Tuesday, April 2, 2013

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous


Janelle Monae COVERS "ESSENCE", REVEALS Why She DOESN'T FLAUNT Her Body & PERFORMS "Little Wing" On "Late Night”

Posted: 02 Apr 2013 08:42 AM PDT

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Indie-fave Janelle Monae lands her first ESSENCE cover where she reveals her thoughts on body image and sex appeal.  Find out why she chooses to shield her body from fans inside and hear her cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing."

 

After winning her first grammy, Song of the Year, in February 2013 for "We Are Young" with the band Fun, indie-fave Janelle Monae may not be a underground artist for much longer as she bursts on the scene with a gorgeous ESSENCE magazine cover.  In the May 2013 issue, the singer boasts to the magazine that "I made a decision to be unique" as she reveals the origin of her iconic black-and-while ensembles and why her fans won't ever see her using sex appeal to sell records."  She tells the mag, "People don't ask Jay-Z to take his shirt off when he rhymes."

Since her debut in 2010, Janelle explains that her bold decision to remain covered up was to "...redefine what it means to be sexy and what it means to be a woman. Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy."

She adds, "I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way."

Fans can pick up the May issue of ESSENCE (on newsstands April 5) and check out Janelle at this year's ESSENCE Festival in July.

And last night....

 

Janelle took the stage on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” to pay tribute to Jimi Hendrix with a beautiful remake of his “Little Wing” featuring The Roots and a solo from her guitarist Kellindo Parker.  Enjoy it above....

VIDEO FAB: Nicki Minaj & Lil' Wayne GET IT POPPING In "High School"

Posted: 02 Apr 2013 07:53 AM PDT

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YMCMB All-Stars Nicki Minaj and Lil' Wayne team up for a hot love scene in Nicki's latest video "High School."  Get the deets inside...

 

Nick Minaj has finally released the highly anticipated "High School" video featuring Lil' Wayne.  Directed by Benny Boom, the clip takes a page out of old gangsta films like Scarface as Lil' Wayne starts out doing business with Mr. Big, but ends up in bed with Mr. Big's lady (Nicki).  

The clip features Nicki flaunting her world-famous assets in a variety of bikinis and high-end stilettos, culminating in a hot love scene between Nicki and Weezy.  Now we know where those bikini back shots came from.

Watch the "High School" video here:

TEMPERS FLARE: Halle Berry & Olivier Martinez INVOLVED In Airport SCUFFLE, Olivier ALLEGEDLY Kicks A Photographer

Posted: 02 Apr 2013 07:02 AM PDT

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Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez returned from a peaceful vacation in Hawaii only to find themselves on the receiving end of some aggressive photographers at LAX.  Find out how Olivier allegedly lashed out at the paps inside.... 

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After a few relaxing days on the beach in Hawaii, Halle Berry returned to Hollywood and the prison of her celebrity, along with fiance Olivier Martinez and daughter Nahla, as they were confronted by a swarm of aggressive paparazzi at LAX last night.  Little Nahla was forced to shield her eyes from the ton of lightbulbs that swarmed the family as they descended from the escalators. 

Eyewitnesses say Halle was heard screaming, "Get away, there's a child" as they were barraged by the paparazzi, igniting a scuffle between Olivier and one photographer, whom he allegedly kicked in the leg and wrist.  

Reports say the photographer then followed Olivier (who was holding Nahla at the time) to the family's SUV and grabbed him by the arm and asked why he kicked him.  The act of aggression by the photographer further enraged Oliver who then put Nahla in the SUV and proceeded to kick the photographer again...allegedly.

After this, Halle grabbed Olivier and the couple got into their SUV and left the scene.  Both airport police and an ambulance were called to the scene, but authorities have yet to release a statement on the incident.

You'll recall that Olivier is not one to be played with as he put a good a--whooping on Nahla's biological father during an altercation between the two last Thanksgiving.

One thing's for sure....he will protect Nahla and Halle at all costs.

 

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It's completely understandable why Halle wanted to move to Paris with Nahla and Oliver last year.

