Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

Nicki Minaj Says She Deserves Her F*cking Credit In "COMPLEX" Magazine, Jets Overseas To Promote In Tokyo

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 10:40 AM PDT

Nicki Minaj covers the tenth anniversary issue of COMPLEX magazine and we have pics and interview highlights inside.   See what Nicki says about behind the brainchild behind the N.M. machine and pics of her arriving in Japan....

 

Nicki Minaj covers COMPLEX Magazine's 10th anniversary issue with two eye-popping covers.

Inside the magazine, the rapper discusses her megastardom, how she's the brainchild behind her own success (she says she manages herself but still has a management team) and how she goes about setting her goals.   Basically she's saying she has the last word if she disagrees with management--like most artists do who aren't blind pushovers.  She says she never gets credit for what she contributes to the moves she makes.  Here are the highlights....

What wows you these days? Everything that comes your way keeps becoming bigger, bigger, bigger.  When you’re constantly exceeding your own expectations, how do you set new goals?

Doing the Super Bowl with Madonna doesn’t really change Nicki Minaj’s personal goals. My goal right now is still to put out Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, sell five million copies eventually, and tour every country in the world. That’s what I’ve been working toward. So while the world is talking about, “Oh my God, I can’t believe Nicki Minaj was at the Super Bowl!” I’m mixing and mastering my music. In my scheme of things it’s way bigger.

You’re on track to hit all your marks in 2012. Grammy solo set? Check. New album and tour? Check, check. Five million in sales? Possibly. What else?

I’m working on my fragrance and my apparel line. They took stuff that I’ve worn, focused on what I like, and then they started doing sketches. They’re pretty amazing. I was like “Oh my God, the kids are going to love this.” It’s not gonna get done overnight, but I know that it’s something they’re going to love.

What’s your off-stage persona?
I’m the biggest homebody. But I’ve been like this. Nothing about me has changed since I got fame. I never liked to go to clubs. I never liked to go out. I don’t know where that public craziness came from. I was always like a comedian to my friends and family, but in a lot of ways I’m shy. I think people read my shyness as being mean. They misinterpret it. The first and only person who ever called me out for being shy was Wayne.

I always got a kick out of the endless debates over who was managing you. I’ve known you through three sets of managers [Deb Antney, Puffy and James Cruz, and Hip Hop Since 1978] and in every case, it was always clear that...

Little do they know, I manage myself.

Yes. You were always the first and last word.
Right. People assume that I am not the brains behind this operation, and they don’t give me my credit. I could give two fucks about credit. I just want you to leave me the fuck alone. Let me do me. Don’t tell me how to pose; I know how to pose. When I’m recording, I just have to go in and do it, you know? Even my engineer thinks I’m crazy because I’ll hear something different on a track, and he’ll insist, “No, no, nothing was moved.” [But I tell him] “Tony, something was moved.” And later, sure enough, “You were right, there was a two-second delay here.”

Do you always feel like the smartest person in the room?
I meet people that are smart every day. I love collaborating with creative people. I’m not walking around saying I know everything. Hell fucking no. I want to build something. I just don’t allow anyone around me who drops the ball constantly. I’ve never been happier with my current management, because Gee Roberson is such an intelligent man. I learn from him every day, and I’m very, very turned on by people that I learn from. Not sexually—I just love being enlightened. All artists should want to learn the business as they go along. If you’re in this shit, talking about how you just want to be an artist, you’re fucking stupid. It makes me cringe.

If I wasn’t doing it, I wouldn’t believe it’s possible. I remember when I was working with Jay-Z. It was like, “Oh my God. Did I really just do a song with Jay?” I worked with Mariah and it wasn’t commercially successful. But I had fun and I made a real friendship with her. It was, obviously, a life-changing moment for me. It does feel like every moment is getting bigger and bigger. Not only did I get a call to do a song with Madonna, but then I got a call to do a video with Madonna, and then—oh, by the way—you’re going to do the Super Bowl with Madonna. This is not really happening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the full interview here at Complex.  And more pics from Nicki's spread are below:

And in Japan today:

Nicki Minaj (and Sarafee) arrived at Tokyo's International Airport with fans going bananas:

She was dressed in hot pink athletic pants and her lime green wig.  

