The Young, Black, and Fabulous

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• SHOOT-OUT Outside French Montana's Tour Bus! One Reported Dead...French Montana & Entourage Questioned
• GETTING AN EYEFUL: Morris Chestnut & Halle Berry Roll To Chicago To Promote "The Call"
• FOOLISH VIDEOS: The Miami Heat BUST OUT The "Harlem Shake" + Kanye West RANTS About "BRANDS" In Amsterdam
• Jada Pinkett Smith Joins Salma Hayek At Chime For Change Event, Beyonce Lends Voice To Campaign Video
• PARTY FAB: Kevin Liles CELEBRATES His 45th BIRTHDAY With Jay-Z, Trey Songz, Estelle & MORE
• Bobby Brown Grabs A Pre-Jail Dinner...With "Beverly Hills Housewife" Lisa Vanderpump
• EXCLUSIVE: "The Door" Director Ava DuVernay--Talks Historical Sundance Award & Telling TRUE STORIES About Black Life
• SPOTTED: Vivica A. Fox Heads To The White House To Wine & Dine
• SERIOUSLY!? Porsha Stewart's MAKING MUSIC In The STUDIO?
• Steve Stoute Commissions History Daily -- Helping Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake & Corporations Meet Their Matches
• BABY FAB: Amber Rose Gushes On New Mommyhood, Says "Bonding With My Baby Is Unbelievable"...But Dishes On Painful Breastfeeding
• In Case You Didn't Know....Ne-Yo Was MARRIED Years Ago

SHOOT-OUT Outside French Montana's Tour Bus! One Reported Dead...French Montana & Entourage Questioned Posted: 01 Mar 2013 08:17 AM PST Where there's a sold out rap concert, there may be a shootout.  And last night in Philly...that's exactly what went down.  Deets inside about the deadly shootout outside French Montana's tour bus and why everybody's being questioned.... French Montana and Meek Mill hit up Meek's hometown of Philly last night for a sold out concert as part of French's tour.  And after the concert, ish got real. French Instagrammed the above pic of himself and Meek and co. on the tour bus right around the time of the incident, and another pic of himself getting questioned by the cops.  NBC News reports that tons of fans were around the tour bus as it pulled into the Holiday Inn Express after the concert.  All of a sudden, shots rang out in the crowd.  It's unclear if French and Meek were the targets. It's been reported that a 27-year-old man was rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound, and he has been pronounced dead.  Since more gunshots from a different source--as someone shot back--were also reported, the police questioned French Montana and his whole entourage last night as to who fired the return shots exactly.  Reportedly, many in the entourage were carrying guns. Check out the full report from the news above.  Foolishness.

GETTING AN EYEFUL: Morris Chestnut & Halle Berry Roll To Chicago To Promote "The Call" Posted: 01 Mar 2013 07:33 AM PST Halle Berry and Morris Chestnut are making their rounds around the country promoting their new movie, The Call.  And Morris couldn't keep his eyes off his co-star.  And we really can't blame him.   Pics inside... 46-year-old Halle and 44-year-old Morris popped up at Showplace Icon Theater in Chicago last night looking all kinds of good.  Neither of them really age...and Morris has no qualms about checking out his engaged co-star with no shame. Halle rocked a simple black fitted dress with cut-out shoulders.  And Morris, who is gearing up for the upcoming Best Man movie sequel Best Man Holiday, kept it clean in a dark suit.   Fresh faced and gorgeous as usual.  The Call hits theaters March 15th.   The Randomness: 1.  Kenya Moore says Honey Boo Boo looks like a "glorified hooker" based on how her mom dresses her at pageants.  STORY

FOOLISH VIDEOS: The Miami Heat BUST OUT The "Harlem Shake" + Kanye West RANTS About "BRANDS" In Amsterdam Posted: 01 Mar 2013 06:53 AM PST The reigning NBA champions, The Miami Heat, have joined in the viral Harlem Shake craze and dropped their own version straight from the locker room.  Watch it inside and see Kanye West poping off during his latest rant in Amsterdam.     The 2013 version of the Harlem Shake craze has caught on everywhere...including the NBA.  Now the fans can see LeBron James shirtless (in a king's costume), Mario Chalmers as Super Mario, and Chris "Birdman" Andersen as a bird! And we peeped Chris Bosh walking around with a huge boom box.  We're pretty over this whole craze, but this one is funny. The clip was filmed in Miami's locker room with Mario tweeting, "In life u gotta figure out how to have fun and enjoy it. Hope y'all enjoy."  And LeBron tweeted, "A King James and @DwyaneWade aka W.O.W productions. http://gohe.at/HEATHarlemShake " Watch the Miami Heat do the "Harlem Shake" here:   And on the other side of the world.... What's a Kanye West concert without a rant? We saw him popping off in London a few days ago, he did the same in Paris and he still seems to have a lot on his mind as he continues his trek across Europe.   At this point, you have to look forward to the rants (as if they're included in the ticket price) and compare notes with friends in other cities saying, "So what did he rant about at your show?" Last night, Yeezy fans in Amsterdam got an earful about "brands" and "lack of creativity." Sit back an enjoy....if you can follow along.

