Thursday, April 11, 2013

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous


FAB CHICKS ON THE SCENE: Kelly Rowland, Jessica White, LaLa Anthony & MORE Celebrate ELLE's Women In Music

Posted: 11 Apr 2013 08:49 AM PDT

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A few of our fave Hollywood chicks made their way to The Edison Ballroom in NYC last night for the ELLE Women In Music celebration.  Check out  pics of the fab ladies like Kelly Rowland, LaLa, Jessica White and more...

 

Doll face Kelly Rowland hit up the ELLE Women In Music event last night to support the fabulous female musicians and to perform for the crowd as well.  And she, along with Alicia Keys and Adele, are gracing three separate covers of ELLE's May 2013 issue to celebrate Women In Music:

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Absolutely ADORE this look for Kelly.  Shiny leather pants and a blousy white tee embellished with pink & coral jewels.  Fresh and chic.

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Kel, who's gearing up to release her fourth album Talk A Good Game, performed a few of her hits for the audience.

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Rita Ora rocked a dipped hem dress with a big floppy hat for a vintage glam look on the red carpet:

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Her looks always seem so contrived.  But this one looks more like her and works for her personality.

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The "R.I.P." singer also performed for the crowd in this off white sheath dress with a gold wide mesh overlay.

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Her girls Bridget Kelly and Adrienne Bailon were there to support.

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E!'s Alicia Quarels hit the carpet in a gold one shoulder mini dress.

 

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LaLa, who's filming an episode of "Law & Order: SVU" this week, kept it fashionable in a white sleeveless dress with a sheer bottom and neon yellow pumps.

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And DJ KISS popped up in a few pics in a cute and flirty colorful dress.

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Stylist June Ambrose looked polished as usual in a printed matching blazer & pants look with white pumps and a pop of color light blue clutch.

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Model Jessica White hit the event in a black leather cropped bustier and a black & green printed maxi skirt for a sexy look that so her style.  We love when she polishes her laid back free spirited style.

Fab looks all around.

Photos: INF

Universal Music Group "WHISTLEBLOWER" Makes ALLEGATIONS Of RAMPANT Drug Use, Sex & Partying, NAME CHECKS T.I., Macy Gray, Future & More

Posted: 11 Apr 2013 08:08 AM PDT

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A new lawsuit by a disgruntled Universal Music Group employee makes explosive allegations about rampant sex, partying and drug use at the Universal west coast office....but it's the names that appear in the lawsuit that raise the most eyebrows.  Inside, go behind the scenes at UMG with Macy Gray, Future, T.I. and others....allegedly!

 

An explosive lawsuit filed by a former UMG employee, in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges the company's "anything goes" philosophy when it came to its high profile celebrities and executives created quite the hostile work environment.  

The plaintiff, a 41-year-old African American female security guard, alleges the office was "infiltrated with pervasive drug use where you could smell marijuana seeping from various offices and openly used in common areas, and lounges."

And if that wasn't enough, "artists and high-profile celebrities began visiting the premises with drugs in hand and oftentimes offering drugs to Plaintiff, which she refused."

The lawsuit goes on to namecheck drug use or drug paraphernalia by singer Macy Gray and "entourages" of Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx, MC Ren, rapper T.I. and "The Voice" judge Adam Levine.

To make it worse, the plaintiff says that once she "became torn between her professional integrity and losing her job," her objections were laughed off. And eventually, after submitting her written complaints, she was informed by her manager that she was suspended...and eventually fired!

Some interesting gems from the lawsuit include finding people passed out in bathrooms strewn with condoms after long nights or partying and drinking. Also, T.I. security guards like to park VERY close to the front door....and they refused to move when asked because, they said, they need to be ready just in case a shooting breaks out!

And when folks like head honcho Jimmy Iovine showed up at the office, it mysteriously began to smell like a day spa with incense and candles burning everywhere.  Plus, she alleges he showed up with "Idol" contestants who were blazing up some weed.

