Friday, March 4, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous


Jay-Z Is Concerned About Rihanna's Health & Stress?

Posted: 04 Mar 2011 08:39 AM PST

Jay-Z is reportedly concerned his money-maker "little sis" Rihanna is working far too hard for her own good.  And he believes her recent spell of bronchitis occurred because her body is stressed from being constantly on the go with appearances and performances.  And he's also blaming her less-than-stellar All-Star performance on her sickness.

 

Details when you read on....

If you thought Rihanna's All-Star game hal time performance sounded a mess, you're not alone.  Jay-Z also noticed the off-sounding performance, but blames it on sickness, rather than talent.

Apparently, Rih has been suffering with bronchitis, but hasn't let her body rest and continues to party and perform.  So now, Jay has supposedly been expressing his concern about Rih's health.  According to MTV UK:

According to Look magazine, Jigga is worried that RiRi's hectic work schedule is taking it's toll on the 23-year old and thinks the S&M singer should take some time off before she becomes seriously ill.

The Empire State Of Mind rapper's fears for Rihanna are said to have started after she had a bout of bronchitis and laryngitis but still managed to perform at both the Grammys and The BRIT Awards 2011, while also heavily promoting her hit LP Loud.

A source told the publication: "Rihanna’s professional, works hard and stays away from drugs and alcohol, but Jay wants her to be careful,”

“He told her to take a holiday for a week – she’s been working flat out and needs to get over the bronchitis, which he’s sure she’s developed as a result of stress."

They added: "He told her she’ll be alright, but to keep her head down.”

Oh. 

And that's not all.  Jay is reportedly worried that she and Chris will make their way back to each other now that the restraining order has been lessened.  Chris can no come into contact with Rihanna as long as he does not hurt her in any way:

The insider explained: "Jay said she is a role model for a lot of your kids. A little bit of controversy is alright, he said, but too much and she could very easily lose all the respect she has worked so hard to win overnight.”

Well, hopefully she gets the rest she needs.

Source

 

The Randomness:

1.  Carl Thomas is working on new music.  Story

2.  Milton Bradley of the MLB Seattle Mariners has been accused of spousal abuse. Story

EVENT FAB: The 42nd NAACP IMAGE AWARDS Nominees' Pre-Show Gala Reception

Posted: 04 Mar 2011 07:50 AM PST

The 42nd NAACP IMAGE AWARDS Nominees' Pre-show Gala Reception was held at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles yesterday and YBF hit the red carpet.  Come inside to see Tamera Mowry, Elise Neal, Michael Jai White, and more. 
 

 

Tamera Mowry looked stunning in her shimmery black dress and nude pumps.

 
 

Elise Neal stepped out in a tight fitted black dress with a long necklace. 

 

The timeless icon Smokey Robinson was there.

It's good to see Dawnn Lewis still out and about.

Michael Jai White looked nicebut the pants were too long.  Is that a cuff on the right leg?

Camille Winbush was there looking pretty as usual.

Wendy Davis of "Army Wives" rocked a fuchsia dress.

Tessa Thompson of For Colored Girls wore a long pink and green patterned floor length gown.

Vanessa Bell Calloway stepped out in a cocktail length strapless gold dress.  The Awards air live tonight...who's watching?

 

Photos via WireImage/BIngram

DO WE LOVE IT: Timbaland Ft. Brandy/Bran'NU "Whenever You LIke"

Posted: 04 Mar 2011 07:19 AM PST

Timbaland has released a new single called "Whenever You Like" and it features Bran'NU aka Brandy as the featured rapper.  Come inside and decide if we love it...

 

 

So......Brandy is starting to take the rap game seriously.  Check her out with Timbaland and decide....

 

DO WE LOVE IT?

VIDEO FAB: Jennifer Lopez's "On The Floor" Vid+Ciara Brings Kim K. & The Dream Together

Posted: 04 Mar 2011 06:19 AM PST

Jennifer Lopez has revealed her brand new video for "On The Floor."

 

Peep the vid, plus a sneak peek at Ciara and Kim K. discussing Kim's "singing career" on "Kourtney & Kim Take New York," when you read on...

J.Lo took a break from her "American Idol" duties to shoot some visuals for her "On The Floor" track ft. Pitbull. Check out her dance-heavy vid directed by Taj Stansberry and choreographed by Frank Gatson, where she looks her usual fab self.  Her album Love drops April 19th.

 



If you're looking for someone to blame for Kim K.'s new song "Jam," Ciara may need to be on your list.  Apparently, The Dream told Ciara to ask her bestie Kim if she wanted to get busy with him....in the studio.  Here's a sneak peek from Sunday's episode of "Kourtney & Kim" where the girls go to lunch on Cici's b-day to discuss this new "career."