Jada Pinkett Smith Joins Salma Hayek At Chime For Change Event, Beyonce Lends Voice To Campaign Video Posted: 01 Mar 2013 06:18 AM PST Jada Pinkett Smith is lending her time to a great cause.  She popped up in Long Beach yesterday for the Chime For Change By Gucci launch at TED.  And we've got the pics, the cause, and the first video starring Beyonce... At the Westin Hotel yesterday in Long Beach, CA, Jada Pinkett Smith turned up for the Chime For Change By Gucci launch at TED.  As we previously reported, she serves on the advisory board alongside other A-listers.  And she posed it up with co-founder of the org, Salma Hayek, Johnson Publishing CEO Desiree Rogers and more.   According to the organization's Facebook page, their mission is the following: ‘Not one, but billions of voices supporting the empowerment of girls and women. Empowerment through health, through education, through justice. The three stars [Salma Hayek, Beyonce and Frida Giannani] are encouraging viewers to join them in ‘join a global campaign for girls and women’. Yesterday, the org debuted its first video in a series of 10 that will serve to spread the word about the empowerment of young women. Beyonce, who co-founded the campaign, lends her face & voice to the first video.  In it, she officially introduces herself as Beyonce Knowles-Carter and reveals why this cause is so important to her.  And reportedly, Beyonce has made new music for these videos. Check it out below: The Randomness: 1.  The CW's "90210" has been cancelled after 5 seasons.  Tristan Wilds starred in the show, and there are 7 episodes left.  STORY

PARTY FAB: Kevin Liles CELEBRATES His 45th BIRTHDAY With Jay-Z, Trey Songz, Estelle & MORE Posted: 28 Feb 2013 04:40 PM PST Author, philanthropist and music executive Kevin Liles celebrated his 45th birthday with many of the celebs he helped turn into stars last night. See pics of Jay-Z, Estelle, Trey Songz and more inside.... Last night, Jay-Z and Trey Songz were among the celebs who partied at The Rec Room in NYC to celebrate Kevin Liles' 45th Birthday Party. Trey, who's managed by Kevin, gave a heartfelt speech during the festivites.   British import Estelle came out to support Kevin too.      And Estelle posed with a few other party goers who have all benefitted from Kevin's wisdom along the way.  She posted, "All young supportive and overachieving... #newsterotype #Asitshouldbe... #GirlswithGifts #AllOfMe."  The fab ladies included Angela Simmons, track and field superstar Sanya Richards Ross and makeup artist Joanna Simkin. And of course, Kevin's lovely wife Erika was on his arm for the celebration. Erika helped round out the speeches given by the well-wishers as she toasted her husband who'll soon be heading to Broadway with the play "The Trip to Bountiful."   Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Instagram

Bobby Brown Grabs A Pre-Jail Dinner...With "Beverly Hills Housewife" Lisa Vanderpump Posted: 28 Feb 2013 03:17 PM PST Bobby Brown was sentenced to 55 days in jail yesterday for his second DUI conviction in a year, the latest arrest being last April.  So he decided to get his affairs...and dinner parties...in order before he heads to lock up for a month and a half in March.    Check out Bobby, Lisa Vanderpump and the fabulous Jiggy inside... This is random...yet we love it.  Singer Bobby Brown and his wife Alicia Etheredge were spotted hanging out last night with "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump and her husband and co-star Ken and famous pup Jiggy. The foursome plus the pup headed to Madeo for a swanky bute to eat as Bad Ass Bobby Brown was spotted carrying the cutesy Jiggy out of the restaurant.     And it seems Bobby is taking his sobriety seriously this time as his lawyer sent a statement today saying: "A mutually acceptable plea agreement was entered into on behalf of Bobby Brown and the City Attorney’s Office. Mr. Brown has accepted responsibility for what occurred last October. Mr. Brown continues to remain committed to his sobriety. Mr. Brown is pleased that the matter has been resolved.” Good to hear. And if Bobby's lucky, he may get out in a few hours much like Lindsay Lohan did.  We shall see... Pics via FAME