 

Photos via Diabolik / Splash News

VIDEO FAB: Drake's “5AM In Toronto”

Posted: 02 Apr 2013 06:13 AM PDT

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Canadian rapper Drake went back home to shoot his viral video "5AM In Toronto."  Watch him pay homage to his beginnings inside...

 

Drake has dropped "5AM In Toronto", the second single from his upcoming disc, Nothing was the Same.  Shot in Toronto, the viral clip shows Drizzy walking down a dimly lit street, smoking a blunt and sipping from a cup as his homeboys listen to him flow.

Rocking a “Welcome to the Family” sweatshirt with the faces of the Cash Money Millionaires, he also attends Beach Blast and watches a group of girls in bikinis play volleyball.  He tweeted,

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Nothing was the Same, Drake's third disc, is expected to drop later this summer. 

 

Watch the "5AM In Toronto" video here:

YBF KIDS: Magic Johnson's SON Earvin Johnson III OUT And ABOUT With His BOYFRIEND, Magic SAYS "We're Very Proud Of Him"

Posted: 02 Apr 2013 05:33 AM PDT

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Earvin Johnson III, the 20-year-old son of Magic and Cookie Johnson, was spotted on the Sunset Strip with his boyfriend last night. See what the proud parents said about him inside and watch him give a shout out to the LA Dodgers....

 

Last night, Earvin Johnson III stepped out hand-in-hand with his boyfriend on LA's Sunset Strip and his parents couldn't be more happy for him. While out enjoying the evening, Earvin, wearing a black fur coat and black leggings paired with a red handbag, chatted with TMZ photographers about his Dad's baseball team, the LA Dodgers, and the major revamp that Dodgers Stadium is going through.

And while giving his Dad's team a show of support (saying he's "hoping and praying" for them), Magic and Cookie returned their love telling TMZ, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way." Magic added, "We're very proud of him."

 

Earvin, a 20-year-old student at NYU,  is Magic and Cookie's firstborn. Magic also has a son, Andre Johnson, 31, from a previous relationship and an adopted daughter, Elisha Johnson, with Cookie.  

Watch Earvin III give a shout-out to the LA Dodgers here:

 

Chris Brown Breezes Through "106 & Park"

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 09:42 PM PDT

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Chris Brown headed over to "106 & Park" on Monday to hang out with the cool kids and to walk his brand new "Fine China" video on to BET.  Check out Breezy answering personal questions from Team Breezy.

The artistic singer/dancer/rapper Chris Brown was all over NYC Monday on a major promo blitz.  His upcoming album X is on deck and he dropped his "Fine China" video and song.

The 23-year-old, who said he wants to do something "different" for his May birthday this year, headed over to BET to introduce his new vid with co-hosts Bow Wow, Paigion, Shorty da Prince and Miss Mykie.  And it seems he may have had a talk with his PR team in how to rebrand himself with a promo blitz of calmness.  We love this paint-loving pop-locking Breezy.

Peep the pics of him having some fun during taping below:

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He answered a few questions for his female fans.  In case you ever wanted to know....

Chris' fave song to sing in the shower: "Cupid" by Sam Cooke

First thing he does in the morning: Take a leak

Last thing he does before bed: Creeping on twitter

Check out a clip from his interview today with the "106 & Park" hosts below:

 

Photog: Byron Edwards

MAGAZINE FAB: Jill Scott COVERS EBONY's May 2013 ISSUE, DISHES On MOTHERHOOD, RAISING A Boy, And What's SEXY To Her

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 03:37 PM PDT

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Jill Scott cuddles up to her adorable son Jett Hamilton Roberts on the cover of EBONY where she dishes on raising her son as a single mother and what's sexy to her.  Find out more inside...

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In the May 2013 issue of EBONY, singer/actress Jill Scott, who's starring in the CBS pilot "Second Sight", opened up about motherhood and her experiences as a single mother.  She tells the magazine that it's hard to raise a child alone and that she has a very strong support system.  She also comments on what it's like to be a woman raising a boy and that she cannot teach him how to be a man.  Here are the highlights:

Jill on motherhood:

“Motherhood is getting your hands and your feet in the soil…When Jett puts my face in his hands and tells me, ‘Mommy you’re so pretty’ or smells me, it’s so wonderful.”