It's Nicki's first time in Japan and she's promoting her upcoming LP Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.  The rap chick will be on a whirlwind of press stops as she's only in the country for one day.
  

The Randomness:

1.  Allen Iverson's estranged wife demands a list of women he's slept with. Story.

 

Photos via Splash

SHORT HAIRED BEAUTIES: Tika Sumpter Rocks SHORT NEW BOB While Partying With Estelle In NYC

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 10:11 AM PDT

At Marquee nightclub in NYC Sunday night, good friends Estelle & Tika Sumpter partied it up for Rémy Martin V’s Studio 54 Bash.  And Tika surprised everyone wigging out with a new super short coif.

 

Check it inside...

"The Game" actress Tika Sumpter worked it out in this strapless long tailed top and cheetah print hotpants for Legendary Damon’s Rémy Martin V’s Studio 54 Birthday Bash.  Her girl Estelle was the surprise performer for the night, but Tika surprised everybody by tossing her extra long-haired look to switch up to this super-cropped coif.

Not sure how I'm feeling about it, but she's a fab chick nonetheless.

First Bridget Kelly rocked a live performance.  Then Estelle rocked her usual short cropped 'do while she hopped from her private Rémy V table to the balcony for an impromptu performance. 

You feelin' the ladies' party looks?

Willow Smith Has Some OVERSIZED FUN In Santa Monica

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 09:32 AM PDT

Willow Smith is still doing HER.  She covered up her green fade with a black fedora hat as she headed out for coffee and laughs with  a gorup of friends in Santa Monica.

 

Pics inside of the ever eclectic Willow...

In a black & white floral blouse with a sheer black on over it and her pink cable knit tights, 11-year-old Willow threw on her LV bag, oversized acid wash shoulder studded jacket and oversized shades as she played around with friends. 

She and her crew headed to Santa Monica yesterday.  She was spotted striking poses as the friends all took pictures of themselves by the ocean. Then the "Fireball" singer singer stopped for ice cream with her three friends and bodyguard before stopping by Ocean Boulevard.

Oh Willow.  At least she looks like she's having fun....

And not sure what's going on with her album (last we checked Knees & Elbows is set to drop April 3rd), but Willow & her brother Jaden are switching gears back to acting for their upcoming roles in the adaptation of the comic book series "Amulet."

Pics: Splash

FAMILY AFFAIR: Beyonce, Jay-Z, Solange & Kelly Rowland And Her Boo Grab Post-Fundraiser Dinner

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 08:45 AM PDT

After a big night at the Obama 2012 fundraiser at Robert De Niro's Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, Beyonce met up with hubby Jay-Z and sister Solange and bestie Kelly Rowland.  The crew grabbed diner at Nobu and went back to The Carters' residence blocks away so Kelly & her boo could visit Princess B.I.C.

 

Pics inside...

 

Looks like we weren't the only ones loving Bey's sleek navy Victoria Beckham frock.  Mr. Carter kept his hands on his wife as they navigated through the street crowds to and from dinner last night.  Not mad at that.  Beyonce and her fam had just made an appearance at the Obama 2012 fundraiser at the Greenwich Hotel.

She stepped out for dinner in navy & black Nicholas Kirkwood sandals and a sparkling Lanvin necklace with Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Loves the exposed back zipper.

 

 

First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted leaving the fundraiser and headed to dinner as well.

Kelly Rowland made her way out with the Carters...with her own man in tow.  Loving her nude Louboutin flats and grey woven bag with her pantsuit.  Great casual chic look for Kel:

They were also spotted at Bey & Jay's residence visiting Blue Ivy.

And Solange stepped out for a post-fundraising family dinner in a vintage style white open sleeved blouse and black/white/silver floral pencil skirt:

Gorgeous tan!

Ok we see you Mama Tina.  She's looking great these days style wise.

Robert De Niro's wife Grace Hightower (the couple recently welcomed their baby girl Helen Grace via surrogate) was spotted leaving the Fundraising event.