EXCLUSIVE: "The Door" Director Ava DuVernay--Talks Historical Sundance Award & Telling TRUE STORIES About Black Life Posted: 28 Feb 2013 02:37 PM PST Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay is helping usher in a new wave of Black directors and auteurs committed to creating realistic depictions of Black life.  And the up and comer's got top YBF celebrity women and fashion houses like Gabrielle Union, Alfre Woodard and Miu Miu Prada already in her fold.    Meet Ava inside to find out why, and her take on what's missing on the big screen... Indie director Ava DuVernay and her wonderfully shot depictions of African American life have been bubbling over since her directorial debut with the critically-acclaimed 2008 hip hop documentary, "This is The Life." But it was her 2012 historic win at the Sundance Film Festival for her second feature, Middle of Nowhere, that has help generate a much-needed buzz around Black film and their need for an audience. She's the perfect subject to close out our Black Making History campaign on the last day of Black History Month.  As the first black woman to win the Best Director prize at Sundance, Ava prides herself on telling realistic stories about Black life and creating a platform to help other storytellers. During an exclusive chat with TheYBF.com, Ava opened up about her journey and how Black audiences can access the films that tell the stories they desire to see. Ava is a graduate of UCLA where she studied English and African American studies.  And she began her career as a studio publicist for tv shows like "Girlfriends" and movies like Dreamgirls and The Help.  So how did she make the leap?  She tells us, "Being on a film set and being around directors, I started to catch the buzz and I said to myself, 'I can do that. I have stories to tell. I wanna to give it a shot.'" But with bills to pay, Ava realized she needed to keep her full-time gig while exploring her newfound interest.  One year, she used her Christmas break to make a film (because she never went to film school, she considers that to be her first film). And with that...she became a full-fledged filmmaker.   "There was a lot of fear around it (making films), but one of the things that helped me was that I did it gradually. I think a lot people think that when they have a dream it needs to be all or nothing right away.  And I think it was really powerful for me to keep my one foot in what I knew and just dip my toe in experimenting and following the dream." So how'd she go about making the dream come true? "I would write or direct things at night. I would go observe other directors on the weekend and I would still have my full time job as a publicist. I think that helped me when I look back." Her advice to other artists chasing their dream is, "You don't have to make a change cold turkey. You can do it gradually and then look up and you have gotten to where you are going." And where Ava's going and where she's been shows quite an impressive journey.  In 2010 she directed three network documentaries in 2010 including "My Mic Sounds Nice" ( a definitive history of female hip hop artists) the "Essence Music Festival 2010" (documenting the nation's largest annual African-American entertainment gathering) and "Faith Through The Storm" (about black women Katrina survivors). And 2011 saw the release of I Will Follow starring Salli-Richardson-Whitfield, which Ava wrote, produced and directed. But it was her Sundance win for Middle of Nowhere, which tells the story of a black woman struggling to support her incarcerated husband, that brought international attention to her method of storytelling.   And that win helped opened the door (literally) for a silent-film she produced for Miu Miu Prada called "The Door", starring Gabrielle Union and Alfre Woodard.  And it took the internet by storm. When asked about her approach to films, she shared, "I just want to tell true stories that deal with real Black people and not the most heightened and tragic moments. Those things do happen, but there are also parts of our lives where we struggle with the normal emotions of our heart like grief, fear, loyalty and love.  I feel like I see those things portrayed in films for mainstream culture but everything I see in Black films is heightened.  In my films I just try to show everyday black people living everyday lives that are spectacular just in their everydayness." For folks who constantly complain about the current crop of Black films that normally see wide releases, Ava adds,  "The films that we want are there….but they are not getting to us easily. We have to demand them."   Ava, who just won the prestigious John Cassavetes Award for ‘Middle of Nowhere’ this month (pictured above) at 2013 Independent Spirit Awards, shared that there are many more Black directors and filmmakers out there who are telling stories that deserve to be heard.  To help spread the word, she founded AFFRM, the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement, which aims to distribution independent African American films. "There are a lot of these beautiful independent films by black directors that are so gorgeous but we can't get larger audiences because people just don't know about them. We want to get more Black people aware that there are great films out there and when they come to your city….you have to go see them and you have to tell people about them!" It's one thing to complain about the state of black film, and it's another to recognize the importance and make history by doing something about it.  Follow Ava DuVernay on Twitter at @AVAETC. Find out more about Black filmmakers and their movies online at AFFRM and on Twitter @affrm. Check out the rest of the features in YBF's Blacks Making History Campaign below: Sam Fine, Makeup Guru Johnny Wright, Personal Hairstylist to First Lady Michelle Obama Rihana Gunn-Wright, 2013 Rhodes Scholar Steve Stoute, Ad Executive

