Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

Beyonce Goes Gold For The November 2011 Issue Of "HARPER'S BAZAAR," Dishes On Her Art Collection And Maternity Wear

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 08:33 AM PDT

Beyonce covers the November 2011 issue of "HARPER'S BAZAAR" where she delves into a number of her inspirations from fashion to dance to art.  Read highlights from the article and check out more pretty pics inside...

In the latest issue of HARPER'S BAZAAR Magazine (On stands Oct. 25), Beyonce talks about her record setting Twitter announcement and other areas of her fabulous life (including her art collection) which she rarely reveals.  For the photoshoot, she was shot by Terry Richardson and styled by Andrew Richardson.  Not loving the angle of the cover pic since it gives off the alien-head syndrome.  But she looks fabulous nonetheless. See highlights and her second cover and more pics below:

 
On the alternate cover, Beyonce wears a beaded jacket, Salvatore Ferragamo; Swimsuit, $185, OMO Norma Kamali.
 

On her MTV VMAs pregnancy announcement and her red carpet Lanvin gown

"I put a lot of thought into how I wanted to unveil it. It was important to me that I was able to do it myself.   I was extremely nervous. It was the toughest red carpet I ever did.  I didn't want a crazy picture or gossip story to break the news.  So I decided to say nothing and proudly show my baby bump. I felt it was more powerful to see the love and enthusiasm as opposed to saying anything."

On her maternity wear

"All I see now are clothes that are flattering on a pregnant woman.  It's been so exciting for me! I love figuring out designs that still make me feel edgy and sexy while pregnant. Flowy fabrics are always flattering....but I still rock my stilettos.

"I've had so much fun with fashion over the months.  I have been pregnant through every event I've done, from the Billboard Awards to Glastonbury."


 On amping up her contemporary art collection


My mother has been an art collector and always taught me the value of art. She has encouraged me to invest in art since I can remember. The first artist I was truly inspired by was Vincent van Gogh. I was 17 and began doing my own paintings. I used to copy his style. When I was 20 I visited the Sistine chapel and saw Michelangelo's work and it was one of the most spectacular experiences of my life. I then went on a tour around Europe and visited all the places Picasso and Matisse hung out. I then visited Art Basel and was exposed to all kind of contemporary artists. It got me into art that's more abstract. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring are two of my favorites but I appreciate so many contemporary artists. Art inspires me in so many ways. I use art as reference when I'm looking for inspiration for my performances, wardrobe or a video I might be working on. My husband and I collect all types of art from Basquiat and Warhol to Marilyn Minter.

Bazaar: You sang at President Obama's inauguration.  What was that moment like for you?
Beyoncé: 

To this day I am still overwhelmed by that experience. It would have been enough of an honor to go to Washington, D.C. and witness history. To have been asked to sing for their first dance was one of the biggest moments of my life. I had to keep telling myself, to snap out of it and sing. I look back at the performance and I still don't know how I kept it together.
 
 

Bazaar: Have you ever seen any of the videos of babies dancing to "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"? What do you think about it being such a hit with the diaper set?
Beyoncé: 

I have seen them and they are hilarious. There's something about that song. Maybe it's the repetition and the simplicity of the video that get the babies' attention. I've heard that babies like black and white images so maybe it's that. Whatever it is, it goes to show that music speaks to everyone.

 

And of course she rocked a fab accompanying photoshoot:

"It was important to me that I gave myself time to focus on becoming the woman I want to be... before I became a mother," said Beyonce, in a brown/blue/grey Fendi fur coat.

"I didn't want a crazy picture or gossip story to break the news, so I decided to say nothing and proudly show my baby bump."

 Here, she wear a red rain jacket, $8,650, Yves Saint Laurent and pumps, $675, Christian Louboutin.

"I love Kate Moss. I think she has great style. And I always admire Victoria Beckham and Gisele."

 

In this photo, she rocks a cropped leather jacket, $5,475, Versace; Bodysuit, $1,250, Dolce & Gabbana; Belt, $365, Stella McCartney, Cuffs, $2,050-$2,200, Chanel Paris Byzance.

