Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

Russell Simmons & His New Boo Host The Rush HeARTS Education Luncheon Benefit + Rihanna Sued By David LaChapelle Over "S&M" Video

Posted: 15 Feb 2011 07:10 AM PST

Yesterday, Russell Simmons held his annual Rush HeARTS Education Luncheon Benefit at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Come inside to see pics of Russ and his model-of-the-moment, Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor Bloomberg and others.  Also, we have the deets on the lawsuit David LaChapelle filed against Rihanna over that "S&M" vid after the cut.

 

Russell Simmons held a benefit luncheon at the Plaza Hotel for his Rush HeARTS Education fund yesterday.

 
 

 

And as guests dined on the fancy lunchables, they heard the music of DJ Kiss. 


 

TV personality Star Jones was one of the announcers at the benefit.  That fur shrug...

And all through the luncheon, Russell was in the company of Elaine Irwin, a formel model and the ex-wife of rocker John Mellencamp.  I guess it's his new flavor of the month.


 

Rev. Al Sharpton made the rounds at the benefit.

 

And Russell posed with his brother, artist Danny Simmons and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.


 

Rev. Run was there with his lovely wife Justine and their little one.  Miley's all grown up!


 

And Wyclef Jean was spotted talking to Andre Harrell.  This damn jacket 'Clef...

 

And CNN Anchor Soledad O'Brien also helped raise money for the cause.

 

In music news:

Shortly after its premiere, we told you that Rihanna had been accused by several fans and critics of using imagery from old David LaChapelle photoshoots for her "S&M" video. 

Now the legal team for LaChapelle is involved, and they are suing Rihanna as part of a copyright lawsuit.

In a lawsuit made public yesterday, David's legal team said of Rihanna's "S&M" clip, “...the music video is directly derived from and substantially similar to the LaChapelle works.”

David claims Rihanna used eight of his images in the video by copying the “composition, total concept, feel, tone, mood, theme, colors, props, settings, decors, wardrobe and lighting.”

It is unknown how much he is seeking in damages, but these artists and directors are going to get enough of taking people's work and not giving them credit.  The streets are always watching....

Photog: Killian

MUSIC FAB: Trina's New Music With Mya & Rick Ross+New Promo Pics

Posted: 15 Feb 2011 06:32 AM PST

Trina's looking hot in her brand new promo pics for her upcoming mixtape Save The Best 4 Last.  We've got her new photoshoot pics, plus her new tracks "Can I" with Mya and "Waist So Skinny" with Rick Ross.

 

Read on for the new ish from Trina...

Loves the pics.  *Calling back-up forces to plan a clean walk-by to jack Trina's shoes*

 

Here's Trina's new track with Mya called "Can I".  Sounds like the baddest B is feenin' for a past relationship....

 

And her new track with Rick Ross called "Waist So Skinny." 

 

Sounds like Trina is her usual self.  I'm feelin' it.  But I'm a Trina fan.  I know, I know.  Sue me.

And for a fresh bonus--Steph Jones (Jordin Sparks' ex and model/former DTP singer)--has brand new music he's working on.  Here's the preview for his upcoming video for his "Southern Love" track:

 

Sexy.

REUNITED: Beyonce, Kelly, Michelle, & Solange Hit Up Kelly Rowland's 30th Birthday Dinner

Posted: 15 Feb 2011 05:50 AM PST

It was a mini Destiny's Child reunion in L.A. this weekend!  Kelly Rowland rang in her 30th birthday with her long time friends and former group mates--Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams--this past Saturday evening.  The ladies got fab and hit up Phillipe Chow in L.A. for a birthday dinner.  And little sis Solange Knowles and cousin Angie tagged along as well.

 

Pics and video when you read on...

 

Ms. Kelly turned the big 3-0 this past weekend.  And she and all her girls were in L.A. for the Grammys, so they reunited for her bbirthday dinner at Phillippe Chow's.


 

Loving the girl time.

 

Pics of B's arrival:
 

The "Halo" chick stepped out in a casual yet sexy belted little black dress and sky-high suede turquoise Louboutin pumps for her girl's b-day dinner.