 

And so was co-host Star Jones.  Fab times all around!

Pics via SPLASH/WENN

DO WE LOVE IT: Ciara's Long All-Blonde Tresses

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 08:11 AM PDT

 

Ciara recently revealed a new look...all blonde tresses instead of the brown/blonde ombre look she's recently been rocking. Come inside and decide if we love it....

Ciara's on a mission to redefine herself as an artist and actress.  So what's a girl to do other than change up her hair and tweet about it:

As she's set to star That's My Boy with Adam Sandler (June 15), Ciara will likely be hitting the red carpet premieres with long blonde tresses and dark roots.  Interesting.  But....

DO WE LOVE IT?

FLOTUS Michelle Obama & Esperanza Spalding Hit "The Late Show" + June Ambrose Stops By "106 & Park"

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 07:31 AM PDT


The FLOTUS Michelle Obama stopped by "The Late Show with David Letterman" yesterday where she discussed being a mom and wife at the White House.  Also, Esperanza Spalding performed her new song "Radio Song."  See the clips inside, plus watch June Ambrose pubbing her brnd new show on "106 & Park." 

Mrs. O stopped by "The Late Show" were she had a hilarious chat with David Letterman about her "undercover" trips to Target, raising First Kids Sasha & Malia in the White House and her initiatives with Jill Biden to support US troops and their families.  Also, First Lady Michelle talks about her dad and says kids want to know that their parents adore them.  Watch her appearance below in 3 parts:

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

Part 3:

 

Also on "The Late Show" last night:

 

Grammy-winner Esperanza Spalding performed "Radio Song" for the first time last night.  The song is off her 4th studio album, Radio Music Society (in stores now).  The disc features appearances Lalah Hathaway, Q-Tip and a free-flowing cover of Michael Jackson's classic, "I Can't Help It".  Loves her.

 

 

And over on "106 & Park" last night:

 

The fabulous June Ambrose stopped by "106 & Park" to promote the premiere of her eagerly anticipated show "Styled By June" which kicked off last night on VH1.  Watch her appearance above, as she rocks a Dolce & Gabbana frock.

BONUS: Here's a bonus clip from last night's "Styled By June" premiere with Mischa Barton:

VIDEOS: "Dancing With The Stars" KICKS OFF With Sherri Shepherd, Jaleel White, Gladys Knight & More!

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 06:00 AM PDT

Last night (Monday) was "Dancing With The Stars" premiere night!  And in case you missed it, we've got video of the Cha Chas & Foxtrots of the YBF contestants.

 

Check out Sherri Shepherd, Jaleel White, Gladys Knight and more twerking it for the Mirror Ball trophy inside...

 

Sherri Shepherd & her partner Valentin (Val) Chmerkovskiy hit the floor to perform the Foxtrot. 

Jaleel White is indeed no longer Urkel as he was Mr. Smooth with partner Kym Johnson for their Cha-Cha.

Legendary Gladys Knight worked it out with her partner Tristan MacManus for their Cha-Cha.

Actor/rapper Roshon Fegan hit the floor with partner Chelsie Hightower for their Cha-Cha.

And finally, Green Bay Packers Superbowl champ Donald Driver did the Cha-Cha with his partner Peta Murgatroyd.  How cute are his kids!

Who are you voting for?

Melanie Fiona Gets GIRLY For VIBE VIXEN March 2012 Cover, Reveals Traumatic Emotional Breakdown

Posted: 20 Mar 2012 05:37 AM PDT

Gorgeous R&B chick Melanie Fiona, whose sophomore MF Life album drops nationwide today, is gracing the March 2012 cover of VIBE VIXEN magazine.  We've got the first look for you inside.  And the surprising emotional breakdown & severe heartbreak the Canadian beauty reveals she suffered through....

In a coral strapless RACHEL Rachel Roy Farrah jumpsuit and bold red lip topped off with a spring-ready yellow, pink & purple plaid tie from LAUREN by Ralph Lauren and RJ Graziano "Sleek Chic" bracelet, Melanie graces Vixen's second March cover (Estelle on the first) in a girlish tomboy look.  But she still screams girly nonetheless.