And then there's also a dose of good old-fashioned sexual harassment of the UMG employees thrown in for good measurement.  SMH.....sounds like a summer internship you'd never forget!

The plaintiff says she was fired when she told her operations manager at the security company about the T.I. incident.  Apparently, they didn't appreciate her snitching, so they told the plaintiff she had "complaints" about her performance and suspended her.  Later, she was permanently terminated.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, she's suing Universal Music Group-owned UMPG, her employer Universal Protection Services, the building's management and others over alleged labor violations, including a hostile work environment.

So far, all a spokesperson for UMG had to say was "While we cannot comment on the allegations between the plaintiff and her employer, we can say that the allegations as they relate to Universal Music Group are absurd."

We're keeping an eye on this one. Where there's smoke....

 

Jay-Z Pops Back At Critics In "Open Letter" Ft. Swizz Beatz

Posted: 11 Apr 2013 07:10 AM PDT

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The Roc is back in the building as Jay-Z has some things to get off his chest.  Check out his response to all the critics who have been going in on him lately in his new track "Open Letter."

This week was filled with everyone from Congressmen to celebs we forgot about going in on Jay & his wife for traveling to Cuba for their 5th anniversary.  But even though Beyonce & Jay received a cultural license to legally travel to the forbidden country, protestors and activists were pissed at the Carters for supporting a "repressive regime" such as Cuba.

So after a week of criticism, an epic interview from Dame Dash who exposed what really went down with their business, and the usual scrutiny, Jay took it to the studio to give his response in a few bars.

Activists have been accusing President Obama of being "soft" on the Carters and their decision to travel to Cuba.  So, Jay spit a line about the President saying they want to impeach him after his administration approved their license to visit the country.  This ought to stir up some ish.

Hov tapped Swizz Beatz for the beat, and here's his full "Open Letter":

Photo: AP

 

WHAT BREAK-UP? Rihanna & Chris Brown Hang Out In L.A. + Breezy Drops "Ready" Video With Fabolous

Posted: 11 Apr 2013 06:25 AM PDT

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While sites around the net reported that Chris Brown & Rihanna broke up (again) earlier this week after an inside source told them the two were done, your fave makeups to breakups couple snapped a pic together yesterday in L.A. to prove the doubters wrong.

 

Chris & Rih Rih ridin' around and gettin' it, plus Breezy's new video with Fabolous for "Ready", inside....

She says she doesn't understand love, but she knows she loves herself some Breezy.  Rihanna Instagrammed a pic of her and her boo snuggled up and riding around L.A. after she brought her Diamonds tour to Anaheim the other night.

Chris went to her Staples Center show earlier this week to show support, which was the first clue the break up rumors were just rumors.

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Lil Miss Sunshine kept up the playful snaps and gave a shout out to her boo's upcoming new album X saying, "Yellow model chick in my yellow ass dress wit my yellow nigga X."  

 

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Meanwhile, Chris is focused on his music as he's on Fabolous' new song called "Ready".  And the fellas just dropped the video.  Check out the sexy hotel room lovin' and romantic dinner dates with their gals below:

By the way, Chris' bodyguard Pat is now suing WIP nightclub over that Chris/Drake fight incident.  His head was cracked open with cuts and he suffered bad injuries that he's now seeking damages for.  Pat says the club should have known better--due to Chris & Drake's public beef--than to let both stars inside the venue at the same time.

 

Photos: Instagram

Kim Porter SUED By Ex-Nanny -- Stories Of The Twins Surrounded By Weed Smoke...And Covered In "White Powder"

Posted: 10 Apr 2013 08:38 PM PDT

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Kim Porter better have Diddy call up every lawyer on speed dial.  Because a brand new lawsuit filed against her by her ex-nanny is a doozy.  Get the deets inside about how Diddy's baby's mama allegedly treats the twins...according to the former employee....