SPOTTED: Vivica A. Fox Heads To The White House To Wine & Dine Posted: 28 Feb 2013 01:40 PM PST Actress Vivica A. Fox was spotted dining out in the nation's capital last night.  Find out the historical event she attended inside....   Vivica A. Fox was spotted in Washington, DC last night where she dined at the posh Oceanaire restaurant.  We wonder what her ex fiancee Slimm has been up to because Viv looks like she's 100% over it. Wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress and Christian Louboutain heels, the movie star/televsion actress could barely make it down the street without being stopped for autographs and photos.   Vivica was in town for the unveiling of the new Rosa Parks statue.  And she hit Black History Month receptions at the White House and at the home of Vice President Biden. With several upcoming films slated for release (including Home Run, Crosstown & Queen City), Vivica is doing her talk show rounds with an appearance on ANDERSON LIVE tomorrow where she'll co-host with Anderson Cooper.  Chick looks great these days.  That skin and makeup are working it out.  Nice.   Photos via 4th Street Films

SERIOUSLY!? Porsha Stewart's MAKING MUSIC In The STUDIO? Posted: 28 Feb 2013 12:49 PM PST Porsha Stewart is just the latest castmember from "RHOA" who seems to be angling for pop stardom with a recent trip to a recording studio.  See the photo inside.....   Joining the long list of "RHOA" vocal wannabes like Kim Zolciak and Kenya Moore, Porsha Stewart is hinting that she has a few vocal tricks up her sleeve too.  She teased her Twitter followers with a photo recently saying "At studio! Ya girl doing it all. You ready?! "  Are we ready......hmmm.? Though we've never heard Porsha sing, we do know that she describes herself as a cross between Beyonce, Rhianna and Mary J. Blige so.....we'd actually like to hear what that may sound like.  Maybe. And outside of the studio, the budding philanthropist is also lending her name to great causes outside of her grandfather's legacy.  She tweeted, "Teaming up with @LauraSeydel & Captain Planet Foundation for an awesome event. Coming soon.#ecolife #gogreen" Perhaps the Mary/Beyonce/Rhianna hybrid will channel her vocal power into a catching dance single about saving the earth.  Are we ready?    And in case you missed it... It doesn't seem like Kordell wants Porsha to do anything outside of raise his future kids, so it will be interesting to see if he "allows" her to have a singing career. And we're not feeling controlling he comes off...

Steve Stoute Commissions History Daily -- Helping Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake & Corporations Meet Their Matches Posted: 28 Feb 2013 12:16 PM PST They call him The Commissioner for a reason.  On the last day of our Blacks Making History campaign, we're giving you Steve Stoute.  The advertising executive, who was formerly Mary J. Blige's manager in the 90's, is making landmark multi-million dollar campaigns for the biggest stars in entertainment.  And he's the one who's really brokering all the deals your fave celebs are singing and rapping about.   Meet Mr. Stoute inside... As the founder and CEO of Translation, Inc--an advertising firm who has become the leader in bringing together unlikely corporations and people to create a common profitable message for all involved--Steve Stoute is making history in his own way every day. It's not every day a black advertising executive is named EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR of the much respected Adage company.  And The Tanning of America Best Selling author nabbed that title just a month ago. Wondering how Jay-Z, his business partner, was welcomed with open arms to the billionaire boys club of NBA owners....you can look at Steve for that.  Jay's huge Made In America three-day concert last year with rock, indie and rap acts was the brainchild of the ad executive who paired the rapper with another big client--Budweiser.  And it was all to further the idea that music is all about the message, not the races of the people who love it.  From Chris Brown getting teamed up with Spearmint--which produced a hit song to boot--to Justin Timberlake bringing "soulful pop" to McDonald's "I'm Loving It" campaign to LeBron James starring in fun basketball ads for State Farm...these are all the products of Steve Stoute's skills.  He also worked out major deals for people like Lady Gaga. It's not often big corporate brands take a risk with a deep long term relationship with hip hop or pop culture.  And thanks to Stoute, he's making corporations understand what they could be missing out on.  The voice of those cultures are now included in the big brands those same voices spend their money with.  His newest brainchild is NBA All-Star MVP Chris Paul's comedic Cliff Paul/Chris Paul campaign with State Farm.  All of these business moves commissioned by Steve Stoute lead not only to MAJOR millions for all involved...but also lead to the culture and voices of those who have always been ignored in the past, now being seen & heard with a synergy that is mutually beneficial. The Queens native, who is a former head honcho at the urban divisions of Sony Music & Geffen, told Adage about what first sparked his interest in advertising and influence: Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones' sunglasses from Men In Black that people started buying like crazy. "Everyone thought it was a coincidence, and I was like, 'This isn't a coincidence,'" said Mr. Stoute. "I just felt like there was an opportunity in the ad business, because clients' ads were isolated from what was truly happening in culture." And about how he creates the blueprint for this type of "meshed" advertising: "Entertainment is so sexy that people only pay attention to that," said Mr. Stoute. "But I think our strategy department is the best in the industry. The thinking in our agency never gets the credit it deserves because we have a celebrity. We are first and foremost a strategic and creative shop. And second, we have a Rolodex in entertainment and sports that's unique in the industry." Adage then reports on the major growth in his company in just a couple years: His philosophy on marketing and culture was laid out in his 2011 book, "The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy," which essentially details how urban and hip-hop culture became mainstream culture, defining how millennials view the world. To use his own words, no longer does your ethnicity predetermine your cultural values. In other words, multiple cultures are the new general market. The book has helped him define a personal brand in the marketing world, while the strategy has helped win accounts. In 2012, the agency grew its revenue 60% and increased its head count from 70 to more than 120 employees in New York and Chicago, with work from clients like McDonald's State Farm and A-B InBev getting general-market play. Picking up the Bud Light creative account, which was at McGarryBowen , shows that big marketers increasingly have faith in Mr. Stoute and his agency. Steve's making black history every day by being a leading force in giving our culture, as well as others', a significant voice in mainstream and corporate America.  And finding the perfect synergy and commonalities between the most unlikely of groups.  Loves it!