The 28-year-old "4AM" singer revealed in the issue that after her tour with Alicia Keys, she had an emotional breakdown due to the insane schedule of traveling the world.  She also dished on her hardest breakup, which was with her first love she met at 16.  And Mel also reveals why she feels newer artists are so entitled to stardom and don't work half as hard as she does.  Here's the highlights:

On hitting a low in her career
It got pretty low for me. I started to have a lot of emotional turmoil with my mental state of mind and my body 'cause I was exhausted. People don’t really understand what an artist really has to go through. It’s such an intense schedule; one day I’m in L.A., the next day I’m in Switzerland, the next day I’m in Italy and the next day I’m back in L.A. Mind you, I’m performing in that time in between, I’m meeting people, I’m talking and, you know, I’m on a different schedule. I came back off of the Alicia Keys tour, and I just hit the wall. Like, straight-up, I hit the wall. I crashed; I said to my team, 'I’m no good to anyone right now. I need to recover,' and it really affected my confidence level in my approach to my job, my mind when it came to everything around me. I started to victimize myself in a way and it's because when your body is not healthy, it really does produce negative emotions and energy and so.

On her very first heartbreak
The first cut is the deepest. I had a boyfriend when I was 16 and he was a jerk, but I loved him. It was before I put out my first album, when I was recording the first album, and it was right after I got off the Kanye West [Glow In The Dark] tour in 2008, and I was devastated. I was absolutely devastated because that was like the first crazy-stupid love I’ve ever been in my quote-unquote adult life. I actually made the decision to end it because I decided that I had gone back and forth enough.

On her career vs. newer artists' career
My team and I worked so, so much harder than artists now. [They are] like, 'Hey, I’m a superstar. I’m gonna make a YouTube video, and it’s gonna get eight gazillion views, and I’m gonna be famous, and I’m gonna end up on every TV show!' Meanwhile, I’m busting my ass just to get spoken about on radio and television. I appreciate the process I went through to be honest, and I actually feel bad for the people who don’t have to go through that process because they get hit with a harder blow when it doesn’t work. I think that they create the one-hit wonder phenomenon rather than the career artist.

Can't agree more with those last statements.  Check out VIBE VIXEN for the full cover story at noon ET today.

Photog: Briana Heard/Stylists: Tiffany Hasbourne & Sheenen Zee

POLITICAL CHIC: Beyonce, Mama Tina & Mom-In-Law Gloria Carter Roll To Obama 2012 NYC Fundraiser

Posted: 19 Mar 2012 06:25 PM PDT

Tonight at the Greenwich Hotel in NYC, Beyonce Knowles threw on a fabulous navy Victoria Beckham dress to hit up the Obama 2012 fundraiser. And she brought her family of women along.

 

We've got pics and deets inside...

With a slicked back ponytail and new mommy glow still in tact, Beyonce made her way to actor Robert De Niro's Tribeca hotel (which he owns), The Greenwich Hotel, to support President Obama's re-election campaign.

The "Countdown" singer made it a family affair bringing along her mom Tina Knowles, mother-in-law Gloria Carter & cousin Angie Beyince:

Bey paired her chic and sleek fitted VB dress with black Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, a Lanvin eagle necklace & diamond Lorraine Schwartz earrings.

Looking gorgeous as always. 

The cocktail event featured an appearance from First Lady Michelle Obama, whom Beyonce worked with last spring on the Let's Move campaign.  The event was co-hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, Star Jones, Angela Bassett and committee member Tina Knowles.

And just how could you have found yourself in this room schmoozing it up with the A-list?  Just drop a cool $5,000 for one ticket to the reception plus a photo with the First Lady. For $25,000, guests were allowed to attend a private "greet" session with Mrs. O.

Pics via BeyonceOnline.com

NEW DEALS: Nicki Gets PEPSI+Halle Lands "The HIVE"+"Steel Magnolias" Remake Cast Announced

Posted: 19 Mar 2012 05:23 PM PDT

Following in the footsteps of her former tour partner Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj just landed a multi-million Pepsi deal.  Deets inside, plus Halle's new movie and who will be in the all-black Steel Magnolias cast....