Of course, Ciara obliged his request and told Kim:

"It's about having a fun experience. At the end of the day, it's about you being able to express yourself in that world and play with it. Go in there and try it, see if you like it. Go for it! Why not?"

I can think of a few reasons as to why not...but I digress.  Wonder which ulterior motives Dream had in mind though....

 

 

PHOTOSHOOT FAB: Angela Simmons Goes Topless For BE! Magazine

Posted: 04 Mar 2011 05:27 AM PST

 

Socialite and entrepreneur Angela Simmons recently worked out her most revealing photoshoot ever for the latest issue of Beauty Entertainment (BE!) Magazine.  The shoot includes some topless "implied" beauty shots that show a more sophisticated side of Angie.  See the photos after the jump...

 

Angela Simmons dishes on her journey to lighter locks, her growing fashion brand, and her famous family and more pics and the interview will appear in the upcoming Spring issue of Beauty Entertainment (BE!) Magazine on stands in April.

 

BE! Style Director Christopher Mannor oversaw the shoot that included photographer Khoa Bui, Hairstylist Maisha Oliver, and Makeup Artist Rokael Lizama to capture Angela's new look.

Angela went for an old Hollywood pin-up inspiration in this pretty photo.

I like the bolder look for Angie.  Fab pics.

 

Photos via BE! Magazine

 

SPOTTED: Makeup-less Kerry Washington Braves The L.A. Streets

Posted: 04 Mar 2011 05:08 AM PST

It's a rare occasion for us to catch actress Kerry Washington without make-up.  She was spotted barefaced and casual as she headed out for lunch in West Hollywood yesterday.

 

Pics when you read on...

 

The seemingly always red-carpet ready, perfectly dressed and made-up Kerry Washington was spotted lunching on her extra casual off-day.  And it's a tricky feat to pull off the fresh and barefaced look.  Does Kerry pass the makeupless test?

 

Photo via SPLASH

EVENT FAB: LeBron James & Savannah Give Back To Teens + Steve Stoute Gets An Answer From The Grammy Org

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 07:03 PM PST

Yesterday, Lebron James hosted an event for his foundation at the NW Boys and Girls club in Miami.  See the pics inside, plus get an update to our previous stories regarding Steve Stoute and the Recording Academy.

 

The LeBron James Family Foundation Hewlett-Packard Computer Give Announcement And American Signature Teen & Game Room Dedication was held yesterday at the NW Boys & Girls Club in Miami.  

 

LeBron and his girlfriend Savannah Brinson both took the time to thank guests for their money-raising efforts.

It's great to see the couple working together to give back.

Bron clearly had a lot of fun with the kids.

Pics of the dedicated rooms.

Fab!

 

In music News....

 

We told you earlier that Steve Stoute took issue with the Grammys and their voting process.  And after he published an open letter to the New York Times, the Recording Academy apparently took notice. 

In a recently released joint statement, the Recording Academy is working with Steve Stoute to consider ways the Grammys can evolve with the times.  The statement reads:

The voices of artists and our creative community are at the heart of the missions of The Recording Academy® and indeed the music industry itself. Expanding constructive and positive ways to continue to actively incorporate generational and artistic diversity in The Academy’s development and good work serves those important missions. The participation of new and culturally diverse voices has and continues to be a goal which benefits our members, the creative community, and music fans everywhere. To that end, we have come together in a collaborative manner to discuss how The Recording Academy can continue to evolve in an ever-changing cultural environment. We invite others who share this agenda to join us in these discussions.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

Steve Stoute
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Translation LLC

 

 

Photos via A. Tamargo

EXCLUSIVE PICS: Mashonda, Emily B., Olivia, & More At Their VH1 "Love & Hip-Hop" Reality Show Premiere Party

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 04:46 PM PST

TheYBF.com was on the scene at last night's VH1 "Love & Hip-Hop" reality show premiere party at District 36 in NYC.

 

We've got exclusive pics of the fab cast members (left-right) Sowmya Reece, singer Olivia Longott, Jim Jones' girlfriend Chrissy Lampkin, Fabolous' girlfriend Emily B., and Mashonda partying it up...and they all receive a lil something special from Mr. Jones.  Check out our pics and tidbits from our chat with the cast when you read on...

Mashonda, who tells us she's definitely single, hit her partying looking fabulous in head to toe Alexander McQueen.  She's moved on from the love triangle involving her ex-husband Swizz Beatz and his new wife Alicia Keys.  Clearly appearing to be in a good place right now, the self proclaimed YBF fan told us that we are going to see her perseverance and growth as a result of her adversity. 

