Friday, December 9, 2011

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

Keyshia Cole's Mom "Frankie Legs" Her Way To A Memoir

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 10:27 AM PST

Frankie Lons is trying to become an empire y'all.  Not only did she drop her new single and video "Frankie Leg" this week, she's also dropping her memoir called "The Best Years I Never Had."  Deets inside...


 

Ms. Frankie is not just about the foolywangery, she's also an authoress.  She wrote (says the press release) a book about her life and hardships that she feels could help others through their own life trials.  After turning to prostitution and drugs after falling on hard times, having to live without her biological daughter Keyshia Cole, and spending many years in jail, Frankie is trying to get her life back together. 

The release states:

If dancing isn’t your thing, Frankie’s newest page turner is sure to keep you engaged. Published through Success Books and Media; The Best Years I Never Had takes readers through the pains of being a single mother on drugs, and Frankie’s fight to survive day to day. The petite powerhouse bares her personal struggles and uses them to offer women sincere, heartfelt understanding and candid advice about sex, drugs, and overcoming adversities.

“This book will inspire; it tells the story of a lady who’s been through everything from battling with drugs to resorting to prostitution and everything in between....this is her journey to turn her life around and merge into society.” Explains Frankie’s Manager, acclaimed author and platinum producer Leroy McMath, “She’s showing people that she has changed her life and they can do it too.”

It comes out online Dec. 20th with the paperback in stores on Jan. 24th.  Will you be copping this?

Pic via FreddyO.com

DO WE LOVE IT?! Liquor Pushers Emily B. & Adrienne Bailon Go Turquoise

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 09:16 AM PST

"Love & Hip Hop" chick Emily B. loves her spandex and her good friend (apparently) Adrienne Bailon loves her sheer and short looks.  The twosome hit up the new NYC hotspot WIP (Work In Progress) earlier this week rocking turquoise.

 

Decide if we love their looks inside...

The ladies put on their sexy best to reveal an equally sexy liquor called OR-G.  With mixed drinks called The Affair, The Quickie, The Magnum, and The Mistress being made with the liquor, it's only right the ladies dressed the part.

Adrienne roked a dress with a sheer black lace topcomplete with pasties and turquoise mini skirt and matching pumps for the occasion.

While Emily B. rocked a long sleeved spandex turquoise dress with cutouts around the neck and shoulders.

So...

DO WE LOVE 'EM?!

Photog: Shareif Ziyadat

Alicia Keys & "Stick Fly" Cast Celebrate OPENING NIGHT

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 07:55 AM PST

Executive Producer Alicia Keys made her grand opening last night for the Broadway production of "Stick Fly."  Check out the cast and celeb friends who all came out to support inside...

It was opening night for a fabulous production at the Cort Theater last night in Manhattan.  "Stick Fly" is an original story, written by Lydia Diamond and directed by Kenny Leon (both YBF folks), about the multiple layers of classism, racism, sexism, and family secrets.

Mini-review sidebar: I attended Monday night while the production was still in previews, and it was FANTASTIC.  Surprisingly one of the best modern productions we've seen.  Alicia supervised the perfectly fitting original score for the production and the cast members were at the top of their game.  Such a good story that isn't talked about much in the black community--how education and socioeconomic status can separate us so much from each other and cause intra-racial prejudices.  And the insecurities that living in an integrated society can cause.  All that, paired with family drama and secrets against a richly decorated set and a Martha's Vineyard family background makes for an amazing play. I'm passionate about FABULOUS work when I see it, so excuse the gushing and go see it for yourselves.

 

Swizzy was on hand of course to support his wife Alicia last night:

Male lead Dule Hill, who plays the writer son of a neurosurgeon, made his way to the Copacabana afterparty:

Fellow Broadway artist Angela Bassett, who is currently starring in "The Mountaintop," made her way to the afterparty.  She was also there Monday night as well.

Cast member Mekhi Phifer, who plays a plastic surgeon and Dule's brother, did a fantastic job.  And looks damn good these days.

Taraji stopped by to support the cast.  Hate the silver shoes though. 

Tracie Thoms, who plays the lead female role, showed off her assets.