Just when you thought Nicki would be exiting stage left some time soon, chick nabs a multimillion Pepsi deal.  Forbes (whose Cash Kings List she became the first woman to grab a spot on) reported today:

According to Derek Jackson, the Glu agency chief who brokered the agreement, Minaj will become the face of a new Pepsi beverage nearing its debut. He said the pact, which includes a commercial filmed in South America last month (pixely footage has already leaked on YouTube), is a multimillion-dollar deal.

“You’ll see the commercial probably in the next two months,” Jackson told me before Lil Wayne’s performance at South By Southwest. “That’ll be a segue into a new beverage Pepsi has, called ‘Pop,’ and she’ll be the face of the brand … it&rsqsuo;s going to be explosive.”

And Nicki can think her YMCMB head honcho for twerking this deal.  Lil Wayne (DEWeezy) just anounced his new 7-figure-deal with Pepsi's product Mountain Dew, and apparently Nicki's deal was part of the combo.  The Cash Money crowd also has a deal with Coke as Drake heads up ad campaigns with the Sprite brand.

 

 

And in other big deals, Halle Berry just landed wrapped long negotiations for the lead role in the upcoming thriller movie called The Hive.  Ms. Berry will be putting her SCARED FACE to use as she will be playing a 9-1-1 operator who is trying to save a teen girl from a crazed killer, but has to face her own fears first in order to do so.

The Troika Pictures/SONY Pictures film, written by Rich D'Ovidio and directed by Brad Anderson, kicks off shooting this June in L.A.

The Steel Magnolias all black remake finally has an official cast list!  Queen Latifah will star alongside Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad and her daughter Condola Rashad (who nabbed the lead role of Shelby), Adepero Oduye and Jill Scott.  Sounds like a good casting job honestly. 

it sounds like it will be a made-for-tv movie airing on Lifetime, much like the Raisin in the Sun remake.

Huff Post reports:

The contemporary remake of the film follows six Louisiana women, M'Lynn (Queen Latifah), Ouiser (Woodard), Clairee (Phylicia Rashad), Truvy (Scott), Annelle (Oduye) and Shelby (Condola Rashad), as they support each other through the trials and tribulations of life.

"Smash" executive producers Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere and Shelby Stone are behind the project set to begin production in Atlanta in April. Lifetime has not announced an official premiere date, but it's expected to debut later in 2012. Kenny Leon, the director of ABC’s "A Raisin In The Sun," will direct "Steel Magnolias" from a script Sally Robinson wrote based on Robert Harling's play.

And Lifetime describes the movie saying:

In an updated contemporary version, "Steel Magnolias" chronicles the lives and friendship of six women in Louisiana. Supporting each other through their triumphs and tragedies, they congregate at Truvy's beauty shop to ponder the mysteries of life and death, husbands and children -- and hair and nails -- all the important topics that bring women together.

Can't wait!

 

LaLa & Her Celeb Friends RETURN To VH1 TONIGHT!

Posted: 19 Mar 2012 02:13 PM PDT

The Anthonys are gearing up for tonight's premiere!  LaLa, Carmelo & their cutie patootie son Kiyan were spotted leaving family dinner at Max Brenner's in Manhattan last night.  And it looks like seaosn 2 is gonna get interesting.  Pics and deets inside...

Season 2 of "LaLa's Full Court Life" is in effect tonight on VH1.  From the supertrailer above, we see the drama of the move to NY & LaLa still doing her career thing.  And La kicking it with friends like Charlamagne (who tells her she should be worried since all men cheat), Trina, Tika Simpter, Kelly Rowland, Po & Dice and more.  And we see a set up (which we put money on will turn out to be nothing but editing) of La confronting her NBA hubby Melo about some interesting rumors.  The real question is--How will little 5-year-old Kiyan steal the show this season?

"LaLa's Full Court Life" premieres season 2 tonight at 9p/8c on VH1.  You tuning in?