Jill on being a single-mom:

“That I-can-do-it-by-myself mentality is a lie. I’m sorry if I hurt anybody’s feelings, but you cannot do it all by yourself. You need a village: some aunties, grandmoms, friends. I couldn’t do this by myself and would be a fool to think I could.”

On raising a boy:

“It’s challenging being a single mom…No matter what I do, I’ll never be a man. Ever. I can show Jett how to be a thinker, how to enjoy music or how to feel, and to conquer. But I cannot show him how to be a man.”

On being sexy:

“The way I see things, I think that’s sexy. The way I think and the way I pray, I believe, are very sexy. I’ve never been the girl with too few clothes on. My mother told me… ‘It’s what you don’t do that makes you sexy moreso than what you do.’…” 

 

Jill's EBONY issue hits magazine stands on April 16th.  Also, fans in South Africa can catch Jill headlining the 2013 Cape Town International Jazz Festival on Friday.

 

 

SPOTTED: Rihanna SHOPPING At Wal-Mart + Chris Brown REVEALS "Put It Up" TRACK With RiRi, HINTS At POSSIBLE "DUET" Album!

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 02:50 PM PDT

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Rihanna showed that she's just like us regular folk as she shopped at one of America's most famous discount department stores yesterday. Find out where she went inside and see what Chris Brown had to say about their possible duet album inside....

 

ATTENTION Wal-Mart shoppers....you really did see Rihanna in the ladies department!  Shoppers at a Wal-Mart in Kamloops, B.C. were shocked and stunned to see millionaire pop star Rihanna shopping at their store on Sunday.

Riri, whose "Diamonds" tour rolls into Vancouver’s Rogers Arena tonight, spent most of her time in the ladies department while at the store. Shoppers called into a local radio station to report that she also purchased a soft drink and donated to McHappy Day.

We know Rihanna puts one foot in front of the other like the rest of us, but it's refreshing to know that with all her money, she can still appreciate Wal-Mart's rollback savings.

In other Rihanna news.....

Chris Brown has spent the better part of the day speaking about Rihanna while promoting his "Fine China" single and upcoming X album.  This morning, he spoke to Matt Lauer on the "TODAY" show where he confirmed that he and Rihanna are still a couple and he would never hurt her again.

Later, at MTV, he spoke about their latest duet, "Put It Up" which will appear on X.  He said, 

"I wrote a song, it's called 'Put It Up.' It's more of an R&B record. I wanted to do an R&B record with Rihanna because I didn't want it to be the same four-on-the-floor, pop. At the end of the day, that's what they expect from us, so I wanted to do more of a record that nobody really heard her sing on as far as that genre."

He also commented on her work ethic saying, 

With her work ethic...she's just as liberal and vibrant. She goes in the studio and it's easy for her, like it's nothing....I remember she was doing her album and I was at the crib one day, and she was just recording in the house ... and she was just sitting there, the TV was going — [the sound] was off — but she was sitting there with the headphones, singing, the top of her lungs, killing the song. I was like, 'Woah, she do it just like me. That's effortless.' "

There's also a possible duet album between the "Birthday Cake", "Nobody's Business" singers.  "[That] might be crazy," Chris laughed. "You gotta wait though. X and then you get the Rihanna and Chris Brown album!"

On a possible Rihanna duet album:

Get More: Music News

On his musical chemistry with Rihanna:

Get More: Music News

 

TV FAB: Comedienne Sheryl Underwood FLIPS HER WIG, EXPOSES Her Greying Hair And Partial-Braid For LAUGHS

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 01:15 PM PDT

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When funnywoman Sheryl Underwood was dared to take her wig off during a recent episode of "The Talk", she proved to her co-hosts how far she's willing to go to get a laugh.  See Sheryl flip her wig inside....