Definitely a must-see.

Cassie's "King of Hearts" Trailer + Willow Parties It Up For Video Release

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 06:59 AM PST

The Bad Boy Family hit up BET's "106 & Park" last night to make a few announcements.  Including debuting Cassie's "King of Hearts" video trailer and announcing French Montana as the newest Fam member.

 

Check out the pics and trailer, plus pics from Willow Smith's video release party, inside...

Just when you thought Diddy would put this Bad Boy Family stuff to rest, seeing that no one's album usually sees the light of day or lasts past their debut, he doesn't.  But he's come with a new slate of projects and announced them all last night on "106 & Park."

 

Red Cafe (who performed), Machine Gun Kelly, French Montana, and Cassie all made their way to the studios to chat with Terrence and Rocsi.

 

 

Diddy made another announcement about his son Justin's full football scholarship to USC.  And said "Now I don't have to pay for nothing!"  Alrighty.

And Cassie and Diddy posed for the cameras of course.  Here's her half minute trailer for her upcoming "King of Hearts" video.  

And she also spoe on the Chris Sims directed video saying it was shot in a gorgeous mansion in Palisades Park on her way to Malibu.  Diddy gushed about his First Lady:

“She doesn’t let her natural beauty get in the way for her striving and hunger to be successful. She puts that work in and she’s definitely in the underdog situation. Trust me, on this album she gon’ show ya’ll what she got just like she did on the last album. Her swag is impeccable. To me, she’s definitely one of the baddest in the game.”

We're sure you think so.

 

And earlier this week, little Willow Smith partied it up at SONY at her "Fireball" video release party:

She rocked sparkly jeans and an ecelctic mix of other clothing--you know, her usual.

And partied with her fans, even Astro from "X-Factor" came out.  Fun times.

Photogs: Photo: John Ricard / BET, Daniel Vasquez Photography

Lamar Odom Speaks On Trade Drama, Says He Doesn't Want To Be Where He's Not Wanted

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 06:29 AM PST

This big ass 3-way trade that kicked off--but got deaded by David Stern--didn't just catch fans off guard.  The players themselves were surprised.

 

Lamar Odom spoke for the first time late last night about the Lakers attempting to trade him to New Orleans inside...

The deal originally was Chris Paul to the Lakers, Pau Gasol to the Rockets, and Lamar Odom to the Hornets.  With a few other players swapping among the three teams as well. 

But just hours after the deal was signed and announced--all 29 other NBA team owners sent a letter to Commissioner David Stern saying how unfair the deal was base don the new "even distribution" rules of the NBA.  And the deal was deaded.  Interestingly, Dan Gilbert--the Cavs owner who is infamous for that open letter to LeBron James last year--was the one who kicked things off.

Lamar was feeling awkward about the trade, to say the least.  And he told the L.A. Times he doesn't want to be where he's not wanted, so you probably won't find him at the first day of training camp today.

“I guess that means I’m a Laker if the trade didn’t go through,” a somber Odom said in a phone interview with The Times. “I don’t know what to do for the Lakers. I’m even weirded out by the league doing what they did. I don’t know what to do.”

“Maybe I’ll see you there tomorrow [at practice],” Odom said. “But I doubt it. You don’t want to go to no place you’re not wanted. I’ll try to give them what they want as much as possible.”

“Man, I’m just in total disbelief about all of this,” Odom continued. “They don’t want my services, for whatever reason. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I was proud to be a Laker, so I’ll try to help them in the process as much as possible."

The man makes a lot of sense.  He took to his Twiiter (and got backlash for it) as well:

Wow! Talk 2 me people. I couldn't even get the phone call.  When a team trades u and it doesn't go down? Now what?

And he went on to respond to the hate tweets he received:

can't front a little bit ! I was caught off guard ya mean. Wasn't prepared 4 that hook Feel me?

as soon a player says or admits its just 4 the $ they are dead wrong!?!? When it's all biz w/ us we shellfish.

I want 2 shout out 2 every1 who shows love! I 4 got there was so many haters ! I open the door and b4 I can even wipe my feet on the doormat

Im just going 2 stay positive and say thank u! The positive energy is what I live for and the negative energy I will just continue 2 eat!100

Meanwhile, Chris Paul made it known he won't be at the Hornets' practice today either.  And he's looking into taking legal action.