Pic via SPLASH

Sponsored Post

MIAMI GIRLFIGHT! Teyana Taylor & Stripper FIGHT & BREAK WINDOWS At LIV!

Posted: 19 Mar 2012 01:13 PM PDT

Teyana Taylor got caught up in another fight.  This time, with a stripper in the Miami club LIV.  Deets from the window breaking throwdown inside...

 

Singer/dancer Teyana Taylor posted the above pics on her Twitter page around 6Am the morning after her fight with a stripper named Skrawberry (we were actually told her name is "Skrawberry" but we're hoping that was just an exaggeration Apparently her name IS actually Skrawberry).  Teyana tweeted that she could still show her (unscathed) face.

It all went down inside Club LIV where Mary J. Blige was performing for Queen Latifah's birthday.  After making a visit to King of Diamonds stripclub where Skrawberry works, Skrawberry got jealous, according to Teyana's friend, that Ms. Taylor was receiving all the attention.  Ish talking ensued.

So last night, Skrawberry tried to apologize and approached the table Teyana was at with her rapper friend Hazel-E and NFLer Bryant McKinney.  Skrawberry ended up sneaking a punch to Teyana's face. 

Hazel-E tells TheYBF.com: "Miami stripper Skrawberry came over to the table where Teyana Taylor was.  NFLer Bryant Mckinney saw the two ladies exchanging words & as Teyana bent down to grab her drink, Skrawberry sucker punched her.  But it was the first and last hit she got. Teyana & her crew laid Skrawberry out.  She left the club leakign and wearing her dress as a belt."

Check out a pic during the fight below (Teyana on the left):

But that wasn't all.  An hour later after the club fight, Teyana and Hazel-E got jumped by Skrawberry's sister! 

"Teyana and her crew were outside the Fontainebleau hotel, retrieving their belongings that were left inside club LIV from the first bout," Hazel tells TheYBF.com. "All of a sudden, Skrawberry's sister runs up behind Teyana and grabbed her hair. The ladies fell into the bushes by the window where two guys that were brawling busted through."

Looks like two different fights contributed to the broken window seen below:

A mess. 

Teyana's rep has not yet responded to us about the matter.

*UPDATE* Here's a pic of Ms. Skawberry:

She tweeted about the situation: I can only RT. I can NOT discuss actions from last night :).

That was before she went on to call Teyana a "broke b*tch" and said she had more celeb credit than Teyana.

 

Is THIS Cassie's New Piercing?

Posted: 19 Mar 2012 11:50 AM PDT

Cassie Ventura is showing her fans her newest piercing.  It's not her nipples or lady bits...we've already seen those.  Check out what is allegedly Cassie's newest piercing inside...

Casandra Ventura is all about the tats and piercings these days.  And even though the pics aren't on her twitter or tumblr (as of right now), these pics surfaced online alleging to be images of her new "epidermal" piercings.  The pic above you can slightly see the silver ball stud.  And in the pic below, you see it's right above her clavicle by her throat:

Ouch!  You feelin' this?

*UPDATE* Reportedly, Cassie had the piercing removed.

 

ON THE SET: Toni Braxton GETS REVEALING For New Video Shoot

Posted: 19 Mar 2012 10:23 AM PDT

Oh yes...THAT'S the Toni Braxton we remember.  The eldest Braxton sister is proving why she's still hot to trot as she filmed her latest music video in a hot pink cut-out leotard and sexy black suspender tights.

 

Pics inside...

In the visuals for her brand new single "I Heart You," the 44-year old singer is flaunting her curves in an extra revealing low cut one piece with side & back cutaways.

The mom of 2 is rocking her natural hair...and natural beauty for the occasion:

Looks like new management and dating her ex-husband, Keri, again is doing Toni some good.

Very flash dance meets the cabaret club.  "I Heart You," written and produced by Toni herself, will be the lead single off her upcoming eighth studio album due out later this year.

Toni & her sisters (and Mama Evelyn) are gearing up for the airing of "The Braxton Family Values" finale (this Thursday) and reunion show (March 29th). 

Pics via FilmMagic
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