Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

MAGAZINE FAB: Michelle Obama COVERS The 2011 October Issue Of "ESSENCE"

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 08:20 AM PDT

First Lady Michelle Obama covers the October 2011 issue of ESSENCE Magazine in a gorgeous pink floral dress.  And she talks about her role in the White House and how she hopes to inspire other women. Get the deets inside....

 

In the latest fall issue of ESSENCE Magazine, First Lady Michelle Obama talks about her journey from Chicago to the White House saying,

“My story to young people around this country and around the world is, Don’t look at me as the First Lady first; look at me as Michelle Obama, a girl who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Because I was there, and this is attainable. There is no magic to this. It is hard work….”

In the article, “The Leading Lady,” she also talks about using her life and journey as an inspirational tool for young women, showing them that anything is possible if you work hard.  And Mrs. Obama also lands on the mag's annual ‘2011 Power List,’ along with Oprah Winfrey, Valerie Jarrett and Shonda Rhimes.  

When asked about Mrs. Obama, ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Constance C.R. White said,

"Michelle Obama is the quintessential ESSENCE woman; impressively defining herself on her own terms. Opening up to ESSENCE about living her most authentic life – by following her passions and unapologetically investing in herself and her family -- Michelle Obama is embracing her purpose and channeling her power. She is undoubtedly poised to become one of the country's most popular and productive First Ladies."

You can read Essence.com's comprehensive daily blog, "First Lady Diary" and view Frst Lady O's galleries here. 

MOMMY & ME: Christina Milian & Violet Shop It Up At Fred Segal

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:16 AM PDT

It's never too early to teach the babies about the finer things in life.  Christina Milian was spotted taking her 1-and-a-half-year-old baby girl Violet shopping at Fred Segal yesterday in Beverly Hills.  They had some mommy & me time bonding over shoes.  Gotta love that.

 

Pics of the cuteness inside....

I see Violet's daddy Dream in her more and more every time.  The bundle of cuteness rocked her frilly skirt and tank and Jordans for the shopping trip.

While mommy Christina kept it sexy and casual in her short shorts and white midriff baring top.

 

Violet tried on some cheetah shoes while mom tried on sky high purple heels.

Fun times!  By the way, Violet's daddy The Dream's free mixtape is out today on the net.

 

T.I.'s FREE! Headed To Community Facility....

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 06:30 AM PDT

He's a free man!  T.I.--Clifford Harris--was released from an Arkansas prison this morning at 7:29AM.  All after a 1 year sentence stemming from violating probation due to his arrest last year for narcotics.

 

He's out a month early so we assume he's been on his best behavior.  Deets inside....

 

Tiny is somewhere changing up her hair color for this special day.  T.I. is currently en route to a community facility--the usual place released inmates go to for  certain amount of time right after their release.  T.I. has served 11 months after his September 2010 arrest in L.A. for getting caught with cocaine and other substances.  He, therefore, violated his probation he was on thanks to his September 2009 felony conviction for illegal weapons.

Word was out that T.I. would be released yesterday, but his lawyer tried to shoot down the claims stating they do not know for sure--early release is a last minute decision.  Looks like it worked out though.

He wasted no time tweeting his excitement saying:

Feels great to be back where I belong...Back in the arms of those who need me the most.

The storm is over da sun back out. IT'S OUR TIME TO SHINE SHAWTY!!!!! Welcome to the beginning of our Happy Ending!!!!

Tiny & Toya tweeted yesterday: @TinyMajorMama: Ya No! Thx T RT @ToyaWright: So happy for my big sis @TinyMajorMama and the Fam...my big brother @Tip we be FREE Tomorrow!☺

Let's hope he stays out the slammer this time.  Take some notes from Mike Vick.  Lay low, mind your business, and let your talents speak for themselves....

MAGAZINE FAB: DB Woodside & Elise Neal Cover "DENIM" Magazine's 2011 September Issue, DB Speaks On His & Golden Brooks' "Relationship"

Posted: 31 Aug 2011 05:51 AM PDT

"Single Ladies" star DB Woodside and actress Elise Neal both cover the September 2011 issue of DENIM Magazine.  See their covers and behind the scenes video from their shoots inside.....