Hot.  We've got video of the whole gang leaving out and looking great:

 

Loves it.  Happy birthday Kel!

Steve And Marjorie Harvey Drop By "The View" To Discuss Family Scandal

Posted: 15 Feb 2011 04:49 AM PST

With his gag order lifted, Steve Harvey stopped by "The View" yesterday to chat with the ladies about the public scandal his family has been dragged through by the press and his ex-wife Mary Harvey.  Deets inside...

 

As Steve Harvey sat with the ladies of "The View" yesterday, one could clearly see he was a man out to clear his name.  Steve stopped by the show (with wife Marjorie Harvey in the front row) to refute what he says were "lies" spread by his ex-wife Mary Harvey on YouTube.

As both Barbara Walters and Elizabeth Hasslebeck read through highlights from his recent court battle in Texas, Steve shook his head in agreement as Elizabeth told the audience a judge ruled that:

1) Mary Harvey was not left broke or destitute by Mr. Harvey after their divorce in 2005. She was paid $40,000/month until March 2009 and then paid a lump sum of $1.5 million;


(2) Mary Harvey was not left homeless after her divorce from Mr. Harvey in 2005. She was awarded three (3) homes in their property settlement;


(3) Mr. Harvey is the primary custodian of their 13 year old son, whom Mary Harvey willingly put on an airplane to his father. Mary Harvey sent him to his father without Mr. Harvey's knowledge; and


(4) The 2005 divorce of Steve and Mary Harvey was granted on the grounds of irreconcilable differences and his current wife was not named in the original divorce proceeding nor was she the cause of the marital break-up.

 

One major point that Steve addressed was that he has seven children who all live with him, and that he raises his sons to respect their mothers.  He says this is the reason he won't bash Mary Harvey, but only wants to clear his name.

He and co-host Whoopi Goldberg then joked about the press putting "lies" on the front page, but any corrections or apologies were often buried and so small you couldn't see them.

Another notable point, around the 34:50 mark in the interview, Steve begins to give his definition of a "real" man saying real men can't live without women. 

Then co-hosts Whoopi and Joy Behar cut him off and reminded him that his "definition" excluded gay men.  Steve then thanked Whoopi for the correction.  

To watch the Steve Harvey interview, fast forward to the 30:36 mark:

VIDEO FAB: Diddy-Dirty Money & Chris Brown's "Yesterday"

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 10:29 PM PST

Diddy-Dirty Money (with the exception of the "Dirty Money" part) and Chris Brown's brand new video is here. It was yanked off the internet on Monday. But we've got it now....

Dawn and Kalenna apparently weren't invited to this party.  The two don't appear on this song so it makes sense they're not in the vid.  The "Yesterday" track off Dirty Money's Last Train To Paris album now has a video. 

The vid was shot in L.A. a couple weeks ag and is directed by Colin Tilley.  Peep the shirtless Breezy and Diddy run around the desert-like space in their new ish.

Chris Brown's New F.A.M.E. Cover, Pops Off About Grammys+New Vids From Trey Songz, Rick Ross, & Teairra Mari

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 07:14 PM PST

Chris Brown is officially kicking off his comeback.  He just released his brand new album cover for his upcoming F.A.M.E. LP.    Oh, and his F-bomb he dropped about getting dissed by the Grammys Sunday night.

 

Plus brand new videos from Trey Songz, Ricky Ross with his leading lady Elise Neal, and Teairra Mari when you read on....

Fresh off his "SNL" appearance this weekend, Chris Brown just unveiled his brand new F.A.M.E. album cover.  Mr. Breezy's hitting shelves on March 22nd and I, for one, am happy for him.  You feelin' it? 

Oh, and Chris says he's too not worried about loosing the Grammy for his "Deuces" song last night.  His exact words via Twitter:

*SNAPS* 

Chris' new video with Dirty Money for their "Yesterday" track off Last Train To Paris dropped today. But it's been yanked off the net. We'll post as soon as it's available again.