During Friday's episode of "The Talk", comedienne Sheryl Underwood watched as co-hosts Julie Chen and Aisha Tyler engaged actress Kristen Chenoweth in a conversation about hair extensions.  As Julie suddenly unclipped one of her extensions and started waving it around, it set off a wave of root liberation as Aisha and Kristen soon followed and joined in the "freedom."

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And when all of the women around her started setting their scalps free, Sheryl Underwood got a little caught up in the moment too.  Julie looked at Sheryl and said "Do it", and then....Sheryl flipped her wig off! 

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As she revealed her grey hair and partially-braided scalp, Sheryl had the audience roaring with laughter.  She even got a kiss on the cheek from guest co-host Donny Osmond.  Would you ever flip your wig in public?

 

Photos via CBS/The Talk/AlwaysAList.com

 

It's Easter At The White House! The Obamas ROLL OUT (With Eggs) For The Kids

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 01:06 PM PDT

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The good times & eggs were rolling today at the White House.  The Obamas continued Easter this morning, after attending service at St. John's church yesterday, by welcoming 30,000 visitors on the White House Lawn for the annual Easter Egg Roll contest.

 

Check out the fab family...and First Dog Bo...getting in on the fun inside...

As if we needed any more reasons to love our First Fam.  President Obama & First Lady Michelle put on their casual clothes and took a break from formal White House activities to play with the kids and their families.  Except for lil homie in the suit who was serious about his referee role.  He's known as Kid President (Robbie Novak)--who's become a Youtube star due to his cute yet honest videos about breaking down politics in a kid like (and oddly truthful) fashion.  Quvenzhane Wallis, star of Beasts of the Southern Wild, was also a special guest of the Obamas.

First daughters Sasha & Malia even brought Bo along and read stories to the fams on the South Lawn.  And the Easter Bunny showed up to say wassup to everyone.  Pics of the cuteness below: 

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Our fab First Lady rocked a spring-ready blue blazer with a floral & striped shirt and white pants as she told the crowd the theme of this year's event: Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You!  Perfect for her Let's Move campaign to lower childhood obesity rates.

 

 

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The girls set up shop to read a few Holiday appropriate books for the kids.

And First Dad Barack O. did what he loves--got into all the games with the kids:

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Gotta love him.  And our fave pics of the event:

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Prez O took some time to welcome a kid sitting solo away from the crowd.  Hope everyone had a fabulous Easter!

WORK: Serena Williams Wins Her SIXTH Sony Open, Ranked #1 In The World!

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 12:32 PM PDT

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Over the weekend, Serena Williams swung her way to her sixth Sony Open title, solidifying herself as the number one tennis player in the world. See her celebratory pics inside....

 

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On Saturday, Serena Williams celebrated beating out her Russian opponent Maria Sharapova to win the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Florida.

With her sixth win, Serena now holds the record for the most Sony Open victories by a female.  She gushed to the crowd, 'I felt good today. It's so good to be No. 6 now - I mean, the six-time - oh, gosh. Thank you.''

Despite coming out on top, Serena admitted it wasn't her best performance.  ''I'm happy to be holding the championship. It's definitely not my best tournament. I think everyone here can agree. But those are the moments that count - when you can still come out on top.''

And then, On Sunday, Serena headed over to Crandon Park beach where she took a few post-victory photos and celebrated her #1 world ranking:

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So what does a champion do to celebrate an international victory?  Serena revealed what went on at her post-victory celebration to her Twitter followers tweeting, "Big day. Celebrate?? Chicken and karaoke. #family"

 

BONUS:

The trailer for the upcoming documentary "Icons, Rivals, Champions, Sisters", has been released. Directed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major, the film (on iTunes April 4th, theaters May 10) takes an intimate look at the lives of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams and the injuries and illnesses that threatened to take them out of the game.

 

NeNe Leakes Set for Her Own Bravo Spinoff Show?

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 11:14 AM PDT

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Kandi Burruss may have let the cat out of the Bravo bag last night during "Watch What Happens Live."  Check out why her co-star NeNe Leakes may be gearing up for a spinoff show inside...