 

Sexy "Single Ladies" actor DB Woodside and actress Elise Neal share dual covers of the September issue of DENIM Magazine.  Both actors donned high fashions for their photoshoots and discuss their exciting careers in Hollywood.  By the way, the uber sexy DB shares a 2-year-old baby girl named Dakota with "Girlfriends" actress Golden Brooks.  And on whether they're still a couple or not, DB set the record straight with DENIM mag:

"Everyone really seems to keep picking at me for some scandalous story about Golden and I but there’s nothing to report, bruh. I’m sorry to disappoint but there isn’t any drama here. Golden and I are not together. We are not married, we are not engaged, we never were engaged, and we are not dating. We are only friends. Friends that love and support our daughter. Can everyone leave us alone now? Please."  

Well damn.  Watch the behind the scenes video from the shoot here:

 

Photos via DENIM/Will Sterling / Stylist: J.Bolin / Hair: DanaChanel / Ass. Stylist: JerkandJon / Designer: Posh Boutique

STEAMED UP: Usher Hits The Set Of New Video

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 08:09 PM PDT

Well well.  Looks like another steamy video from Mr. Usher Raymond.  He was spotted on the set of his new video gettin' it poppin' with a video vixen on the hood of a car in Queens, New York today.

 

Check out the on-the-set photos below...

Usher rolled into Queens to shoot a vid for what we're assuming is on eof his many sexy tracks off his latest album or maybe even a new one.  Heres pics of him getting it in with his video chick of the day:

Speaking of baby-making music, Ursh tweeted some words of encouragement to his long time friend Beyonce:

MAN BEYONCE IS PREGNANT! So happy for her!!! Congrats to B and Jay-Z!!!! It's on now!! Ain't no turnin' back...Children are FOREVER! URIV
 

So true.

In other music news, check out the new video for "That Way" (we love this track) by Wale Ft. Jeremih & Rick Ross. The song apears on the recently released Maybach Music Group compilation album.

MAGAZINE FAB: Jordin Sparks Gets FLY With Her Pups For LIFE + DOG, Naomi Gets BOUND & GAGGED For "V Spain"

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 06:40 PM PDT

Jordin Sparks is showing off a lot these days.  And we're not complaining.  In the new pet-lover mag Life + Dog, 21-year-old Jordin is rocking the cover and pages with her pups, including little Minnie, and her mom...and her new uber fit bod.

 

Pics, plus Naomi Campbell's controversial cover, inside....

 

Vintage fly.  Ms. Sparks covers the pages of the September 2011 issue of the dog lover mag with her own pups and her mom Jodie.

On the songstress' pup of choice

“I absolutely adore Labradors. They are the perfect dog. They are so smart and learn so fast! They’re not too big and not too small and I love that they love to swim because I do, too! But I have a Schnauzer-Bichon and a Schnauzer-Poodle mix and since they grew up with our lab they think they are too! Jumping in the pool, fetching—the whole nine.”
 

On becoming the official ambassador for Collars for a Cause

“It breaks my heart to see people wanting to best provide for their animal companion and not having the financial resources to do so.  Organizations like SNAP not only help these animal lovers by going out in their community and providing free and low-cost services, they also serve as a great example to other groups and cities of how we can all help each other help the animals.”

More pics:

Loves this!

 

In other not so airy and cheery news, Naomi Campbell posed for a dark and controversial cover for V Spain magazine:

She's bound with rope and gagged and covered with yellow tape on the cover while rocking dominatrix inspired gear.  Apparently folks were in an uproar when the issue hit the newsstands.  But he supermodel, who is donning Louis Vuitton Fall 201 pieces, says it was all in the name of artistic expression.

The Sebastian Faena shoot is an homage to provocative Spanish film director, Pedro Almodovar, whose dark humor laces his many movies.
 

Some readers expressed discomfort looking at a black woman tied up and gagged.  But others, like 41-ear-old Na Na, say it's all art.  The Daily Mail reports:

'I only know Pedro socially. However, what I have always liked about Pedro is that his films perfectly combine passion, intelligence and style with a twist of humour – leaving his indelible mark on everything he does,' she said.