And what she wants everyone to  know: "I used to wake up nervous to read the blogs, but YBF and the readers always had positive stuff to say. What I went through was tough but I made it through."

Fabolous' girlfriend and baby's mother Emily B., who rocked a black Herve Leger dress, wants everyone to know she's more than just that label.  The Puerto Rican and Dominican stylist tell us everyone will see her working on her career--something she's had for years now.  Even though she and Fab have been together for 8 years and share son Johan, during the course of their relationship, she chose to not do red carpet events or be in the spotlight with Fab.

"Dating a rapper is really hard and you have to have tough skin."

And whether we'll see "Basketball Wives" style drama on the show:

I don't have a problem with any of the girls, but there WILL be some drama.  I'm the only cast member with a child, so I had to be careful about what I did."

So whose relationship does she admire most?  Well, when Jim Jones walked in during our interviews and handed all the ladies roses, Emily gushed:

"He's such a sweet and nice guy! I really admire Jim and Chrissy's relationship. They really love each other."

Sweet.

 

Chrissy was spotted chatting with friends.

 

Olivia and her blinding makeup rocked a grey and black Bebe dress.  Didn't love homegirl's makup, but she's a sweet peacemaker who just wants to show her love for music.  We asked her about her beef with former bestie 50 Cent, and she responded:

"I recently spoke to 50 and there is no beef between us and honestly never has been."

What the single lady hates about the music game:

"Anyone can come in and get a deal. I grew up in the church and I want people to see throught he show my talents.  I'm excited about my up and coming music ventures."

Hmmm.

And rapper/video vixen Sowmya Reece, who wore Jovani Courture, dished to us about coming to America with only a suitcase and a dream.  And now, she wants to show everyone her grind and how she's trying to become a rap chick and she's already shot a couple vids.  Her music is "a blend of hip hop, latin, and reggaeton."

She says she hates the negativity and drama in the female rap game right now, but...she revealed her own feisty "Latin side" had to come out a few times on the show.

Click the thumbnails for more pics of the cast, plus their friends like Angela Yee, Tionna Smalls of "What Chilli Wants," Toccara, Jennifer Williams of "Basketball Wives," model Dollicia Bryan, and more:

 

 

 

"Love & Hip Hop" premieres March 21st on VH1.  Will you be watching?

 

Credits: YBF NYC Correspondents Kourtney Richard and Shayla Sommerville

Mariah And Nick's Baby Shower Invitation + Chris Bosh & Adrienne Williams' Wedding Invitation Photoshoot

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 03:08 PM PST

Mariah and Nick have sent out their baby shower invitations...along with notice of some of the lavish items on their baby registry.  See the invite inside and see pics of Chris Bosh and his fiance Adrienne on a photoshoot for their wedding invitations. 

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are having a "Pink and Blue" baby shower this Sunday night from 7pm-9pm at a luxe Beverly Hills hotel.  The "Pink and Blue" theme pretty much confirms the dup is having both a girl and a boy.

The party is being hosted by Mariah's publicist Cindi Berger, her manager Louise McNally, and Stefano Zagni of Angel Champagne. 

And what do you get the woman who has everything?  Well...we know that Mariah and Nick asked for a $2,000 custom-made bedding set for a crib, a $350 custom-made car seat cover, a $1,200 giraffe according to their registry. Nice.

 

In other Mariah news....

The mom-to-be is set to release a charity single called "Save The Day" in response to the angry reports that she performed in St. Barts for one of the sons of Muammar Gaddafi, Libyan dictator.

Mariah’s official statement about concert:

“I was naïve and unaware of who I was booked to perform for. I feel horrible and embarrassed to have participated in this mess. Going forward, this is a lesson for all artists to learn from. We need to be more aware and take more responsibility regardless of who books our shows. Ultimately we as artists are to be held accountable.”

 

 

In other couple's news....

Chris Bosh and his fiancee’ Adrienne Williams worked out a Latin inspired photo shoot for their wedding invites. 

 

Adrienne is wearing a red "salsa" inspired layered ruffle gown by Rafael Cennamo.  Alrighty then.

RUN IT: Mashonda VS. Ciara In Torn

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 02:58 PM PST

Singers Mashonda and Ciara both flaunted their bangin' bods in the same sexy dress during the recent NBA All Star Weekend.

 

Read on to decide who rocked their short and tight look best....