BABY FAB: Amber Rose Gushes On New Mommyhood, Says "Bonding With My Baby Is Unbelievable"...But Dishes On Painful Breastfeeding Posted: 28 Feb 2013 11:42 AM PST Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa are basking in the glow of Baby Sebastian who's bonding quite nicely with his famous parents.  See how Amber's handling mommyhood inside.... New mom Amber Rose excitedly tweeted fans pics of from some of her and Wiz Khalifa's intimate moments with their new son  Baby Sebastian.  One pic (shown above) shows Sebastian grabbing his grandmother's nose.   And Amber's thugging it out through breastfeeding saying, "Man breastfeeding is awesome.... It kinda hurts tho but the bonding with my baby is unbelievable. So worth it :-)"  The couple also installed his own little throne next to hers says, "The Spa is ready for your highness The Bash ;-)" ' And when Amber isn't breastfeeding, Daddy Wiz is right there to step up to the plate so she can rest.  She shared "Best daddy ever.... Up with the baby so Muva can go back to sleep :-)"  And Wiz, who loves his new role, has thrown himself full force into daddyhood.   "Im not gonna lie, i havent been on twitter, instagram, in the studio or nothin. Juss bein Sebastian's dad is good enough for now" And while Amber's dad has been having his share of intimate moments with his grandson, she tweeted Wiz's mother for her birthday and talked about her "birthday gift."  "Happy bday @OGJustPeachie! Ur present from me this year is a Grandson. Next year? Vegas! Ur the best mom-in-law a girl cld ask 4 Love u!"    And the well wishes are still rolling in from the couple's famous friends.  Amber tweeted, "Sebastian says "Thanks Uncle Diddy!" Lol @iamdiddy they are beautiful thank u so much. Hugs :-)" Nice to see Amber and Wiz and Sebastian all so happy!   Photos via Instagram

In Case You Didn't Know....Ne-Yo Was MARRIED Years Ago Posted: 28 Feb 2013 10:24 AM PST Ne-Yo just revealed a little nugget of info to the public.  Check out him talking about his past marriage inside... Ne-Yo was spotted leaving out of Supperclub in L.A. this week when he revealed to TMZ paps a little secret.  He used to be married...11 years ago! In a random impromptu chat with a paparazzo, Ne-Yo was asked if he'd ever been married before (likely because some reports keep stating he and Monyetta Shaw are married when they're in fact, still engaged). Ne-Yo quickly said no then remembered a little-big thing from his past.  He DID get married over a decade ago.  And they got an annulment because it lasted less than a year. He said they called it off because he wanted to work toward a singing/writing career, and she wasn't feeling it.  Check out the video above. Damn...how unforgettable was THIS chick...

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