'I think that was the essence Sebastian [Faena] drew upon for our cover photo shoot.'

'I’m sure some have wanted to "tie me up and tie me down" and perhaps others wanted to tape my mouth shut!'

'I’m sure some have wanted to ‘tie me up and tie me down’ and perhaps others wanted to tape my mouth shut! But this is something I would only permit for this issue dedicated to Pedro [Almodovar] as he always does everything “tongue-in-cheek."'

The issue is dedicated to the filmmaker whose new movie, The Skin I Live, starring Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya, premiers next month.

Your thoughts?
 

MAGAZINE FAB: Meagan Good Turns 30 With "ROLLING OUT"

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 05:40 PM PDT

Meagan Good recently turned 30 and has come into her own as an actress.  She opens up to "ROLLING OUT" magazine about the path she took to get there and being an positive role model to young women.  See the highlights inside....

Ms. Good is an actress who knows who she is an an artist and as a woman.  In the latest issue of "ROLLING OUT" Magazine, she reveals how exactly she put herself on the right path and how she hopes to inspire other women.  See the highlights below:

 

It’s been a busy year for you, and your visibility has increased as of late. How does it make you feel when you hear people say that it’s the return of Megan Good?
I don’t feel like I ever left. I just started dabbling in different genres, movies, and going after different audiences. So maybe this is a return to the people that supported me since day one. As you get older, you just like to approach things differently and look for different opportunities to play different characters and evolve as an artist.

So what were some of the things that you felt you had to explore creatively?
I wanted to look for roles that had nothing to do with me being sexy. And I’ve always wanted to do horror movies. It’s what inspired me as a kid, and when it’s done right, there’s a lot of dramatic acting in it. More than anything, I just wanted to play to a different audience, and do something different that had nothing to do with me playing a love interest or the girl next door. Even now, if I do play a love interest, it’s not your average role. I’m working hard to make her quirky and more interesting.

Is there a newfound freedom in going after these new roles, and not allowing yourself to be confined to certain types of characters? Has this approach helped to birth a new Meagan?
No, my freedom and renewal comes from finally being happy with who I am, and being comfortable with all of me — even my shortcomings. I have come to a place in my life where I don’t have a problem saying or doing what I feel publicly. The only thing that I do focus on is walking a spiritual line, and that means that I want to represent a woman of God. I want to be a virtuous woman of God, but by that same token, I’m very different in my approach. I’m not overly religious. I’m not judgmental. I don’t look down on people and I don’t try and force what I feel on them. But the truth is, I love Jesus Christ and I am a Christian.

Now, I’m not perfect by any means, but I’m improving daily. I have to, because I know that there [are] a lot of young girls watching me, and I do want to teach them and be a positive influence in their lives. I want them to know that they can go out and have fun, but you also have to be smart. And I want them to know that if they choose to have a boyfriend, they need to always respect themselves and know their worth, and demand that he do the same. I also want to encourage young girls to be abstinent … as you can see, I just really want to be a positive influence.

You mentioned wanting to teach young girls; what would you have taught a young, 21-year-old Meagan?
I would have told her how much the Lord loves her, and how perfect she is in the Lord’s eyes. And I would have just told her to have faith and know that God is going to make everything work out. I would have told her that she shouldn’t try so hard to control her own destiny, and that she shouldn’t let people’s opinions of her make her form an opinion of herself. And lastly, I would have told her that she shouldn’t let people who are still trying to figure out life themselves, hurt her by their judgments or opinions.

Who was more influential for you: was it friends, boyfriends or family when it came to developing your opinion of self?
My mom and my sister were very positive, and I had a lot of friends and family who were very positive influences. They would call me out when I was wrong, they always encouraged me, and [they] were my shoulder to cry on when I needed it. At the time, there were a lot of things that were negative, whether it be a boyfriend, the media, or just anyone. I was always being judged about my appearance or whether or not I was being hypocritical with my words and actions.
And it’s funny since I turned 30 about two weeks ago, all these lights clicked on, and I spent all of [my] 29th [year] preparing for it and not knowing it was happening. I was preparing for this moment, and it’s just a really great place to be now. When you surround yourself with happier people and disregard the negative, it’s a much happier place to be.

