Sunday, July 3, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

Rihanna Hits The Club...& Strip Club...After Her Vegas Concert+Spotted All Over Drake In The Club?

Posted: 03 Jul 2011 08:41 AM PDT

Rihanna kept the party going last night as she hit Club Nikki & a strip club after her Las Vegas tour stop.  We've got pics of the red head knocking back shots...and showing some PDA in the club with Drake recently...inside....

Rihanna's LOUD Tour rolled into Vegas last night.  And after she took the stage in front a sold-out crowd with B.o.B at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the red-head afterpartied at Club Nikki with her peeps:

Shot Shot Shot Shot Shot Shot!

Rih also had her own little after-after party at the strip club.  She tweeted:

walkin in a strip club!!! #rockstarshit...I'm enjoying some beautiful #titties....

LOL.

She had watched the fights at UFC 132 at MGM Grand Garden Arena earlier in the day, so she kicked it with the fighters in the club and held their belt. Fun times.

By the way, when Rih did her multi-night stint in Canada last month, and Drake seemed to be with her at every step, they were indeed spotted canoodling in a club one of those nights:

TMZ reports their source says the twosome was all over each other.  They still deny they're dating.  But you aint gotta date to just get it in.  Alright....

DO WE LOVE IT?: Amber Rose Rocks A Curly Wig

Posted: 03 Jul 2011 08:04 AM PDT

Last night, Amber Rose stepped out to a party in Atlantic City during Jamie Foxx's Celebrity Weekend....and she had hair this time, lots of it.  Of course it was a wig but it dramatically altered her look.  Come inside and decide if we love it,..

 

Amber Rose stepped out rocking a curly wig last night for a party at Ceasar's Atlantic City. 

Now that we can compare, does her hair make her look a bit more common?  Dare we say we prefer her bald? 

 

So...

 

DO WE LOVE IT?

Kanye West, Jill Scott And Chaka Khan Rock The Main Stage Day 2 At ESSENCE FEST!

Posted: 03 Jul 2011 06:51 AM PDT

 

Jill Scott, Kanye West (who gave the performance of his LIFE) and Eric Benet were among the performers hitting the various stages of the Superdome for the 2011 ESSENCE Music Festival last night.  And come inside to see pics of Naturi Naughton, Chaka Khan and El Debarge.

Kanye West headlined Day 2 of the 2011 ESSENCE Music Fest.  YBF was on the scene and has never seen he Superdome rocked out like that.  The aisles were jam packed, nobody sitting down, 'Ye put on a 2 hour+ show with the hghest energy on tap, and the crowd ate it up:


 

And he had a team of 20 ballet dancers.....wearing leotard thongs.  Gotta love 'Ye.


 


 

One thing you can't deny is that Kanye gives it his all.  He had Acts 1, 2, and 3 to his performance.  And Act 3 wrapped up with an INSANE waterfall background. HOT.

 


 

 

Earlier on the main stage, Jilly from Philly performed and tore it down as well.

Jill Scott rocked some studded platform wedges during her performance.

 

Then she kicked her heels up yesterday after a wonderful performance.


 

El Debarge hit the stage and performed hits like "I Like It" and "Stay With Me."  Looks like his newest stint in rehab has done him some good.  He sounded GREAT.


 

Chaka Khan also hit the main stage performing "I Feel For You" and "Ain't Nobody" and "Sweet Thang" and plenty other hits.  She looks so great and told the crowd she's now 7 years sober!


 

Stephanie Mills rocked one of the super lounges.

 

Engaged Eric Benet was also in the super lounges.


 

Coltrane Curtis, photographer and film director Jonathan Mannion, Managing Editor of Essence Magazine Emil Wilbekin, and fashion editor Memsor all posed together around the Dome.

 

Big Daddy Kane kicked it with Monie Love, Kool Moe Dee and Doug E. Fresh.


 

Mary J. Blige posed with DJ Don Pooh.

"Single Ladies" star Lisa Raye wore her (ususal) summer white.


 

BET's Rocsi posed with Lance Gross as they mixed things up in the VIP Belvedere Lounge.  We didn't see any run-ins with Ms. McCoy though....

Rocsi also posed with NeNe Leakes.

Kevin Liles was spotted at the Fest.

The folks in the super lounge were down with O.P.P. while Naughty-By-Nature performed.

I actualy like this dress on Naturi Naughton.  Cute.

 

And MC Lyte also made the rounds at the Fest with Essence EIC Constance White.

 

Photos via WireImage/various

LATE NIGHT SNACK: Bikini Clad Tyra Banks & Her Boo John Utendahl Vacay In Mexico!

Posted: 02 Jul 2011 11:39 PM PDT

Well HELLO there Ms. Banks.  It's been a minute since we've seen Tyra out and about.  Maybe that's because she's busy being boo'd up with her investment banker boyfriend John Utendahl.  And we're not even mad.

 

Pics of Tyra donning her itty bitty blue bikini for a romantic Mexican getaway inside...

