Monday, February 21, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

ALL STAR GAME 2011 PINK CARPET Arrivals

Posted: 21 Feb 2011 07:47 AM PST

Before the celebs filled the sidelines of the Staples Center last night, they all hit up the T-Mobile Pink Carpet.  The players and celebs stopped to chat with Rick Fox and Nick Cannon before filing in.

 

And they looked great doing so.  Read on for the loads of arrival pics...

The East team of LeBron, Dwyane, and Chris Bosh showed up looking dapper.  I always think Chris looks like a tyrannosaurus something or a raptor dinosaur...but maybe he's just made for the uber clean and fashionable menswear suits.  Because he's looking real nice right here.  He should maybe consider modeling....

Former Bulls baller Scottie Pippen brought his wife Larsa on the carpet.  I'm sure the camera's were rolling for the "lost fotage" of her brand new "Real Housewives of Miami" show.

Seeing that it was a bit cool in L.A. yesterday, Ciara looked dressed and pressed to catch herself a baller. 

That hair is on point though.  Can't even see the wig line this time.

It was family time on the pink carpet as Holly Robinson Peete and her hubby Rodney brought all their kids to the game.  And Jimmy Jam brought his wife Lisa and kids along as well.

Oh look!  A "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper" mini-reunion.

Marlon Wayans brought his cute lil son to the game.

Ne-Yo kicked it wih the fans.

Lisa Leslie showed off her fab post-baby figure.

John Legend and Christine hit the carpet of course.


Pooch Hall and Diddy signed pink tees for the fans.

All Star Rookie Blake Griffin hit the pink carpet looking nice.

Gabby and Lala hit the carpet to rep for their men who played on opposite teams.

Interesting looks for both.  Glad to see Gabby in a non black dress though.

Loving this look on Nick.  I love spring and bright colors in Mens' formal wear...when done right and not too stuffy.

A mini concert went down outside with Bruno Mars and Keri Hilson:

A lot going on with that outfit.

Lenny Kravitz also hit the stage.

 

More cute ballers:

Chris Paul made his arrival.

Deron Williams--starting point guard for he West--looked nice in his suit.

Alrighty then Carmelo Anthony.

Derrick Rose for the East rocked his suit that should have been tailored.

Kobe rocked his leather bomber jacket and jeans.

Dwight Howard rocked his jeans and Gucci loafers as well.

Nice!

Congrats to Team West!

FOOLWANG MATERIAL: Security Escorts A "Punch Drunk" Foxy Brown Out Of A Fashion Event

Posted: 21 Feb 2011 07:01 AM PST

An intoxicated Foxy Brown was recently kicked out of a building where she was to perform for a fashion show this weekend.  Get the deets inside...

 

Foxy Brown was scheduled to perform at the Indashio's fashion show Saturday night in NYC, but sources tell TMZ that she showed up late and very drunk.

At about 1:20 am, Foxy strolled into the Red Bull Space in Soho for her performance, but the party was ending. 

As everyone was already on their way out when Foxy came in, the Ill NaNa locked herself in a bathroom and refuse to come out.  Security was called, and Foxy was physically removed from the building. SMH.

I'm starting to think Foxy's erratic behavior is a sign of a much larger problem or deeper issue.  I hope she seeks help soon before going the DMX route...

 

Tons Of Celebs Kick It Courtside At 2011 All-Star Game

Posted: 20 Feb 2011 10:08 PM PST

The stars collided at tonight's 2011 All-Star game in L.A.  The top NBA stars and loads of Hollywood stars took in the flashing lights at the Staples Center.   Beyonce, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Lenny Kravitz, Rihanna, Drake, and more watched Kobe, Lebron, Carmelo, and everybody in between duke it out.

 

And we've got the pics of which celebs were lucky enough to nab courtside seats when you read on...

Beyonce Knowles kicked it courtside cuddled up with her hubby Jay-Z.

And she looked fresh faced and fab as usual.

Loving this look for Bey...grown and casually sexy.