Whether all these allegations are true or not, Kim Porter's reputation as the mother of Diddy's kids will be tarnished for even being caught up in this--at least for now.

A woman named Dawn Drago, who worked for Kim as her kids' nanny from 2011-2012, filed a lawsuit against Kim after she was fired.

Dawn claims in the suit some interesting things-- 1) Kim chain smoked pot in the house when the girls, Jessie James & D'Lila Star, were home, 2) The girls were at one point covered in a "mysterious white powder" after they had gotten into a bag of Kim's pills that were capsules and Ms. Porter said was "medicine" and 3) Kim verbally & violently abused her.

As for that powder--it could be baby powder and the "capsule" story could be a fraud.  Or it could be something way harder than weed.

We wouldn't be surprised if any of these things ended up being true.  But will the nanny just end up sonding like a bitter & fired employee? 

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TMZ reports Dawn is seeking unspecified damages.  I know Kim hopes her baby mama status will earn her all the financial and legal protection Diddy can offer her...

MAGAZINE FAB: Nas INVESTS Six-Figures In "MASS APPEAL" Magazine RE-LAUNCH

Posted: 10 Apr 2013 04:08 PM PDT

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Rapper Nas is expanding his empire, adding the re-launch of MASS APPEAL Magazine to his listing of ownings.  See why Nas decided to invest in the re-launch and what it holds for his future inside....

 

Fans of the original Mass Appeal Magazine, a graffiti magazine founded in 1996, get excited.  The magazine will be rebooted with Nas (shown above on its 2002 cover) as its Associate Publisher. 

The rapper spoke to FORBES recently about his new acquisition, explaining that he was disappointed with the lack of options available to readers interested in hip hop culture. 

“Mass Appeal has a legacy and respect. It already has a foundation … I just feel like I can add on because I can lend my kind of cultural expertise and my professional acumen, and develop the business.”  He added,  "They invested into the culture … I saw their vision for what they planned and I thought I could add value across the board."

After a five-year hiatus, the magazine's re-launch as a quarterly print product with web, video , monthly event components, is thanks to a hefty six-figure investment from the Life Is Good rapper.

While other rap moguls like Jay-Z, Diddy and 50 Cent each began exploring big business opportunities early in their careers, Nas explained his late start saying,

“I knew that this was down the road,” he says. “I didn’t care to interrupt me being a creative musical artist … I said I’ll be more of a businessman down the road. I’m down the road now.”

As a far as getting any criticism from the magazine about his own contributions to hip hop, Nas is letting his editorial board off the hook saying,

“If that happens, I don’t want to see it until it’s out,” he says. “I won’t get involved with that at all … I won’t touch anything, they’re free to say whatever they want. They can say I’m a psychopath, they can say I’m a sweetheart … as long as it’s from their honest opinion, that’s all that matters to me.”

Congrats to Nas!  Glad he's working on business moves outside that rap life.

BONUS:

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TV personalities Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan appear on separate covers of The Hollywood Reporter's third annual list of the 35 Most Powerful People in Media.  The list covers the folks at the forefront of the media whose decisions, tastes and words drive and influence pop culture and the national agenda at large. Nice!

Watch footage from BTS of the shoot here:

Miguel's "How Many Drinks" Remix Ft. Kendrick Lamar + Nicki Minaj's New Beats By Dre Pink Pill Commercial + 2 Chainz Hits "Law & Order: SVU"

Posted: 10 Apr 2013 03:11 PM PDT

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Miguel and his new bestie in this music game, Kendrick Lamar, have a remix to Miguel's sexy "How Many Drinks" track.  Check it inside, plus new tv spots for Nicki Minaj & 2 Chainz....

Miguel tapped his VIBE cover co-star Kendrick Lamar for the remix to his "How Many Drinks" track. Kendrick spits a few raunchy bars over the sing that's all about how many drinks it will take for you to get down to bedroom business. Hold on to your panties and listen above.