 

The good news?  Lamar's wife Khloe Kardashian tweeted her love and support for her man despite the drama:

I love you Lamar!!!!! There's NO one like you! I'm so proud to be your wife :)

I can survive anywhere... People are acting cray! LOL New Orleans is a great place. As long as I'm with Lam I'm good #bible

Sweet.

OH YES! "Friday" Movie OFFICIALLY Returning!

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 06:03 AM PST

Get excited! Reports say Ice Cube has been given the greenlight to bring back the original Friday movie.  Deets inside...

After reports hit the net a few weeks ago that Ice Cube was in talks with John Witherspoon, Chris Tucker, and other Friday cast members to bring back the film, it's just been made official. 

TMZ reports:

A rep for Cube Vision Productions tells us ... “Absolutely yes the studio is in the process of getting the entire original cast to do another 'Friday.'"

The statement continues, "[Ice Cube] is very excited about this and has every intention to make it happen.”

 

Will Ms. Parker be there?  The goal is to bring back the whole original cast--Deebo, Chris, Nia Long, etc.  Why?  Cuz it's Friday....and you aint got SH*T to do.

 

The Randomness:

1.  Pharrell To Supervise Academy Awards Music Alongside Hans Zimmer. Story

2.  Jay-Z says another "Throne" album could come in 2012. Story

Paula Patton Gets STUNNING For Harper's Bazaar Arabia!

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 06:23 PM PST

Paula Patton is clearly one of the IT girls of 2011.  She's on numerous magazine covers and spreads, a spokesmodel, and starring in one of the most anticipated blockbusters of the year opposite Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible 4.

 

Check out her gorgeous new pics and video as Harper's Bazaar Arabia's December 2011 golden cover girl...

 

The shoot, which actually took place in downtown L.A. (Paula's also originally from L.A.), features gorgeous clothes and jewels by Cavalli, YSL, Jason Wu, and more. 

And chick looks stunning.

 

Here's the interview highlights.  And you can blow up the pics above to read the interview in full:

On how her 1-year-old son Julian has changed her life

My son has been like a good luck charm, he brought great things with his birth and his live has given me strength to power through the difficult days.

On her fave designers
My favorite designers right now are probably Dolce & Gabbana first and foremost, I love the femininity of their clothes. They'll go a bit retro but give you enough modern elements that make it new and free. I'm a big fan of Lanvin, and for evening gowns, Carolina Herrera and I love McQueen.

On keeping her body in a state of chiseled perfection

I'd be lying to say that as an actor it's not a difficult thing--especially as a woman--to maintain a weight that….You're always watching what you're eating. I'm not going to lie.

Sometimes I do yoga, sometimes it's kickboxing, sometimes it's weight training, sometimes it's pilates. Basically still trying to keep the muscles there, so that when the next role comes it won't feel quite as difficult. I don't want to have to go through that first month again.

On her fascination with astrology
I don't know a lot but I feel like astrology gives you more compassion for everybody. Like I definitely suffer from putting my foot in my mouth, which is a very Sagittarian thing to do. So from that I was like, okay let me slow down, think before I talk.

On her fandom of President Obama
Of course….a huge supporter of Obama. He is doing a great job under much stress. I thin he will come to be known as one of the great American presidents.

Check out her hot video footage from the shoot:

The magazine commented about her fabulousness on their Facebook page saying, "She honestly had the best skin and figure we've even seen! She barely needed any make-up either! A natural beauty!"

Paula's next film, Disconnect, is all about rebuilding human relationships.  The 36-year-old stars opposite True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard and designer Marc Jacobs also has a role.

 

Photog: John Russo/Harper's Bazaar Arabia

FAMILY OUTING: Jennifer Hudson, David Otunga, and David, Jr. Hit The Streets Of Beverly Hills

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 05:32 PM PST

Jennifer Hudson and her fiance' David Otunga were spotted out and about with their son David, Jr. today in Beverly Hills.  Pics of the twosome running family errands inside...