Watch the behind the scenes video here:

Lovely.

Monica Dishes On Being Mrs. Shannon Brown, Her In-Laws, & Ignoring Negative Attention

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 08:00 AM PDT

When Monica became Mrs. Shannon Brown, not everybody was feeling the love due to the circumstances beforehand and their seemingly quickie marriage.  Now she's talking about ignoring the hate, being a traditional wife, and even her relationship with her in-laws.

 

Peep it after the cut....

Monica Brown chatted with Essence.com about her "New Life" with Laker Shannon Brown-- which is interestingly the title of her upcoming album dropping November 8th.  Here's a few snippets:

Monica on being a 'traditional wife'
I cook for him. He can cook, but I don't think he should have to. I'm a traditional wife in ever since. I like the fact that he cleans his plate. That's a southern thing. I'm from Georgia.

On if she's close with your new mother-in-law
Oh yeah! [Shannon interrupts with a big smile, “yes they are!”] He says we’re sickening. He’s always like, “you’ve been on the phone with her for two hours?” And then, our mothers are close too. We were looking for them for a whole two days before the wedding. They stayed gone and off shopping and doing their own things for two days.

When we really got very, very serious in our dating we took both our families to Cabo. We wanted to take them away from everyone and all the busy places and just really get to know each other. That was everybody’s first meeting. I’ve never gone more than 48 hours without talking to his mother since then. His mom loves her baby, but what’s so amazing about my mother-in-law is that she says I wanted someone to love my baby the way I love him, for him, whether he’s playing ball or doing something else; I want someone to love my son through and through and she met me and she said, “you’re the real deal.” We’re a lot alike. We like the same things. We go to a lot of the same places. We get lost together.

On getting hate from media and commenters about how their relationship came about

Well, you know the way that I am now I have nothing to say, no response. The truth needs no support. I love my husband and he loves me and I think if you sit back and you watch and you pay attention you’ll see it yourself. I think that in the blogosphere the idea is to have the most controversial stuff up. They’re not saying anything about us that they’re not saying about other couples. There aren’t just stories about us up there. There are stories about lots of couples. I thank God for the fact that they’re not true and I have peace of mind.
 

Check out ESSENCE for what Mo had to say about a future (or not) in reality tv and more about how she and Shannon get through the hate and keep their love.

IT'S OFFICIAL! "Best Man 2" Is On The Way....

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 07:10 AM PDT

OMG our wishes have come true!  My absolute favorite wedding movie of all time, Best Man, is getting a sequel.  After speculations began when the cast had their 12 year reunion several months ago, director Malcolm Lee decided to make it a reality.  Deets inside...

Universal Pictures has officially signed on to be the studio home of Best Man 2!  Deadline Hollywood reports the original director, Malcolm Lee, will return to the helm.  And he's working on locking down the original YBF cast featuring Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Monica Moore, Nia Long, Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut, and plenty more:

Universal has set Malcolm D. Lee to write, direct and produce Best Man 2, a sequel to the 1999 film. Lee wrote and directed the original, a comedy in which a writer (Taye Diggs) is preparing to be the best man for his football player buddy (Morris Chestnut), but the timing is bad because the writer’s autobiographical novel is about to pop and it describes how the best man bedded the bride. Terrence Howard, Harold Perrineau, Nia Long and Sanaa Lathan also starred. The original grossed $35 million. Lee’s plan is to ask the original cast to reprise; in fact, I’m told the whole idea came out of a reunion dinner he held with most of the cast members, and they sparked to the idea of a re-team and so did the studio.

I'm usually no fan of sequels...especially to movies I deem classic.  But this right here already gets a thumbs up from me.  Woot!

Now, what should be the focus of the sequel?  Did Lance & Mia have a baby and now they have groupie issues?  Will Mia be on a "Football Wives" type show and it breaks up their marriage?  Did Harper let Jordan come between him and Robin and we'll see a whole situation unfold on the big screen?  Your thoughts?