Sports fanatic Lil Wayne hit the sidelines to take in the game and root for his hometeam fave Hornet Chris Paul and support his homie Drake during his halftime performance with Rihanna.  Meanwhile he sat next to former First Lady of California Maria Shriver.


And both Kanye and Diddy stopped by Weezy's seat to say wassup.

Alright Mr. Cannon with the spring colors workin'.  Me likey.

Was Spike trying to measure who was tallest between himself and Bruno Mars?

Speaking of Bruno, he kicked it with Chris Tucker on the sidelines.  Chris stays courtside and front row at something doesn't he?

 

John Legend and his girl Christine snacked courtside.

Until Johnny boy got his girl snatched by the Bulls mascot.

After her halftime performance, Rih Rih sat courtside with hr bestie Melissa and gotgoogly eyes from Justin Bieber:

Too funny.

Heeey Lenny Kravitz. 

Rih clearly enjoyed herself.

 

And the celebs weren't the only ones who enjoyed themselves during the game:

Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and Kobe Bryant got silly while resting on the bench.

Lebron influenced the rest of his East teammatess to engage in his usual pre-game ritual of throwing powder in the air.

Hey Melo!

Kobe Bryant--captain of Team West--copped his 4th MVP award of the All-Star games.  And the West won of course, 148-143.

 

[VIDEO] Rihanna Brings Out Kanye & Drake For 2011 NBA All-Star Halftime Show

Posted: 20 Feb 2011 09:36 PM PST

Rihanna performed for Sunday night's NBA All Star halftime show at the Staples Center.  We've got the entire video under the jump in case you missed it.

 

And since she was the Birthday Girl on Sunday, we'll cut her a little slack...

Rihanna kicked off her set with "Umbrella" and a huge red hair puffy ponytail and a barely their shaggy skirt that showed off her seemingly curvier bod.

And that was probably the best thing about this here performance:

 

We try hard not to totally and continuously bash homegirl for her singing and performance inability (and we do praise her for what she's good at--looking good), but seeing that this is now over 5 years into the game and she seems to believe she's the best in the game, shouldn't her performance these days at least be better than when she first started?  Damn. Y'all know how I feel about talent and this industry.

 

Here's the vid.  She did "All Of The Lights" with Kanye and "What's My Name" with Drake. I guess the few dance moves thrown in constitute a performance.  But there's no reason to still sound like you can't even hear the music...when you're singing over the track.  This is just getting ridiculous.

Ish sounded a mess.  Keep your hate mail.  Sue me.

 

BONUS: Here's Melanie Fiona's performance of "Oh Canada" before the game:

DO WE LOVE IT?!: Ciara's Sexy "2 Kings Dinner" Look

Posted: 20 Feb 2011 07:28 PM PST

If you didn't know how much of a bad chick Ciara is with her ridiculous body is, you know now.  She hit up last night "2 Kings Dinner" in L.A. in this strategicly cut out revealing and blood-cutting-off-tight black mini dress.

 

While she showed off her killer gams and curves in this dress and triple platform black pumps, do we love the dress and look on her?  Decide when you read on...

So...

DO WE LOVE IT?!

 

P.S.  We just updated with over 20 more pics of Rihanna, CiCi, Brandy, and more at last night's 2 Kings Dinner here.

Photog: Nunez

Industry Vet Steve Stoute Blasts Grammy Organization For Ignoring New Music Culture

Posted: 20 Feb 2011 02:19 PM PST

In an open letter published by the New York Times in today's paper, Steve Stoute--the brain behind Lebron James', Rihanna's, and Jay-Z's branding empires--takes the Grammy Awards committee (and artists alike) to task for its peer voting system and how it is biased against the current popular culture music, involving artists like Kanye West, Eminem and Justin Bieber.  

 

Steve has been in this business for over two decades and is one of the most powerful and well-known figures in branding, marketing, and the record industry.  And he's got some words for the industry when you read on...