Tyra rocked this halter bandeu top blue bikini while relaxing poolside at a fabulous resort in Mexico this weekend.  The 37-year-old model turned tv mogul turned Harvard MBA student chilled out with her man and soaked up the sun:

Alright Ms. Banks.  Not mad at all...

Bueno.

ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL DAY 2: Celebs Kick It With Fans In New Orleans

Posted: 02 Jul 2011 07:31 PM PDT

The Essence Music Festival is still lighting up the N.O. on Day 2 of concerts and celebs kickin' it with fans at the Convention Center.  We've got pics and video of who's out and about this weekend inside...

The Braxtons hit the New Orleans Convention Center today after stopping by the Carol's Daughter pop-up store today. The YBF served as the online media giving live-tweet coverage straight from the event.  And Trina, Tamar.com, Traci, and Towanda popped up with reality cameras in tow.  Season 2 of "Braxton Family Values" on deck!

 

Speaking of reality, a few of the "Basketball Wives" wre on hand as well today:

Tami Roman answered fan questions on stage.

And so did besties Evelyn Lozada and Shaunie O'Neal.

Oh...looks like everything's still all good with Eve and Chad Johnson despite the rumors, seeing that she's still rocking that FAT diamond ring on her left hand.

Former New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin was there for a book signing of his Katrina memoir.

"Are We There Yet?" actors Terry Crews and Essence Atkins hit the stage again with George Willburn.

Things got a ittle crazy when Terry and Essence cheered on David Mann to do all THIS.

Heeeey Lamman Rucker.

Cutie Keshia Knight Pulliamm looked pretty much perfect today.

She hit the stage with her "House of Payne" co-stars Demetria McKinney and Lance Gross.

 

Regina King was there again too.

White House Senior Political Advisor Valerie Jarrett chit chatted.

Tina Knowles was there signing autographs--likely for her Miss Tina line of clothes.

Garcelle Beauvais of "Franklin & Bash" rocked a cute purple jumpsuit.

And Regina laughed it up on stage:

Lookin' cute!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER for all our inside dish, pics, and vids from Essence Music Fest this weekend.  

Stay tuned for stage pics of Chaka Khan, Kanye, Jill Scott, and more performing tonight at the Superdome!

Photog: Bolen

Stacey Dash Flaunts the UBER FAB Side Of 45 For RUNWAY MAGAZINE

Posted: 02 Jul 2011 05:28 PM PDT

Stacey Dash is rocking the pages of RUNWAY Magazine.  And she's bring the mid-forties to a whole different level of fabness.  More pics from her gorgeous spread inside....

She gets to wear great clothes on her scripted VH1 show "Single Ladies," and now, the 45-year old who's been in this business since her Clueless days, is dishing here about her new love for Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and more.

Loving the vintage glam feel of the pics.  Gorge.

Source

ESSENCE FEST PARTY PICS: Garcelle Beauvais, Boris Kodjoe & LeToya Luckett In The Belvedere Lounge

Posted: 02 Jul 2011 03:23 PM PDT

The Belvedere Lounge saw a lot of traffic though its space at the Superdome for the 2011 Essence Essence Music Fest.  Inside, see pics of Garcelle Beauvais, Boris Kodjoe, LeToya Luckett and Terry Crews...

The star of TNT's "Franklin & Bash," Garcelle Beauvais stopped by the lounge. 

And gorgeous actor Boris Kudjoe posed on their carpet. 

"Find A Way" crooner Dwele came through. 

And singer Noel Gourdin posed. 

LeToya Luckett brought her Houston flavor to the lounge.


 

Then she and stye maven Bevy Smith created "The Belve Peach Essence."   We love a good fruity drink! 

 
 

Terry Crews and his wife Rebecca posed in the lounge.


 

And Naturi Naughton came through too.  Just a thought...I wonder if Kiely and Sabrina will invite their old 3LW bandmate on Dinner With Friends?

Photos via Belvedere Vodka

Carmelo Anthony For The July/August 2011 Issue Of L'Uomo Vogue + Kanye West Preaches At Summerfest

Posted: 02 Jul 2011 02:04 PM PDT

Carmelo Anthony sat for a photoshoot for L'Uomo Vouge's July/August 2011 issue and we have the pics for you along with Kanye West addressing the "Monster" controversy during Summerfest in Milwaukee inside... 

 

Carmelo Anthony stars in a sleek photoshoot for the July/August 2011 issue of L'Uomo Vogue. 

Also, Carmelo recently signed rapper Cassidy to his Krossover Entertainment company. 

He looks handsome in this shoot.  I'm glad they went with a grown and sexy theme. 

 

And at Summerfest 2011 in Milwaukee, WS....

 

Kanye West had a "Purple Rain" moment where he paused between songs and gave a long personal address to his audience. 

He shared his frustration about being dogged by the press in the U.S., whom he said only want some commercialized version of an artist. 

He talked about the controversy over the "Monster" video and pretty much told the audience that he is an artist and should be allowed to create whatever he wants to create. And when you add in the whole megatron thing...it gave me a megachurch Sunday morning kind of feeling. 