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star NeNe Leakes looks like she's getting her own spinoff.  And it was all accidentally leaked last night by Kandi Burruss.

While Kandi was answering a caller's question about the status of NeNe & former co-star Kim Zolciak's love-hate relationship, Kandi explained that they're good for now, seeing that NeNe has invited Kim to the wedding.

But then Kandi (wearing a Karen Millen zip zag dress and yellow Ruthie Davis pumps) revealed that Kim may even appear on NeNe's show.  Oh really?  Seeing that no one has confirmed a show was even in the works--it seems Kandi knew way more than the public. 

Host Andy Cohen tried to quickly change the subject, but it looks like the obvious is happening.  NeNe seems to be getting either a wedding special a la "Tardy For The Wedding,"or another type of spinoff show.

It won't be a shocker if NeNe gets her own wedding special for her re-nuptials with Gregg, even though she says in recent interviews that it's unknown if she will have some type of show around her wedding. We're pretty sure the "Glee" actress was simply waiting on the right price.  Not mad at that.

Check out clips from last night's "WWHL" with Kandi and "Married To Medicine" star Quad Webb-Lunceford. And the reunion show (Part 1) kicks off next Sunday.

MUSIC VIDEO FAB: Chris Brown's "Fine China"

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 10:21 AM PDT

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Chris Brown is on a roll today with pulling a double release--both the single and the video for his newest track "Fine China."  Check out the track and mini-movie style video inside....

Breezy just released “Fine China,” the lead single and video from his upcoming new album, X, due out later this year on RCA Records.  The video, which incorporates martial arts, dance breakdowns against a romantic backdrop, will also play on the Times Square Jumbotron all day today for the NYC fans. 

The singer/songwriter put his skills on display by co-writing the song with his newest CBE artist, Sevyn StreeterEric Bellinger and Roccstar and co-directed the video with Sylvain White.  He said about the lead single in the press release:

"I wanted to touch musically on Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke and incorporate those influences with the new."

Chris is also working with Timbaland and Diplo for the new album.  Which means he's likely focusing on a dance & beat-heavy theme for this project.  Nice.

 

Get the audio HERE.

EASTER FAB: Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon, Halle Berry & Nahla AND The Obama's CELEBRATE Easter 2013

Posted: 01 Apr 2013 09:26 AM PDT

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Over the weekend, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey, The Obama Family and Halle Berry and Nahla Aubry were all spotted celebrating Easter. Find out what they did inside.....

Yesterday, international singing sensation Mariah Carey donned a pair of rabbit ears and posed with her husband Nick Cannon in celebration of Easter 2013.  Holding a glass of champagne, she tweeted fans, "Happy Easter dahhlings...I finally caught the Easter bunny."

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Mariah and Nick celebrated Easter at an undisclosed location with the twins, Monroe and Moroccan, with Mimi tweeting, 'Going on a lil vacation with Nick & Dembabies!'

 

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The Easter holiday also coincides with Mariah's 43rd birthday, but the diva prefers the word "anniversary."  In celebration, Nick gift Mariah with a full restored Steinway piano from 1902 for her 43rd "anniversary." 

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You'll recall that Mariah married Nick five years ago, so the weekend also served as a pre-celebration of their five-year anniversary. 

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The couple drove around town in a Black Ferrari and posed for a few pics as they reflected on their many reasons to celebrate.

 

And in Hawaii.....

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Halle Berry and Nahla were seen looking quite festive on Easter Sunday.

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Nahla was seen wearing a pair of bunny ears and a bright pink dress as she and her mom strolled along the grounds of their hotel.  

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Halle and Nahla are having a great time during their holiday which has included a few trips to the beach, some matching tattoos and other fun activities.  

 

And in the nation's capital......

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The First Family was seen heading over for Easter services at St. John's Episcopal Church yesterday.

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The FLOTUS look amazing in a Prabal Gurung ensemble with an oversized gray floral print coat.

 

Photos via Splash/Instagram/Getty

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