 

Steve is the CEO of Translation LLC, one of the leading and most influential brand marketing firms.  Peep his open letter--in a full page ad in today's New York Times--to Neil Portnow (President of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences--NARAS), NARAS itself, and the GRAMMY Awards Committee:
 

February 20, 2011

An Open Letter to Neil Portnow, NARAS and the GRAMMY Awards®:

Over the course of my 20 year history as an executive in the music business and as the owner of a firm that specializes in in-culture advertising, I have come to the conclusion that the GRAMMY Awards have clearly lost touch with contemporary popular culture. My being a music fan has left me with an even greater and deeper sense of dismay – so much so that I feel compelled to write this letter. Where I think that the GRAMMYs fail items from two key sources: (1) overzealousness to produce a popular show that is at odds with its own system of voting and (2) fundamental disrespect of cultural shifts as being viable and artistic.

As an institution that celebrates artistic works of musicians, singers, songwriters, producers and technical specialists, we have come to expect that the GRAMMYs upholds all of the values that reflect the very best in music that is born from our culture. Unfortunately, the awards show has become a series of hypocrisies and contradictions, leaving me to question why any contemporary popular artist would even participate. How is it possible that in 2001. The Marshall Mathers LP – an album by Eminem that ushered in the Bob Dylan of our time — was beaten out by Steely Dan (no disrespect) for Album Of The Year? While we cannot solely utilize album sales as the barometer, this was certainly not the case. Not only is Eminem the bestselling artist of the last decade, but The Marshall Mathers LP was a critical and commercial success that sold over 10 million albums in the United States (19 million worldwide), while Steely Dan sold less than 10% of that amount and came and went as quietly as a church mouse. Or consider even that in 2008 at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards®, after going into the night as the most nominated artist, Kanye West’s Graduation was beaten out for Album Of The Year by Herbie Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters. (This was the first time in 43 years that a jazz album won this category.) While there is no doubt in my mind of the artistic talents of Steely Dan or Herbie Hancock, we must acknowledge the massive cultural impact of Eminem and Kanye West and how their music is shaping, influencing and defining the voice of a generation. It is this same cultural impact that acknowledged the commercial and critical success of Michael Jackson’s Thriller in 1984.

Just so that I’m not showing partiality to hip hop artists (although it would be an entirely
different letter as to how hip hop music has been totally diminished as an art form by this
organization), how is it that Justin Bieber, an artist that defines what it means to be a
modern artist, did not win Best New Artist? Again, his cultural impact and success are even more quantifiable if you factor in his YouTube and Vevo viewership – the fact that he was a talent born entirely of the digital age whose story was crafted in the most humble method of being “discovered” purely for his singing ability (and it should be noted that Justin Bieber plays piano and guitar, as evidenced on his early viral videos).

So while these very artists that the public acknowledges as being worthy of their money
and fandom are snubbed year after year at the GRAMMYs, the awards show has absolutely no qualms in inviting these same artists to perform. At first I thought that you were not paying attention to the fact that the mental complexion of the world is becoming tanned, that multiculturalism and polyethnicity are driving new meaning as to what is culturally relevant. Interesting that the GRAMMYs understands cultural relevance when it comes to using Eminem’s, Kanye West’s or Justin Bieber’s name in the billing to ensure viewership and to deliver the all too important ratings for its advertisers.

What truly inspired the writing of this letter was that this most recent show fed my
suspicions. As the show was coming to a close and just prior to presenting the award for
Album Of The Year, the band Arcade Fire performed “Month of May” – only to...surprise...win the category and, in a moment of sheer coincidence, happened to be prepared to perform “Ready to Start.”

Does the GRAMMYs intentionally use artists for their celebrity, popularity and cultural
appeal when they already know the winners and then program a show against this expectation? Meanwhile the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences hides behind the “peer” voting system to escape culpability for not even rethinking its approach.

And I imagine that next year there will be another televised super closeup
of an astonished frontrunner as they come to the realization before a national audience...that he or she was being used.