Mashonda, singer ex-wife of Swizz Beatz and co-star of VH1’s "Love and Hip-Hop," arrived at the National Basketball Players Association Ball in the black and white version of this long sleeved tightly ruched Torn dress by designer Ronny Kobo.  She paired it with black pumps and a chain embellished black bag.

Singer Ciara arrived the following day at The Beauty Suite at the Warren Tricomi Salon in L.A. She rocked the white version of the Torn dress and paired hers with nude suede pumps.

So...

WHO RAN IT?!

EVENT FAB: Mehcad Brooks Hits South Beach Hennessy Event+Celebs Hit Pre-NAACP Image Awards Party

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 02:04 PM PST

Cutie Mehcad Brooks, star of the new USA show “Necessary Roughness,” rolled down to Miami to Hennessey Privilege #InTime event at the SoHo Beach House in South Beach at night.

 

Pics of a sexy Mehcad in his laveder suit, plus celebs hitting the NAACP Image Award pre-party when you read on...

Mehcad worked his Miami Vice look at the SoHo Beach house yesterday.  So hot.

And Tracy Mourning was there too flaunting her new fresh cut at the event.  Fab chick.

 

Over at Eden in Hollywood, USA Network And NAACP hosted a reception honoring The 42nd Annual NAACP Nominees last night:

Naturi Naughton kicked it with recording artist Tionne Williams.

And with casting director Robbi Reed and James Pickens, Jr. and Kevin Frazier.

Actress Erica Hubbard hit the carpet.

Vanessa Bell Calloway was there with Glynn Turman.

 

And with Kim Coles.

Kimberly Elise shined in silver.

And actor Rockmond Dunbar hit the carpet.  The 42nd annual NAACP Image Awards will broadcast live from Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium, Friday, March 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

Photogs: Parra/Phillips

The Rodney King Beating: 20 Years Later

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 02:04 PM PST

 

20 years ago today,  Rodney King was the victim of a vicious beating by the LAPD.  The videotaped assault and its resulting trials would lead to a controversial verdict, the LA riots and forever change the race conversation here in America.   

 

In a recent interview with CNN, Rodney King discussed the event that would change his life forever.

After tossing back a few drinks, Rodney, then a 25-year-old convicted robber on parole, saw a police car following him and he panicked. 

"I had a job to go to that Monday, and I knew I was on parole, and I knew I wasn't supposed to be drinking, and I'm like, 'Oh my God.  I saw all those apartments over there, so I said, 'I'm gonna stop right there. If it goes down, somebody will see it.' "

What happened next was seen all around the world.  Four white police officers, struck Rodney more than 50 times with their wood batons and shocked him with an electric stun gun.

" 'We are going to kill you, n****r,' " Rodney said police shouted.  The officers denied using racial slurs.

The beating was caught on tape in 1991, and appeared on national TV two days later and showed "...the police brutality many had known but most of America had always denied or tolerated."

The four LAPD officers -- Theodore Briseno, Laurence Powell, Timothy Wind and Sgt. Stacey Koon -- were indicted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and excessive use of force by a police officer.

In April 1992, after a three-month trial in the predominantly white suburb of Simi Valley, three of the officers were acquitted of all charges and a mistrial was declared on one charge of excessive force against Laurence. 

This in turn led to the LA Riots.  Businesses were looted, buildings were torched and people were attacked. 

On the third day of rioting, King went on TV and said, "People, I just want to say, can we all get along?" he said. "Can we get along?"

CNN reports, by the time it was over, "55 people were dead, more than 2,000 were hurt, and property damage exceeded $1 billion."

A year later the four officers were tried in federal court on civil rights charges. Ultimately, Koon and Powell were found guilty, while Briseno and Wind were acquitted. 

In Rodney King's lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles, he was awarded $3.8 million.

 

 

20 years later....Rodney King sometimes wears a protective vest in response to a fear of reprisal threats. And due to his alchohol addiction, he's had several more run-ins with the law, including a 90-day jail stint in 1996 for a hit-and-run involving his wife.  

2001: King arrested three times in six weeks

2003: King arrested after domestic dispute

2007: King involved in shooting

And he's spent almost all of his settlement.  Still, he tells CNN he is happy. He's a grandfather now, and he's engaged to marry a special woman who has returned from his past. 

"The main impact that the Rodney King case had is that it accelerated change," journalist Lou Cannon said. "It's not tenable any longer in the United States of America for a police force of a major city to govern without having the community being a part of that governance."

Has police treatment of Black men or minorites in general changed in any way around the country as a result of the Rodney King verdict(s)?  Depends on who you ask.