 

Rihanna Gets NAKED & DIRTY & CONFIRMED As ESQUIRE'S Sexiest Woman Alive Afterall....

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 05:50 AM PDT

Contrary to reports last month that Rihanna was beat out by actress Katrina Bowden, ESQUIRE magazine just named pop starlet Rihanna the 2011 Sexiest Woman Alive.  After rumors flew when a video leaked online from Esquire showing a naked Rihanna being given the title, it was yanked down and certain sites said it was untrue.

 

But that's not the case.  Check out the lowdown on Rih's new title, plus her new gritty naked pics & cover, inside...

Ms. Fenty just copped the coveted Sexiest Woman Alive title from ESQUIRE magazine.  So what does that mean?  She grabs the November 2011 cover (above) and goes naked while being covered in black sand and damp leaves to show off why she landed the title.  Here's more pics:

And ESQUIRE even posted this fun pic on their Facebook page asking if you've eaten your Rih Rih's yet:

ESQUIRE met up with Rihanna at her fave restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica for her cover interview.  And here's some highlights about Jay kicking it with her before her concert, her pre-performance ritual of dark whiskey and tea, and how she keeps her body right:

ESQ: It was a pretty fascinating scene. Bodyguards, dancers, dozens of people who looked liked they had nothing to do. I saw Jay-Z duck into your dressing room.

RIHANNA: I was walking out as he walked in. He was like, "Yo!" I had my tea in one hand and my drink in the next.

ESQ: You drink them at the same time?

RIHANNA: One is tea and one is a shot. I usually like dark liquor — brandy or whiskey — but it's very high in sugar-content and I have some photo shoots coming up, so I had to switch it up to vodka.

ESQ: Do you live on your bus during a tour?

RIHANNA: I hate going to hotels when I'm on tour. I like to stay on the bus. I can sleep, I can shower, I can just pull up right to the venue everyday. I work out. I have a trainer. So, she trains me wherever, whenever. Touring messes with my metabolism, so I have to get tight.

ESQ: What do you eat on tour?

RIHANNA: I'm very stubborn when it comes to food. I don't like to try new things. When I came to America, there were so many different cultures and tastes. I haven't acquired a taste for a lot of things. Like, calamari? Jay-Z had to make me eat it. We have this thing called Taste Test Tuesdays or New Flavor Fridays or Substitute Saturdays.

ESQ: What happens in your dressing room before a show?

RIHANNA: I eat lozenges, steam my voice, do my makeup. I Skype my vocal coach and we sit there at the makeup table and do warm-ups for about a half-hour. Then, Jen, my personal assistant slash bartender, brings me a shot that she dilutes with a little something so it's not so harsh, like orange juice or soda water and lime.

ESQ: Why do you have the shot?

RIHANNA: I have to have it. I take it very seriously, so there is a level of anxiety, always. I overthink everything when it comes to my job. The drink calms my nerves. I sip it while I watch the opening act from my dressing room. Sometimes I go out into the audience. I put on a really big hoodie and sneak out there.

ESQ: What happens right before you go on?

RIHANNA: I say "House" and the lights go off. My head is down the entire time. I'm hearing the music and I know I only have like twelve seconds left to get into the cage, drink my water, finish the liquor, check my mic. Then I have like three seconds where I get to pray, again, for myself, and for the audience. I always pray for the crowd.

RIHANNA: Anything you want to know about what happens onstage?

ESQ: When you pull the guy out of the audience to do the lapdance routine, do you know who it's going to be be?

RIHANNA: It's never pre-planned.

ESQ: Who's the best candidate?

RIHANNA: The way I pick the person is, whoever I feel doesn't take themselves too seriously, or who I think would be majorly embarrassed about it. Like these old men... it's hilarious. At first, it was just going to be girls. And then one night, I brought up a gay guy, and then I started bringing up straight guys. Then I started bringing up older straight men. Did you see the one who was getting way too comfortable?...He was getting excited....We have pictures.