A few other vids hit the net today though. Check out Trey Songz's full vid for "Love Faces":

 

Now we have the reason Rick Ross and Elise Neal have been out and about together recently:

Ms. Neal is playing his leading lady in his brand new video for "Ashes To Ashes" off his latest mixtape of the same name. Check it.

 

And Teairra Mari is still trying.  Here's her new video for her track "Stranger":

 

OH NO! El DeBarge RELAPSES & Goes Back To Rehab!

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 06:26 PM PST

Just as he was making one of the most major comebacks of 2010/2011 after 16 years off the music scene, El DeBarge has reportedly checked himself into a drug rehab facility.

 

Details on what went down, and the surprising celebrity who helped El check himself into the recovery facility, when you read on...

 

El DeBarge has relapsed on his road to sobriety.  According to BlackVoices.com, it was known that El went back to his drug and alcohol ways in the past recent weeks.  And his record label, Geffen Records, confirmed today that El voluntarily checked himself into a recovery facility.

El's statement reads:

"I hate to disappoint my fans but it is necessary for me to take the time to work on me so that I may continue to share El DeBarge my music and my story with everyone. I thank everyone in advance for their prayers and well wishes and hope that you will respect my privacy during this time."

Reportedly, 50 Cent, who appears on El's newest album Second Chance, played an integral part in getting the "Second Chance" singer to go back to rehab.

El was set to kick off his new "Intimacy" tour on February 17th in Houston with Ledisi, but his appearances have now been postponed. The tour will reportedly start without him.

We're still rooting for you El.  Get well soon!

 

Whoopi Rips The NY Times A New One For "Erasing" Her Oscar Win

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 03:51 PM PST

You can't erase or ignore the legacy of Whoopi Goldberg.  Two NY Times critics found that out the hard way.  They were called out for their "sloppy" work in a Sunday Times article that failed to mention Whoopi's Oscar win.  Deets inside...

Whoopi Goldberg is an institution in the business of show business.  She is one of a handful of entertainers to win the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) awards and was only the second African American female to win an Oscar.  As she is one of the most recognizable talents around the globe, how could someone fail to remember her accomplishments?

Well, two NY TImes critics "apparently" did and they got called out today on "The View." 

Whoopi said,  "I'm embarrassed to tell you it hurt me terribly," referring to a segment focusing on a piece written by Manohla Dargis and A. O. Scott that listed several black Oscar winners dating back to 1940, but didn't include Whoopi.

"When you win an Academy Award, that's part of what you've done, your legacy. I will always be Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg.  This is not hidden information. And to these two critics, the head critics of The New York Times. It's hard to not take it personally."

She continued...

"I don't know what to say about what you've done. It's just, well, I can say, is that you're sloppy in your work and you're supposed to be better than this," she said. "This is The New York Times, not some bozo newspaper from Hoochi-Coochie land. This is The New York Times. I just, you know, it hurts."

The article, titled 'Hollywood's Whiteout,' centered on the fact that no actors of color were nominated for Oscars this year, despite a string of winners SINCE 2002 that include Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx.

In defense of the article, the writers claim their focus was only on Oscar winners since 2002.  They also failed to mention the wins of Cuba Gooding Jr., and Louis Gossett, Jr.  But as fired up as Whoopi was this morning, I doubt that will comfort her. 

See her rant below:

 

BONUS

1.  Ciara says she was not dropped from her record label.  Story.

FASHION WEEK FAB V: Cynthia Bailey, Veronica Webb & Others At The Shows

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 03:13 PM PST

We have another celeb stacked roundup of fashion show appearances inside for you starring Kanye West, Cynthia Bailey and Andre Leon Talley at Mercedes Benz fashion week.

 

We saw several celebs walking out and about at Lincoln Center in New York City and attending various shows.  Here's our latest roundup.

Kanye West was seen with his entourage.

Cynthia Bailey was hanging out.

Andre Leon Talley served the kids in his long mink.


 

Tika Sumpter attended the Maz Azria show.