Tell us about your birthday wish when you blew out your candles.
I just wished that the people around me, and that people in general would know how valuable they are. No matter what their circumstances are, I wished for them to know that there is a better them on the other side. All they have to do is step out on faith and they can walk into it. That’s the nice thing about this last year … I discovered my faith in a major way. My world completely crumbled from every aspect you can possibly think of, but it was necessary in order for me to step into my new life. So I stepped into it and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I just thank God that he gave me the strength, and I’m proud of myself for actually stepping out on faith, and allowing myself to be as happy as I am right now.

Chick knows how to keep it sexy.

 
 

HOT.  Read more over at Rolling Out. 

 

 

Photos via Michael BarR

CANDIDS: Jada Pinkett Smith Gets Carefree In L.A.

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 04:34 PM PDT

Jada Pinkett Smith was spotted in L.A. rocking the au natural look. See the superstar celeb still brushing off split rumors inside....

 

Would you walk through public with no products in your hair and no makeup on your face?  And with no shades to hide behind?  Of course our YBF readers can (can't hate on your fabness), and so can Jada Pinkett Smith:

And not surprisingly, she still look fabulous.  Dressed down in sweats, Jada doesn't seem to be letting the marital split rumors get to her much.

 

And in case you were wondering, Will and Jada still deny that there are any major problems in their marriage.  Keepin' it movin...

 

 

Photos via PacificCoastNews

 

Now Weezy, You Know You Wrong For These JEGGINGS....

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 03:44 PM PDT

This dude here.  If you were wondering WTF was going on with Lil Wayne's outfit Sunday night at the VMAs, you're not the only one.  While we were tweeting away about being extra sad about this here leopard pants look of his, little did we know you could find these very same leggings on a women's apparel website. 

 

Don't believe us?  Check out the jeggings foolery inside...

 

When Weezy hit the stage to perform "John" on Sunday, his black and white leopard jeggings stole the spotlight.  In more ways than one.  This spotted foolywangery could barely fit over his man-bubble (high booty on men).  The level of how distracting it was to literally watch his ass jiggle in our faces paired with his purple drawers and red and yellow sneakers...was just too much.

But, here's the real news.  These jeggings of his are actually a $43 pair by Tripp NYC--a women's apparel line.  Now Weezy.  You know you wrong for that ish....

 

Spotted at Complex

VIDEO: Lil Mama's "Scrawberry" Nod To MC Lyte

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 03:06 PM PDT

Lil Mama tapped into her fruity side for her brand new video for her track called "Scrawberry." And no, it's not a typo. Peep the video and track that's a nod to her rap idol MC Lyte inside....

Lil Mama had some fun in her Phil Lee directed video. The song samples Special Ed's "I Got It Made." Check out ya girl in all her scrawberry glory above.

You feelin' it?

LUNCH DATE: Chris Brown & Kae Grub With Bow Wow

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 01:43 PM PDT

After his smash hit of a performance at the VMAs this past Sunday, Chris Brown was spotted taking his girlfriend Kae out to lunch.  And one of his besties Bow Wow tagged along too.

 

Pics of the threesome chillin' inside...

Well isn't that sweet.  Breezy gave his chick Kae some smooches while they had lunch out in L.A. yesterday with fellow rapper and new dad Bow Wow.  They laughed it up and chilled out.  And probably talked about Chris' hot performance at the MTV VMAs.

It's been a while for these two actually staying together.  Who woulda thought...

And Chris and a dressed down Kae were spotted shopping in West Hollywood afterwards. 

Photos via INF

 

VIDEO: Part 2 Of Behind-The-Scenes of Beyonce's "Intimate Nights Of 4"

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 12:47 PM PDT

You've seen part 1.  Now part 2 has hit the net of what went down behind-the-scenes to build up to Beyonce's 4 intimate nights of "4" concerts.

 

Check the video under the cut...

In the video, you see Beyonce working hard as usual, all while holding her pregnancy secret, to prepare for her 4 nights of intimate concerts.  She tells her band the concept of what the personal concerts at Roseland means to her.  And during rehearsals, directs the placements and other set preps for the shows.