 

Nicki Minaj is bringing her signature Pink color to Beats By Dre's Pill Speakers.  The Pink Pill is Nicki's contribution to Dre's multi-million dollar speaker and headphone company.  And her brand new commercial for her Pink Pill aired today.

Checkout comedian DeRay Davis getting caught texting other chicks when Nicki isn't watching, and Tichina Arnold playing the Voice of the Pill speaker:

 

 

And in other rappers on tv news, 2 Chainz has the acting bug after appearing in a hilarious episode of "2 Broke Girls" a little while ago.  Now, he's shooting an episode of "Law & Order: SVU" and tweeted a pic of his dressing room....marked with his government:

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And pics with Ice-T who plays "Fin" and Mariska Harigtay who plays "Olivia":

 

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He was surprisingly funny in "2 Broke Girls," so we'll see what he does with this....

Photo: Instagram

SPECIAL DELIVERY: Bridget Kelly "ROCS" OUT With Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland & Rita Ora At Her 27th BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Posted: 10 Apr 2013 01:37 PM PDT

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Roc Nation songstress Bridget Kelly celebrated her 27th birthday at Jay-Z's 40/40 club with Kelly Rowland, Rita Ora, Ne-Yo, and others last night.  Check out the "Special Delivery" Bridget received inside....

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"Street Dreamin" singer Bridget Kelly celebrated her 27th birthday and upcoming Roc Nation debut studio album with a fab party at NYC's 40/40 club last night.   She partied it up with her celeb friends at the D'usse-sponsored event:

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Hitmaking songwriter Ne-Yo, who collaborated with Bridget on her upcoming album, came through to show some birthday love. 

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Bridgett posed with fellow Roc Nation artist Melanie Fiona during the party.

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The duo were joined by Rita Ora, one of Roc Nation's British imports.

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Timbaland stopped by to say wassup as well.

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And NY Knicks baller Baron Davis raised a glass with Bridget.

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Singers Kelly Rowland and Adrienne Bailon were also spotted at the party.

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And Bridget partied with her mom too!

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Cute dress.  Though she's still prepping her debut album, Bridget's already got a Grammy under her belt after winning a 2013 award for writing “Einstein” off Kelly Clarkson’s album Stronger.

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And she received another special delivery in the form of a chocolate-covered red velvet cake celebrating her successful life in NYC and the industry. 

 

Happy birthday Bridget!

 

Photos via Johnny Nunez

 

MUST LISTEN: Dame Dash Drops Knowledge About The Fakeness Of The Industry, Life After Jay-Z & Aaliyah & More

Posted: 10 Apr 2013 12:49 PM PDT

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In one of the realest interviews from someone who was in the industry but not of the industry, Dame Dash clears up what really went down with his infamous career.

 

Dame drops knowledge about why he's left the fake industry for good and why everything went down with Jay-Z, Aaliyah, Rachel Roy & Rocafella the way it did....

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He's known as the original a**hole of the hip hop industry.  But he's also one of the first to truly build and own the rap brands he worked with. And with that, comes drama.  We haven't heard from him in years, but here's the lowdown if you've ever wondered (and we know we have) why the 41-year-old REALLY left his long time business partners like Jay-Z & Rocafella.  The 41-year-old dad of four also addresses the long time beef with Just Blaze (who shows up as well for some awkward talk).

Dame explained why he hates working with men in the industry, and prefers working with females. "Men can be too insecure. The more you do for a guy, the more they resent you.  I prefer working with females [like ex-wife Rachel Roy] because the more success you get, they take it as their success too.  They're thankful."

Interesting.

Dame drops some knowledge about the fake titles, fake power and fake people in the often fake industry.  If he didn't own it and it wasn't authentic, Dame wasn't having it.  He essentially let us know that being handed a title and some cash in a deal wasn't the way he wanted to win. But it's the way many people he worked with in the industry did want to win.  Instead, he wanted to own and completely control the deal.  So now he's clearing the air about being the bad guy.  And he's also talking about those "broke" rumors.