You are being called to task at this very moment, NARAS.

And to all of the artists that attend the GRAMMYs: Stop accepting the invitation to be the upset of the year and demand that this body upholds its mission for advocacy and support of artistry as culture evolves.

Demand that they change this system and truly reflect and truly acknowledge your art.

Steve Stoute
145 W 45th ST. 12th FL, NYC 10036

 

Yes, people will argue that the Grammys and really any awards show honoring artists and music in the record industry as a whole have seemed to ignore the new wave of the music culture--especially hip hop culture--for many years now.  These award shows like to use the names as top performance billing to bring in the viewership and ad dollars, but hesitate to award those very names.  None of this is a new issue.

However, I cannot remember the last time someone in such a powerful position in this music industry has so publicly spoken out about what we all speak about to each other.  So I, for one, am glad he did.

Not only is Mr. Stoute taking the GRAMMY committee to task, but also artists who have yet to stand up to the inequalities (and some would say utter disrespect) and who continue to lap up the performance publicity of a show rather than be honored for their work. 

And if you're wondering just how serious Mr. Stoute is about his statement...One full page ad in the Sunday edition of the NYT costs upwards of $160,000.  Translate that...

Your thoughts?

 

[Source: New York Times, February 20th, 2011 Print Edition, Style Section, Page 9]

SPORTS FAB: Kobe Bryant Makes Handprint History

Posted: 20 Feb 2011 02:00 PM PST

With all the All-Star weekend festivities in tow, Kobe Bryant still managed to steal the spotlight. On Saturday, Kobe celebrated a special moment in Hollywood. He was the first athlete to have his hands and feet imprinted at the Grauman Chinese Theatre and we have the pics and video from the ceremony...

 

The hand and footprint ceremony was hosted by funnyman Jimmy Kimmel. Although it is usually reserved for celebrities, an exception was made for the basketball great.  Bryant signed his name in  wet cement in front of the Grauman Theatre and underneath the signature were imprints of his hands and feet with his jersey number 24. 

Vanessa was there to support her hubby.

So were his daughters Natalia and Gianna.

Kobe posed with Jimmy Kimmel, Phil Jackson, Executive VP of Business Operations for the LA Lakers Jeanie Buss, and George Lopez. 

And Kobe shared a cute father -daughter moment with his baby girl.

Peep a clip from the event: 

 

 

 

Congrats to the "Black Mamba" for being the first athlete and the second person outside of the movie industry to be honored at the theater.

 

Photos via Bauer Griffin

2011 ALL-STAR PARTY ROUNDUP III - Nicki Minaj, R. Kelly & Others Making The Rounds In L.A.

Posted: 20 Feb 2011 11:50 AM PST

 

We have another roundup celebs in L.A. for the 2011 All-Star Weekend parties and events.  Inside see pics of Nicki Minaj, Teyana Taylor and R. Kelly...

 

Tons of celebs stopped by the CIROC Presents The NBA Players Association All-Star Gala Event.

 

 

Morris Chestnut was among the attendees.

 

While Nicki Minaj performed.

I like this look on Teyana Taylor.  It's very smart looking.

Lynn Whitfield gave us a little glamour.

Not too far behind Morris was Lance Gross, the other chocolate drop.

Lamar Rucker was there.

Kim Whitley and Cedric Ceballos posed on the carpet together. 


 

Derek Fisher arrived with his lovely wife Candace.

LaLa and Carmelo Anthony also made the event.

Alicia Renee was also a guest at the event.

Nelly was spotted at the Backstage Creations Celebrity Retreat at Shaq's All-Star Weekend Event.

Kevin Hart was there.

Trina picked up some makeup swag.

And looks like Fabolous got a few t-shirts.

Shemar Moore was seen chillen in the lounge too.

Sherri Shepherd was seen at the NBA Players Association All-Star Gala - Red Carpet event.

Also in the house were Jadakiss and LaLa with hubby Carmelo Anthony.