By the way, Bey's reps says she will indeed still perform via satellite for Michael Jackson's tribute concert on October 8th.

 

REALLY!? Tiki Barber Is Engaged To His Jumpoff & Former Intern Traci Lynn Johnson!

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 12:27 PM PDT

Sometimes....the "other" woman does get the man. Tiki Barber just proved that ish as he recently got engaged to the 24-year-old former intern he left his pregant wife for.  Get the deets inside....

 

We told you previously about former NY Giants baller and NBC correspondent Tiki Barber, leaving his then-pregnant wife (and mother of  his other 2 kids), Ginny, for former NBC intern Traci Lynn Johnson.  But now the plot thickens as the couple has recently gotten engaged.  Mind you, Tiki's ass IS STILL TECHNICALLY MARRIED.

For all the side chicks, this could be a story of inspiration about the married, father with kids who really does "wife up" the mistress, but the soon-to-be Barbers have a little bit of an issue.....he's still married to Ginny. Womp Womp.

So what's the point of getting engaged if you are ALREADY married?

Well...according to Tiki's agent Mark Lepselter, the engagement represents that

"...[Tiki’s] very happy, and he’s moving forward with his life."

 

But Tiki, age 36, and Traci Lynn, age 24, may not be walking down the aisle anytime soon as he and Ginny are fighting about money issues in a Manhattan court and were doing so before she gave birth to twins in May 2010.  

Sigh...you want to wish the couple well; however, when you do someone dirty it usually comes back on you. Like Mama Evelyn Braxton said: You laid it low and spread it wide....

So instead of saying congrats to the couple, let's just say "Good Luck With That."

 

LeBron "Bags" Savannah At SAKS, Hits Dinner With Carmelo & LaLa

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 11:28 AM PDT

Looks like LeBron James is continuing girlfriend Savannah Brinson's birthday celebrations throughout the week.  This time with a shopping spree for the now 25-year-old.  Pics of the Miami Heat star treating the mother of his 2 kids to a shopping spree at Saks (he even picks out a few bags for her), plus their post-shopping dinner with LaLa & Carmelo Anthony, inside...

LeBron and girlfriend Savannah headed to NYC to continue Savannah's birthday festivities.  They had a big party at their home in Akron over the weekend.  And this week, with Savannah's uber cute multi-colored sparkling hobo tote in tow, they stocked up on the latest collection of hot bags at Saks.  A girl can never have too many bags.

Aww how sweet.  Bron's trying to pick his girl out something special.  Wonder how that ended up.

Savannah's such a pretty chick.  Cute coupledom indeed.

Oh, and after their shopping spree, they had dinner with fellow NBA couple the Anthonys:

La tweeted: Enjoying a night out in NYC...@KingJames, @SavannahRB, @carmeloanthony, and me.. #greattimes!.  Savannah responded, "Great Brainstorming Session!"  Fab times.

 

Pics via SPLASH

OH: "L.A. Basketball Wife" Tanya Williams & Her Brother Norwood Young Celebrate Premiere

Posted: 30 Aug 2011 11:00 AM PDT

Well isn't this...special.  New "L.A. Basketball Wife" Tanya (Young) Williams hosted her own little premiere party last night at Tian at the Riverbank in NYC last night.  Even though none of her castmates were on hand, her eclectic brother surely was front and center.

 

Pics inside...

 

Well if you didn't know, former NJ Nets star Jayson Williams' ex-wife Tanya is the sister of the ever-so-interesting and gel-y "singer" Norwood Young.  "Basketball Wives: L.A." premiered last night, so Tanya had her friends and family at a party to celebrate.

The party started an hour late and was mainly made up of Tanya's reality show friends (none of her castmates though) and her family.  And based on the premiere episode, something tells us Tanya won't be calling ny of those chicks "bestie" anytime soon.

Anywho, remember Norwood Young?  Yeah, this dude.  That's her brother.  And now that they're standing side-by-side, it's pretty damn obvious they're siblings.  They have matching leather skin.  These boobs though...

Former "Housewife of New Jersey" Danielle Staub was there.  How random.

Oh....ok Tanya. 

Their mom is a looker though.   You new "Basketball Wife" Tanya?

Photog: Spellman
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