Check out the epic 2 hour interview with The Combat Jack Show below:

 

So....Baller Delonte West Is Married & Expecting Twins

Posted: 10 Apr 2013 11:55 AM PDT

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In the random news of the day, baller Delonte West popped up on Twitter today after being away for a while, just to announce some big news.  Check it inside...

Delonte West, the former Cleveland Cavs baller who was rumored to be smashing his then teammate LeBron James' mom, is now married.

LeBron & Delonte both denied anything was going on between Gloria James & Delonte, but plenty of sources say they knew the twosome were doing some scandalous deeds behind Bron Bron's back...and it was causing trouble in the locker room.

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Now, three years later, the 29-year-old just announced he's married....and expecting twins!  He posted the above pics with his new wife at the Justice of the Peace and tweeted from his now private account:

 

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The baller, who was vocal about applying for a job at Home Depot during the NBA lockout, was sent to the NBA D-League back in January to play for the Texas Legends.  And he's been suiting up for games with that team since March 16th.

Congrats y'all!

 

Photos: Twitter

Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Solange, Macklemore, A$AP Rocky, 2 Chainz & More Announced For Budweiser's 2013 Made In America Festival Lineup!

Posted: 10 Apr 2013 10:38 AM PDT

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Budweiser's Made In America Festival is returning to Philly Labor Day weekend.  And the official lineup has just been announced.  Check out who's hitting the many stages of the 2-day Fest inside....

After last year's huge turnout, Jay-Z & Budweiser are back with the second annual Made In America festival.

On the bill this year: Jay's wife Beyonce as the headliner, and also her little sis Solange is hitting one of the stages as well (y'all already know that's a package deal).  Other hot R&B singers rounding out the line up are Miguel and Emeli Sande.

Rappers Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar are on the bill. And Public Enemy and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis will also be making their Made In America debut.

As for rock artists, Nine Inch Nails is the second headliner and plenty of other bands will be hitting the stages.

Noticeably absent from the line up is the man who had a major part in creating the festival with Budweiser--Jay-Z himself.  He headlined last year (in addition to popping up during Pearl Jam's performance) and brought his homie Kanye and G.O.O.D. Music out for half his set.  But we all know he'll be making some non-surprise appearances during more than one of these performances.

Check out the full list of performers over at Life+Times

It's all going down August 31st and September 1st at Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.  See you there!

 

GET IT: The Prez & First Lady DANCE IT UP With Queen Latifah, Justin Timberlake & MORE At The White House

Posted: 10 Apr 2013 10:05 AM PDT

 

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The President and First Lady hosted Memphis Soul night at the White House last night with soulful performances from Queen Latifah, Justin Timberlake and "American Idol" finalist Joshua Ledet.  See pics from the upcoming broadcast inside.... 

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Last night, President Barack Obama and wife Michelle brought "Memphis Soul" to the White House for a taped special airing as part of their "In Performance at the White House" series. 

Mr. Prez opened the evening with remarks about Memphis Soul and its historical importance in creating a sense of racial harmony during one of the nation's darkest period. 

"Memphis, Tennessee, was segregated in the 1960s, but blacks and whites came together despite the institutional racism to create a soulful blend of gospel and rhythmic blues music that sought to 'bridge those divides, to create a little harmony with harmony." 

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Queen Latifah was among the A-list celebs who graced the stage, putting their own spin on soulful classics.  She was joined by Booker T. Jones, Cyndi Lauper and Justin Timberlake and others. 

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First Lady Michelle Obama rocked a daring, off-the-shoulder, gown for the swanky event held in the East Room.  

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The President and First Lady were joined by Sasha, Malia and the First Granny, Marian Robinson, who all got a kick out of watching President Obama bust out some dance moves during the concert.  The entire evening is set to air as a PBS special on on April 16.

 

Watch President Obama's opening remarks here:

And a sneak peek at Justin Timberlake's performance:

 

 

Photos via PBS/Getty

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