And about how she now feels about her ex Chris Brown:

It's incredible to see how he pulled out of it the way he did. Even when the world seemed like it was against him, you know? I really like the music he's putting out. I'm a fan of his stuff. I've always been a fan. Obviously, I had some resentment toward him for a while, for obvious reasons. But I've put that behind me. It was taking up too much of my time. It was too much anger. I'm really excited to see the breakthrough he's had in his career. I would never wish anything horrible for him. Never. I never have.
 

Video:

Check out ESQUIRE for the full interview.  And the mag's up-close-and-personal Night in the Life of Rihanna feature HERE.

Photographs + Video by Russell James

SAY IT LOUD: Russell Simmons & Kanye West Join "Occupy Wall Street" Demonstrators

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 04:24 PM PDT

As their movement gains nationwide attention, the Wall Street protestors have also caught the attention of several celebs who have popped up downtown in the Financial District to lend their support AND and get some face time with the throngs of media.  See pics of Kanye West and Russell Simmons occupy Wall Street inside.....

The Wall Street protestors have gained the attention of the White House and......

The attention of Hip-Hop heavyweights Russell Simmons and Kanye West.  Russ has been in and out of the protest meditating with the folks who are standing strong for their cause.  And he brought Kanye along today:

Russell tweeted: 

I just walked thru the . I love how sweet and tolerant he was to the crowd

And Uncle Rush let the world know that he supported the protests later tweeting, 

The ny post has crossed the line framing the protesters as criminals. They are peace loving activists whose education level is far beyond average tea party people

Before they left, Russell and Kanye spoke about the protests with Rev. Al Sharpton on his radio program.  And Russell told the listeners, "I'm happy to pay a little more taxes if it means better education for our children.  I don't pay enough taxes and I know it."

Good to know....

And in case you've been wondering exactly what the Occupy Wall Street (and beyond) folks are protesting about, here's a summary:

The participants of the event are mainly protesting against social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of corporate money and lobbyists on government, among other concerns.

Liberal commentator Michael Moore had suggested this protest represents a variety of demands with a common statement about government corruption and the excessive influence of big business and the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans on U.S. laws and policies.

Photos via E. Hall/INFphoto.com

WE SEE YOU: Ciara & Serena Williams Hide From The Paps!

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 02:49 PM PDT

Looks like Ciara & Serena Williams didn't think they were camera ready this time around as they left dinner in Los Angeles last night.  Pics of the extra casual twosome trying to avoid the cameras inside....

 

Oh hey Serena.  The tennis pro and her bestie Ciara went out for a makeup free dinner.  And since they're usually completely made up and over the cameras during their outings, they weren't trying to be seen this time around:

No need to hide ladies.  Just do you boo!

Speaking of Ciara, "X-Factor" judge L.A. Reid tweeted yesterday that CiCI would likely find her new label home over at EPIC Records:

"@Ciara will be #EPIC very soon! That's my girl!" the record executive tweeted.
 

Time will tell...

Pics via INF

Was Terrell Owens HOSPITALIZED For A Prescription Pill OVERDOSE?

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 01:30 PM PDT

 

 

Though his press reps (including Mo and Kita) have been silent, it's been revealed that an emergency team responded to a possible prescription pill overdose at an apartment were Terrell Owens was staying last week.  Get the deets.....

Law enforcement officials have confirmed to TMZ that Terrell Owens was rushed to an L.A. hospital last Thursday. 

Although police can't confirm why T.O. was rushed to the hospital, they did say that the emergency team that showed up to his apartment was responding "...to a call about a possible prescription pill overdose."

T.O. has been released from the hospital but no one close to him has spoken out about the situation.  It's all a little suspicious since T.O. was also hospitalized back in 2006 for what he said was a bad reaction to painkillers....but the medical reports said he tried to commit suicide by downing 35 Vicodin pills.

Back when that situation happened, T.O. held a press conference and said,

"The rumor of me taking 35 pills, I think is absurd. I don't think I would be here if I had taken 35 pills."