Jennifer was in casual-mommy role today as she and her two Davids were out and about.  She was busy in downtown L.A. yesterday shooting her upcoming Vanity Fair spread. 

Just wondering what the temp really is if Jen's in a bubble coat, pants, and Uggs while her man is in a tank and son is in short sleeves.  They look like a cute fam nonetheless:

Maybe they were getting some things together for their impending wedding.  Even though it will take place in their hometown of Chicago, where Jenny just bought a 12,000 sqft mansion.  Jen recently commented about folks wondering if their wedding will ever happen saying:

“We’re still here, but we’re very busy people.  He’s always on the road. I’m always on the road. I know people are like ‘Why aren’t they together?’ We are, we just do it at home in Chicago. That’s out meeting place. And that’s where our wedding will be, at home in Chicago, with family.”

Meanwhile, in case you missed it, please take a look at wrestler David's new WWE promo and manties:

PRICELESS.

*UPDATED* BREAKING: Chris Paul Traded To The LAKERS, Lamar Odom Shipped Off To New Orleans, Shannon Brown To Phoenix!

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 04:27 PM PST

Just like it was reported all over the internet yesterday, New Orleans Hornet Chris Paul will officially be suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers!  The deal was just signed this evening.  And while this is a MAJOR career move (and many would say a huge upgrade) for Chris, news wasn't all good for Lamar Odom.

 

Deets inside, plus where Shannon Brown & Monica and Khloe Kardashian and Lamar are headed....

*UPDATED(9:30p)* Deal is ON HOLD for now due to pressure from the NBA and other team owners on David Stern to kill the trade.  (11:30p) Stern says deal is officially off. Chris Paul may be taking legal action. Stay tuned...

 

In a MAY-JA 3-way deal that just broke minutes ago, ESPN reports Chris Paul has been traded to the L.A. Lakers.  This was in return for Lakers Pau Gasol, who is headed to the Houston Rockets, and Lamar Odom, who is headed to the New Orleans Hornets!

Many folks doubted yesterday that a deal of this proportion could or would go down, but it has.  Lakers said they're willing to trade anybody for Chris Paul and Dwight Howard except for Kobe Bryant, and that's exactly what they've done.  Folks are now saying Dwight's trade to the Lakers could come soon.  Especially since 3 other Rockets are headed to the Hornets as part of the deal, so L.A. still has some room.

Chris made it known--behind closed doors--he was ready to leave the N.O.  While Lamar has all ties to L.A. and leaving was not on his list of things to do. 

Looks like Lamar and his reality hungry wife and mother-in-law better hop on that "Khloe & Lamar Take New Orleans" bus.  And stat.  Oh, and ask Kim about how to handle an athlete significant other in New Orleans.  Sorry, had to mention it.

In other news, ESPN reports free agent Shannon Brown, who announced at the end of last season he was leaving the Lakers, has just signed with the Phoenix Suns.  That ought to be interesting for him, wife Monica, and their kids.

These deals could just be the starting point and things could change again before the trade deadline.  Thoughts?

DO-GOODER: Willow Smith WHIPS UP A Shopping Spree For 8 Families!

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 02:01 PM PST

That little do-gooder Willow Smith is making us love her more and more.  The 11-year-old whipped up a BIG Target shopping spree for 8 families in need for the Holidays.  And she made sure she was on hand herself to make it a fun occassion.

 

Check out the shopping race pics under the cut...

Willow and her magic hair, along with Target, provided a shopping spree for 8 families today in Harlem.  After spending yesterday evening premiering her third video, "Fireball," off her upcoming album Knees And Elbows, she got up at the crack of dawn to cheer on other kids and families as they partook in a shopping spree given to them from the Target's "Kids Helping Kids" campaign.  The lucky fams were chosen based on a nomination from The Boys and Girls Club of NYC for displaying leadership and academic excellence.

Fifty excited honor roll students from The Harlem Children’s Zone also joined in on the early morning festivities to cheer on the families as they sped through the store.

The families could stuff up to $1000 of goods in their 16 carts.  Here's more pics and video from the festivities:

 

Willow said about the occasion, "It's been awesome because Target is one of my favorite stores. And it's just awesome to share that with the kids and be there for them."

