sure things get real organic if you're making sexy tracks like this.  Mike Will Made It produced "Body Party", and One Woman Army will hit shelves in June. By the way, before Ciara rolled to the Givenchy afterparty dinner in Paris last night, she went into the bathroom and belted out the chorus.  No background music: So, about her new "Body Party" single... DO WE LOVE IT?

VIDEO FAB: Fantasia's "Lose To Win" + Shystie's "Control It" Ft. Azealia Banks Posted: 04 Mar 2013 12:27 PM PST Fantasia has released a stylish new video to accompany her "Lose To Win" single.  Watch the video inside and see British MC Shystie team up with Azealia Banks for "Control It." As she preps for the April 23rd release of Side Effects Of You, Fantasia is back with a lavishly vintage style video for her latest single, "Lose To Win."  The video follows the singer building herself back up after a heartbreak, which is a similar to the way she's been building herself back up after being tormented by the media. You'll recall the backlash she received after a post on Instagram was  taken out of context (or so she says) and most recently, she was angered by JET's choice to go with an "old" pic for a recent story on her.  And she was further insulted after a Facebook post by JET's EIC Mitzi Miller went viral after Mitzi vented her frustration about having to apologize or explain why she chose the pic she did.  Mitzi went on to apologize for her Facebook post, (which references Fanny's illiteracy) saying, “It was a thoughtless comment made during a moment of frustration. It was unprofessional and not representative of the JET mission, which is to uplift. I regret letting my emotions get the best of me. I am truly apologetic.”  Keep your chin up Fanny....sometimes you gotta lose to win.  Or something. Watch "Lose To Win" here:     In other new videos.....   British import Shystie teamed up with Harlem femcee Azealia Banks for her "Control It" video.  She spoke to Billboard about the risque Oliver Whitehouse-directed clip saying "sex-with-class" was the concept.  "I wanted something fun, artistic and creative. I feel [like] a lot of videos nowadays just look generic.  I went back and forth with Oliver Whitehouse about a million times in putting the treatment together, just to make sure that we had something sexy, shocking and entertaining. I wanted this to stand out from all the other visuals I have to date. The track is sexual and domineering, and I wanted the video to reflect that." Did she succeed?  You be the judge.  Meanwhile, she'll release her "Pink Mist," EP on April 28 followed by a studio project in September. The Randomness: 1.  Gucci Mane says he is not changing his name.  Story.

STILL STROLLING: Kanye & Kim Grab A Romantic Lunch In Paris Posted: 04 Mar 2013 11:48 AM PST After a big night of partying with Givenchy designer Ricardo Tisci, Ciara and Frank Ocean, Kim & Kanye took a romantic stroll around Paris today.  Pics inside... A dressed down Kanye was spotted holding hands with his baby moms Kim K. as they grabbed lunch at the Palais de Tokyo -- a building dedicated to modern and contemporary art -- in Paris today. Kim rocked a pair of black pumps we're not loving as she covered her baby bump in her big black fur.    The two cuddled up and held hands on the sidewalk while waiting for paparazzi to get their shots their car.  We're sure they'll be hitting up more Paris Fashion week shows soon... Pics: Pacific Coast News/Splash

BEAT IT: Michael Jordan Moves To DISMISS Paternity Suit, Says Legal Docs Prove THE KID Is NOT His Son Posted: 04 Mar 2013 10:45 AM PST Michael Jordan has released a statement claiming legal documents prove he didn't father the teenager who's claiming to be his son. Find out what he said inside.... Basketball legend Michael Jordan has been splashed across gossip pages in the past week after the 16-year-old son of Pamela Y. Smith (shown above) posted a YouTube video claiming to be his son and then she filed legal paperwork demanding Michael to claim paternity. Back in February, Pamela Y. Smith, 48, filed suit in Fulton County Superior Court requesting that MJ take a paternity test, pay child support and share medical, dental and hospital costs that are not covered by insurance. So why did Pam do this now? Apparently, Pamela's son wants to forge a relatiosnip with his father and for now...they think the legal system is the best route. In a statement released earlier, Pamela's publicist said, "Pamela had no choice but to support her son and his desire to forge a relationship with his father. That's why she is now speaking out and prompting Michael to do the right thing." Not so fast.....said MJ's lawyers today. Michael and his legal team recently filed documents seeking to dismiss Pamela's case, claming paternity of her son has already been established.  And MJ is NOT the father.  His legal team told the Associated Press, "Public records show that the paternity of the child was established in a prior case in this same court many years ago and that Michael Jordan is not the father. He also filed a counterclaim seeking sanctions for the false claims made against him. It is unfortunate that well-known figures are the target of these kind of claims. Michael Jordan will vigorously defend himself and his reputation." And Michael's team says Pamela's suit is a "shameless, bad faith attempt to abuse the legal system."  For now, we guess a judge will decide as MJ and Pamela are set to meet in court for Tuesday, March 12. We reached out the Pamela's publicist for a comment....and we're still waiting. Womp. In case you missed it (here's Taj Jordan's video):

CIAA SHENANIGANS: Drake Drops $50K At Charlotte Strip Club + More Party It Up Posted: 04 Mar 2013 10:05 AM PST CIAA weekend in Charlotte was all about the green carpet.  And by green carpet we mean dollar bills covering the strip club floors.  Throw it up throw it up....watch how Drake, Meek Mill and "Basketball Wives: LA" star Draya ball out inside... Rapper Drake reportedly dropped $50,000 on the skrippers at Cameo in Charlotte last night.  All to wrap up CIAA college basketball weekend.  And apparently the games are an afterthought, because everybody hit the strip clubs every night since Thursday. TMZ posted pics of Drake tossing dollar bills at the big booty strippers.  And bringing his friends in on the fun too:   Meek Mill brought his stacks as well:   And Draya danced with the strippers all night throwing dollars in their g-strings: Bet she loved that. Drake hit the stage while Draya posed it up for the cameras with Kenny Burns: The love 'dem strippers.... Pics: Prince Williams/ATLPics.net/TMZ

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