Miss Teen USA Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford attended the Custo Barcelona Fall show where she posed with Miss Jay.

We later saw Cynthia Bailey rocking an old-school J.Lo. styled hat at the Vivienne Tam Fall 2011 fashion show.

Veronica Webb and June Ambrose both took in the Tracy Reese show.

Deborah Cox was spotted at the Marc Bouwer show.

Russell Simmons went to the Tommy Hilfiger show.

The king of fashion week, Amar'e Stoudemire was snapped at the Tommy Hilfiger Show along with Wyclef Jean.

Star Jones attended the Marc Bouwer show.

LaLa attended the Cynthia Steffe Fall 2011 fashion show.

Tika Sumpter sat front row at Max Azria Fall 2011 fashion show.


 

Anna Wintour, Bee Shaffer and Alicia Keys were at the Altuzarra Fall 2011 fashion show.

 

And we saw June Ambrose again (she is everywhere and always looking fly) with Deborah Cox.

Photos via WireImage

YBF EXCLUSIVE: Live And Backstage With Lloyd At The "Love Faces" Concert In Washington, D.C.

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 11:20 AM PST

 


TheYBF.com had exclusive access to the multi-talented and sexy R&B singer Lloyd when he rolled through Washington D.C. with Trey Songz as part of the "Love Faces" tour. 

Come inside and see backstage/performance pics of Lloyd and find out who won our exclusive contest to see Trey and Lloyd live tonight in Chicago, IL.  And as a bonus, we have an interview with Lloyd you can only see here.

 

TheYBF.com had an exclusive pass to watch Lloyd get ready for his "Love Faces" performance in Washington D.C.

 


 

We watched him work the piano.


 

And we watched him work the audience too.


 

And when the jacket came open, we felt like he was working us as well.


 

 


 

 

When he started making his "Love Faces" he took it to a whole other level.


 

We made our way backstage to chill with Lloyd and he talked to us about that night's performance.

 

Watch our backstage interview here as Lloyd talks about his new tour:

 

P.S. Congrats to Alexis Robinson from Boston, MA who will be watching the "Love Faces" tour tonight in Chicago, IL as our contest winner.  Have fun Alexis.
 

 

Photos via Euniquejonesphoto.com

Video via Justin Dean/hureaction.com

VALENTINE'S DAY FAB: Fans Show Janet Love In Hong Kong + Michelle Obama On How She Keeps The Romance Alive

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 09:51 AM PST

Janet Jackson landed in Hong Kong today and was greeted with Happy Valentine's Day gifts from fans at the airport.  See the pics after the jump plus get Michelle Obama's advice on how to have a great relationship and how she and Barack keep their love going strong.

 

 

 

Janet Jackson arrived in Hong Kong to a large group of fans and photographers as she prepares to begin her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal tour.  


 

The fans gave Janet lots of pretty flowers as she prepares to tour and has been on the road promoting her True You book in stores Tuesday.

 
 


 

Janet got in her car and drove away, but not before snapping a photo of her fans as a memento.

 

In lover's news,

Michelle Obama revealed to the Associated Press how she and Barack keep their strong bond going after 19 years of marriage.

"I think a lot of laughing.  I think in our house we don't take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage. So we still find ways to have fun together, and a lot of it is private and personal. But we keep each other smiling and that's good," Mrs. Obama said.

She adds that it helps that Barack is "very romantic."

"He remembers dates, birthdays. He doesn't forget a thing, even when I think he is. . I'll have a little attitude. I give him a little attitude, but he always comes through. Got to keep the romance alive, even in the White House."

So what does a thoughtful, romantic president do for his lady on Valentine's Day?

Surprisingly Michelle said,

"We don't make a big deal out of Valentine's Day because my birthday was the 17th (of January), so by Feb. 14, we're kind of tired."

But she had a fab birthday last month as the couple dined at The Source, Wolfgang Puck's restaurant at the Newseum in Washington.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

 

 

Bonus:

1.  Rapper Eve talks about what she wants for Valentine's Day. Here.

Photos via PacificCoastNews.com
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