 

CNN anchor Don Lemon sits down with Rodney King 20 years later to revisit the scene and talk about King being a symbol of police brutality.

 

"Race and Rage – The Beating of Rodney King," debuts Friday, March 4 at 8:00p.m. ET and PT on CNN/U.S.   It replays on Saturday, March 5 at 8:00p.m. ET and PT. 

 

UPDATE - TMZ reports that Rodney was arrested yesterday for driving with an expired license.  Cops in Arcadia, CA received a complaint about a man driving recklessly and when they located the vehicle, they realized that Rodney was at the wheel.

Rodney was pulled over when cops witnessed the car making an unsafe lane change.  When they approached the vehicle, Rodney admitted he had been driving with an expired license.  SMH

After getting his citation, he immediately called a friend to drive him home.

Wendy Williams & Romeo Spotted With "DWTS" Partners + Wendy's FULL Aretha Franklin Interview

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 12:07 PM PST

 

Wendy Williams and Romeo met up with their dance partners yesterday for their first rehearsals and we have them inside.  See the pics and watch Wendy's exclusive interview with Aretha Franklin after the jump...

 

Romeo was spotted with his dance partner Chelsie Hightower after their first practice.

I can already see their chemistry being interesting...to say the least.  And I already hear the romantic rumors a-brewin'...

 

Wendy Williams was spotted leaving "Good Morning America" with her dance partner Tony Dovolani.

I think it will be fun to watch Wendy this season.

 

 

Also in news about Wendy, watch her interview with The Queen of Soul here:

 

Photos via Bauer Griffin/PacificCoastNews

Ludacris' Straits Restaurant FAILS Health Inspection?!

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 12:06 PM PST

Ludacris' Atlanta restaurant Straits--where tons of celeb parties and events have also taken place--was just hit with a failing grade from the health inspectors.

 

The report and what it means for the entrepreneur's future when you read on...

Straits restaurant copped a whopping score of 67 (out of 100) on its latest health inspection test--just done at the end of January. Points were deducted from Luda's restaurant for non-adequate hand washing, unclean facilities, improper date marking on food, and things of the such.   Here's complete list of the violations Straits committed:

  • Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
  •  Food separated and protected
  • Food stored covered
  • Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized
  • Proper date marking and disposition
  • Food properly labeled; original container; required records available; shellstock tags
  • Thermometers provided and accurate
  • Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage display
  • In-use utensils; properly stored
  • Utensils, equipment and linens; properly stored, dried, handled
  • Food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
  • Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
  • Physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

The restuarant passed previous inspections in 2008 and 2009 with almost perfect scores.  But don't fret--the restaurant can remain open as long as all "non-compliant" issues are handled in a timely manner.  However, if the issues are not fixed by the deadline given, business could be shut down.

Wash those hands kids....

Sources: WhatsNowAtlanta.com/State of Georgia Board of Health

Bobbi Kristina On Cocaine Photos: MY EX SET ME UP!

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 10:40 AM PST

So now that the "alleged" photos of Bobbi Kristina Brown "allegedly" snorting cocaine have hit the net in full force, Bobbi Kris took to her Twitter this afternoon to speak out and explain what really happened.

 

Does she deny ever getting her snort on?  Not exactly.  But she does claim she was set up by her money hungry ex-boyfriend.  Read on for her statement....

Here's the series of tweets Bobbi Kris posted to explain those cocaine sniffing pics:

The pictures_ a former very dear person to me did this. Set me up to make it look exactly what it looks like. God will smite them yes..But it’s really not what it looks like.. People will do anything for money which is extremely sad, and I’m very hurt by this. Thing’s people do these days to hurt others is a shame. All I can do now, is keep my head up high, keep looking towards the lord.All the lord is telling me is be still. That’s all, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. #BeStill.

I love my family so much. My mom just comforted me to the max, and I’m so thankful for her. Thank you so much lord for blessing me with an Phenomenal family and incredibly phenomenal mother. Thank you for giving me the strength to move forward and put things in the past.

And the person that did this was a result of a horrible relationship that went sour. I was in love_ he was in love with money. I’ve learned My lesson. I’m so much greater and blessed for it today, and I believe nothing less. That is the last I will speak of this, let’s praise god And be greatful and thankful for your family, and people that truly love you, strength, courage, and life lessons learned. GodblessUall
 

So, according to Bobbi Kris, she was in love with her man, they broke up, now he's making some change out of allegedly staging some photos to look exactly how he wanted it to look, and mama Whitney swept in to comfort her baby girl.  Alrighty then.  I do hope none of this is what it seems...

Source: Bobbi Kris' Twitter

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