And if you're in New Orleans, Kanye's down there for the ESSENCE Music Fest and headling tonight!

SPOTTED: Lauryn Hill, Her Baby Bump, And Rohan Marley Takes The Kids To See "Spiderman" On Broadway

Posted: 02 Jul 2011 10:54 AM PDT

Lauryn Hill was spotted at Spiderman, Turn Off The Dark on Broadway recently with her whole family.  And by whole family, we mean ALL the kids, the baby on the way AND Rohan Marley.  See "happy" family inside...

Maybe Rohan Marley was just in a bad mood when he got on Twitter and said he might not be the father of Lauryn Hill's unborn child, but he did look like a happy father when they posed for pics recently. Lauryn and her belly are looking cute.

 

Then Rohan and Lauryn posed with cast members...

Hmm....so what's REALLY hood Rohan?

 

 

OH REALLY: Shaunie O'Neal Says She Hates Negative Portrayals of Black Women On Reality TV

Posted: 02 Jul 2011 10:22 AM PDT

Shaunie O'Neal, creator and producer of VH1's "Basketball Wives", wrote a piece for CNN.com yesterday addressing the negative portrayals of black women on reality tv and that she's not pleased with it?  Yes, we thought this was a joke as well.  But she was serious.

 

Read on to see what Ms. Shaunie--who has single handedly made exes and jump-offs of basketball players look more basic than a little bit--has to say....
 

Even though it seems like Shaunie thoroughly enjoys (and has been known to participate) in arguing and fighting and trifling activities of her co-stars Jennifer Williams, Royce Reed, Tami Roman, and Evelyn Lozada, she decided to write this interesting article blasting shows who negatively portray back women. 

She urges that there should be a balance in tv--as we don't necessarily have to have a show focusing on only the positive and pretty side of friendships and life.  Still...interesting words coing from her.  Read them below:

I'll be honest, I love reality TV.

Actually it's one of my guilty pleasure past times. Even before "Basketball Wives" I had my favorites, and I watched them faithfully. There is something appealing about seeing people deal with real life drama as you're watching. Now, as executive producer of "Basketball Wives," I know that's not exactly how it happens, but it's still fun to watch. What isn't so fun to watch, however, is this new generation of reality TV. It seems to be more about the drama and less about the storyline. That concerns me, especially now that I'm producing a reality show.

I have gotten both good and bad responses from viewers about "Basketball Wives," and I certainly understand the opinion that the shows portrayal of black women is beginning to look somewhat negative. As you see on the show, I'm not a big supporter of the bickering, drink throwing and fighting, but when you put a group of strong, independent and vocal women who are going through or just came out of a bad relationship together, there's bound to be a little drama.

Let's face it, we all know women like the ones on "Basketball Wives" and countless other reality shows: Women who are vocal if you cross them. The problem for me is when black women are portrayed as only being that way and labeled different than their non-black counterparts for the same type of behavior. That's when it becomes negative and damaging to our image.

I'm not saying we have to create shows that only paint a pretty picture about who we are, but there should be a balance and most of all some integrity to the shows we create. I do believe some of the shows featuring African-American women have positive story lines and are not meant to tear black women down. Shows like [BET's] "Tiny & Toya" and "Monica: Still Standing," [TVOne's] "LisaRaye: The Real McCoy," [VH1's] "What Chili Wants" and [WE tv's] "The Braxtons." They all have the same core storyline -- single, exes of high profile men, trying to raise their children and get their lives back on track. I believe that is positive and when handled properly can be very uplifting and empowering for women going through the same issues, no matter their race. That's why I wanted to do "Basketball Wives." I wanted to show what life is really like when you are with a professional athlete --- and that sometimes all that glitters isn't gold.

When I signed on to executive produce the show I had big plans and a long list of ideas. But boy did all that change as we started filming and I learned what all goes into executive producing a show. It's a lot of work, and there are a lot of politics involved, but at the end of the day I do believe that the overall message is being told. Look at Tami Roman (ex-wife of former NBA player Kenny Anderson and a member of the "Basketball Wives" cast). She was such an appealing addition to the cast because of her rags to riches to rags story of being married to a pro basketball player and after their divorce almost being homeless. That's the heart of "Basketball Wives," and I believe that if you look closely and beyond the arguing and the fighting, you'll see a group of women trying to get their lives back on track and figure out who they really are. My role as executive producer of the show does not negate my concern for how black women are portrayed on reality TV, but I do believe that there are some shows attempting to strike a balance and have a positive message despite the drama. I'm personally working with Shed Media and VH1 to make sure that "Basketball Wives" stands among them.

I completely disagree with "The Braxtons" being lumped in with the other shows named.  JMO.  But..your thoughts?

BONUS: YBF is on the scene in New Orleans at Essence Music Fest.  We caught up with Radio One/TV One founder Cathy Hughes after she received her McDonald's 365 Black Award Friday afternoon.  And she is NOT pleased with blacks having to be "grateful" for "garbage" shows like "Basktball WIves" and "Real Housewives of Atlanta."  Check it:
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