Jadakiss chatted up Kenyon Martin.

Kenny Anderson posed on the carpet.

And house music diva CeCe Peniston walked the red carpet too.

Lil B was spotted at the IMP Entertainment And Steve Marlton Worldwide Allstar Event Presented By RDIO.COM .

Christina Milian was there.

 


Eva and Flo Rida came to the IMP Entertainment event too.

Gabby Union sat with Savannah Brinson James at the Beats All-Star NBA Brunch for Ladies.

Jara Crawley, Gabrielle Union, Savannah Brinson James, Adrienne Bosh and Ayesha Alexander all posed together for the Beats NBA All-Star Brunch For Ladies Benefiting The Step Up Women's Network at Montage Beverly Hills.

And Tony Parker hosts the Baller's Ball At Lavo in Las Vegas.

 

 

And for the T-Mobile event....

Brandon Jennings And Dwyane Wade both greeted fans at T-Mobile's NBA On 4G Interactive Space event at NBA Jam Session.

Hey Dwyane!

Omarion was spotted at Day 2 of the Converse gifting suite.

Lloyd scored some kicks too.

 
Anthony Hamilton picked up some Converse swag as well.
 

R. Kelly and Tyrese posed on the red carpet for Kobe Bryant's afterparty.

 

Matt Barnes and Gloria Govan stopped by Kobe's party.  Gloria looks stunning in the face, but I'm not impressed by the dress.

And superstar Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa were snapped as they arrived at the after-party for his hand and footprint ceremony, held at Boulevard3 in Hollywood.

TV personality Kevin Frazier posed with Kimberly Locke at "The Dwight Howard Exclusive NBA All-Star Weekend Celebration" presented by C Prime.

 

He also posed with a glowing Keshia Knight-Pulliam.   

Photos via WireImage/Michael Tullberg/Getty Images North America

SUNDAY FEEL GOOD: Ted Williams Creates His Signature Milkshake + Prep School Sends All Its Students To College

Posted: 20 Feb 2011 11:17 AM PST

Over night sensation, Ted Williams stopped by Millions of Milkshakes to create his personal "Golden Voice" drink and add it to the celebrity menu list. Check out Ted whipping up the latest celeb milkshake plus read how an all male charter school is sending all of its students to college after the jump...

 

The "Man with the Golden Voice" aka Ted Williams is doing quite well for himself these days. After a short stint in rehab, he is back and thanking everyone for a second chance in life.  Check out the vid of him making his "Golden Voice" milkshake at Millions of Milkshakes this weekend.

 

He's looking great.  

 

 

Over in Chicago, the Urban Prep Academy, an all male charter school is doing something AMAZING for a second year straight!!!! Next fall,  it will send 100 percent of its graduates (all black males)  to four year colleges.  AOL Black Voices reports:

The school started with kids whose futures had been left for dead by their public schools: Only four percent of the school's incoming freshmen were reading at grade level when they arrived on campus. But by sending all of their graduating seniors to college, they've not only gotten these kids up to speed, they've allowed them to zip past every other public school in the entire United States.

"No other public [school] in the country has done this," said Tim King, the founder of Urban Prep.

 

Congrats to the young men of Urban Prep Academy!  

 

Photos via Bauer Griffin

HAPPY 23rd Birthday Rihanna!

Posted: 20 Feb 2011 09:02 AM PST

 

Today marks the 23rd birthday of Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the Barbadian pop star who has literally taken the music world by storm.  Come inside and revisit her ever-evolving style this past year...

 

Over the past few years, we've all watched as Rihanna grew into herself both as an artist and as a woman.  From the cute R&B artist singing reggae-themed songs to slow winin' and asking what her name is.

And to celebrate like she's the only birthday girl in the world, take a moment to flip through our gallery of pics from the past year of her fashions, hair styles and private moments.

 

Happy 23rd Birthday Rih Rih!

Happy 23rd Birthday Rihanna!
Brought to you by: at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)