 

 

Gotta love this!

 

Source

ROC OUT FOR A CAUSE! Jay-Z Announces Carnegie Hall Charity Performances

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 11:46 AM PST

Jay-Z made a huge announcement at his press conference at Carnegie Hall this morning.  His Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation is teaming up with New York's United Way for a fab cause. 

 

Deets inside...

Jay announced he will be performing at the legendary Carnegie Hall for two nights of performances...all to benefit both his Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund and New York's United Way charities.Concert goers will get a once in a lifetime experience as JAY Z takes the stage at the New York landmark to raise dollars that will help boost on-time graduation rates in underserved New York City schools and put college within reach for low-income students across the five boroughs.

The performances will be on February 6 and 7th. With tix on sale privately December 12th and limited public tickets January 30th.

He was spotted hopping in his Maybach before heading uptown for the announcement this morning:

And thanks to our homies at Rap Radar, here's some footage of what Mr. Carter had to say about it all:

He commented:

“It’s every artists dream to play a venue as legendary as Carnegie Hall. The fact that I can use the arts and my talent to benefit the education of the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and great thinkers makes for a legendary night. I’m proud to be a part of the continuing work of United Way of New York City and expanding the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.”

Nice!

Pics via SPLASH

STILL ON PREGGERS WATCH: Monica, Shannon Brown & More Tape "A Very BET Christmas"

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 10:01 AM PST

Monica is looking simply stunning these days.  And after the recent taping of "A Very BET Christmas," we're sticking by our Preggers Watch stance.

 

Pics of a glowing Monica backstage with her cute hubby Shannon Brown, plus who else will be stopping by, inside...

Last week, celebs hit up the taping of BET's Christmas special.  Monica was spotted backstage looking amazing with her husband Shannon Brown, as she will be singing "O Holy Night." 

But what caught our eye is this extra flowing frock she rocked...a departure from her usual fitted looks and even more flowing than her recent looser-fitting clothes.  And dare we say, her perfectly made-up face is looking rounder than usual.  It could be love.  Or it could be baby #3.

Yes, we know she vaguely half-way shot down pregnancy rumors a little while ago.  But it wouldn't be the first time a celeb tried to vaguely thwart off rumors only to make the announcement themselves soon after.

By the way, if the dress looks familiar, that's because it's the same Lanvin dress--this one in white--that Beyonce wore to the MTV Awards the night she debuted her baby bump.  Coincidence?  Time will tell.....

Mo kicked it with Lloyd backstage too.

Newcomer Elle Varner was there to perform.

Cuties Mindless Behavior--who are rockstars with the youngins by the way--were also there to perform.

And Robin Thicke made his way to the stage for his performance:

 

"A Very BET Christmas" special airs Sunday, December 11th, at 8P/7C.  The special will include performances from Monica, Jacob Lattimore, Robin Thicke, Elle Varner, Mindless Behavior, Jawan Harris, and Lloyd.

BONUS: Monica spoke to S2S about both her Justice of the Peace situation and her wedding in the upcoming issue.  Here's a snippet:

Monica: Well, you know, people always ask us about the day, but to me, I look at our marriage as something that will have my undivided attention and love for a lifetime. The day was beautiful. Yes, it was. And some people even thought we had two weddings. We didn’t, Miss Jamie. We did it justice of the peace style because he was in the season, and the fellows were working hard on the three-peat. And, you know, some of his best friends are his teammates. So you don’t want to pull people out of that to try and do a wedding during the season.

Jamie: Mm-hmm.
Monica: But we did want to be man and wife. So we did our justice of the peace thing.

Jamie: Right.
Monica: And then we had a wedding, and we were able to celebrate with all the family, all the friends, everybody that we loved, that supported us, you know, and go from there. So like I say, we’re dedicated to the commitment. We’re dedicated by marriage. But most of all, we’re dedicated by kids and family. So it’s just the beginning. But thank you for being so supportive. Even before I got to this point, you were always like that. So I’m like, we got to figure this out and make sure we talk to Miss Jamie before this day is out.

Check out the rest here.
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