Hmmmm......When it comes to reality tv stars, you never know what is the truth and what is a publicity stunt.  I guess we won't get the real deal until next season of T.O., Mo and Kita's show.  If there is a next season. Because if this was a gimmick, I'm sure cameras were rolling.

VIDEO FAB: Verse Simmonds & Kelly Rowland's "Boo Thang" + Cori B.'s "Do My Thang" Vid

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 12:46 PM PDT

Verse Simmonds just dropped his video for his single "Boo Thang" featuring one of our fave YBF chicks Kelly Rowland.  Peep the vid inside, plus check out Snoop's daughter Cori's brand new debut vid inside....

 

Verse tapped his celeb friend like Lil Duval to make a cameo in his new video for "Boo Thang" about getting caught up with a chick who wasn't his main girl...and it gets put on blast on Twitter.  And since Verse is part of the Konvict Music clique, Akon makes an appearance too.

And the fab Kelly Rowland, who is featured on the Virgin Island native's track, pops up looking hot as usual.  Peep the vid, directed by Gil Green in Miami, up top.

 

 

And YBF chick on the rise Cori B. just dropped her debut video for her single "Do My Thang."  We posted the 12-year-old's first prformance a while back.  And now she's brought her brothers, Cordell & Corde, plus her famous dad Snoop Dogg, into Choc's World ice cream shop to do what she does....

Robin Thicke & Paula Patton Take Baby Julian Out For Some Pumpkin Patch Fun

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 12:01 PM PDT

Robin Thicke and his wife Paula Patton were spotted having some family fun with their son Julian...just in time for Halloween.  See the pics inside.....
 
 
 
Yesterday, Robin Thicke and Paula Patton took their one-year-old baby Julian to Mr Bones Pumpkin Patch in West Hollywood.  It's about that time to gather up pumpkins for the fall and Halloween season...
 
 
Robin rode down the slide with Julian in his arms.

 

 
Then Paula joined him to cheer their kiddie on as he rode the pony.

Throw in a ride through the pumpkin patch and it was enough to make baby Julian sleepy.  Love seeing a cute family out having a good time.

Photos via MAP / Splash News

Beyonce Shops It Up With Jay-Z & Kanye, Gets Accused Of Stealing Dance Moves....AGAIN

Posted: 10 Oct 2011 10:24 AM PDT

Shopping gets everyone in the cuddly mood...right?  It does the trick for The Carters.  Beyonce & Jay-Z were spotted hitting up Intermix with Kanye West in NYC over the weekend.  And the little shopping trip took place amidst rumors that Mrs. Knowles Carter jacked her latest "Countdown" dance moves from a Belgian choreographer.

 

Deets and pics inside....

Bey & Jay decided to cop a few clothes (maternity wear maybe?) with fashion designer/rapper bestie Kanye over the weekend.  And Jay did the rare act of cuddling up to his wife with a big hug.  This pregnancy has made him oh-so-mushy these days.  Not mad at it.

But all isn't A-OK.  Beyonce is now being accused of ripping of Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker in her new "Countdown" video.  Apparently, the video's director Adria Petty recently said right before the Countdown vid premiered that she received inspiration from a certain German choreographer (and she very well could have been speaking of Anne), and brought the clips to Beyonce:

"I brought Beyonce a number of references and we picked some out together. Most were German modern-dance references, believe it or not. But it really evolved."

And Anne has spoken out to a Danish blog about the rumor saying:

"I didn't know anything about this. I'm not mad, but this is plagiarism.  This is stealing. They took pieces from Achterland and Rosas danst Rosas. ... It's a bit rude, I must say."

"What's rude about it is that they don't even bother about hiding it. They seem to think they could do it because it's a famous work. ... Am I honored? Look, I've seen local school kids doing this. That's a lot more beautiful."

Interesting.  Here's the video that does the obligatory clip-by-clip comparison of similar scenes and you be the judge:

 

More pics of the threesome's shopping trip:

 

Uncle 'Ye's looking pretty happy these days.

Cute pics.
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