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The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

SPEAK ON IT: Was Adidas Right In PULLING The JS Roundhouse Mid "Shackle" Shoes From Production?

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 10:23 AM PDT

Shoe giant Adidas has pulled its controversial JS Roundhouse Mid shoe from production amid cries of racism.  Get the deets inside and decide if the "shackles" on the shoes remind you of slavery.

 

Adidas has announced that it pulled the controversial "JS Roundhouse Mid" shoe from its production line after folks said it reminded them of slavery.

The shoe, which would have been launched this August, was designed by the eclectic Jeremy Scott and featured plastic orange chains and a cuff that strapped around the ankles.  Although Adidas had posted a pic of the shoes on Facebook with the caption, “Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?,” some folks saw a reference to slavery and "shackles" when they viewed the shoes.  

Rev. Jesse Jackson told CNN, "The attempt to commercialize and make popular more than 200 years of human degradation, where blacks were considered three-fifths human by our Constitution is offensive, appalling and insensitive."

And Dr. Boyce Watkins posted on Your Black World, "I literally froze up when I saw a new design from Adidas set to hit stores in August."  He continued, 

"When I see the shoes, I also think about the ankle bracelets being worn by far too many men who are affected by the mass incarceration epidemic that the White House says nothing about. The black family has ripped itself apart because so man of our fathers, brothers, husbands and sons are locked away in prison, leading their children vulnerable to all the horrible things that happen when the man of the house is not away. I am offended by these shoes because there is nothing funny about the prison industrial complex, which is the most genocidal thing to happen to the black family since slavery itself."

 

After the uproar, the company issued a statement to the Daily News saying, "Since the shoe debuted on our Facebook page ahead of its market release in August, Adidas has received both favorable and critical feedback. We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available in the marketplace."  They added, 

"The design of the JS Roundhouse Mid is nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott’s outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery.  Any suggestion that this is linked to slavery is untruthful.” 

 

So what do you think?  Did you see the "shackles" as a fashion forward statement or a reference to slavery?

 

SPEAK ON IT..........

 

 

WEDDING FAB: Bobby Brown & Alicia Etheredge WED In Hawaii!

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 09:58 AM PDT

It's official!  Bobby Brown married his long time girlfriend and son's mother, Alicia Etheredge, in Hawaii this past weekend.  Pics inside from the Father's Day weekend nuptials with Bobby's kids--sans Bobbi Kris--in tow...

In a cutesy wedding pic fit for the tropics, New Edition's Bobby Brown (in his red Adidas track suit and sneakers) took some time away from the NE tour to get hitched!    Just 2 days after Father's Day and 1 day after performing in Honolulu with New Edition, Bobby & Alicia's families joined together in wedded matrimony Monday afternoon.

Bobby's sons Bobby Jr. and Landon and a few of his brothers (like Kelvin pictured below) were on hand for his Bachelor Party on Father's Day.  Bobbi Kristina decided to stay in NYC to film her new reality show, "Houston Family Chronicles."  And his daughter LaPrincia snapped a pic with her new step-mom Alicia the day before as well:

And more pics from the wedding day:

Bobby Jr. and ring bearer 3-year-old little brother Cassius (Alicia & Bobby's only child together).

LaPrincia dolled up for the wedding.

Landon captured Bobby taking some reflection time to himself right before walking down the aisle:

 

And Landon even tweeted a pic of his own daughter (far right) having some fun in Hawaii.  Sweet.

Congrats to The Browns!

Pics via Instagram

Jennifer Hudson REVEALS Looks From Her NEW QVC Clothing Line

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 09:29 AM PDT

Jennifer Hudson has revealed a few pieces from the new clothing line she has developed for QVC in a range of sizes. See her looks inside.....

This September, Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson plans to launch the Jennifer Hudson Collection for QVC. She told WWD,  

“I feel like I represent every woman. I’ve been on both sides of the fence. I’ve been a big girl and now whatever this is, the average size, whatever you want to call it. But I wanted the clothes to be where any girl could wear it — no matter what size you are — and you could feel comfortable in it."

And expect to see a lot of leggings in the collection as the singer says she owns over 300 pair.  “I’m the legging queen. What I love about a legging is, again, it’s a piece you can dress up or down and it’s still comfortable." Agreed!

QVC EVP Doug Howe explained why their working with Jen saying, “She has this great Cinderella story, an aspiration for different women. We don’t overtly go out to target someone who is Hispanic or African-American. We never look at it that way. It all starts with the person’s story and product. That dictates who buys it.”

 

Seems like easy knits and cute & casual pieces.  Are you feeling her line?

 

BONUS: 

For Father's Day, Jennifer and David Jr. posted this cutsey video in tribute to David Otunga Sr.  The clip is set to Beyonce's "Daddy."  Sweet!

 

Photos via Stefanie Keenan

ON THE SET: Amber Rose, Kevin Hart & Nick Cannon SHOOTING "School Dance"

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 08:58 AM PDT

Amber Rose and Kevin Hart were recently spotted on the set of Nick Cannon's latest film, School Dance.  See the pics inside....

On the heels of his successful film Rags, director Nick Cannon, via his NCredible Productions company, was spotted on the set of School Dance yesterday in LA.  Nick, who also wrote the movie, stars in the flick about a high school freshman who wants to be initated into the most popular dance clique in his school.

Amber Rose stars alongside Nick as a sexy school girl.  A stretch role play for her I'm sure.

For her scene, Amber rocked a short red kilt with a cropped cardigan and suspender-style stockings, and chunky black creepers with red hearts.

She tweeted, 'Feels good to be back in high school.'

 

Kim Kardashian "look-a-like" Melissa Molinaro is also a character in the flim.  Oh the irony.

 

Other actors in the movie include Korrina Rico, Wilmer Valderrama and Chris Brown's ex Jasmine Sanders.

Since she loves pink so much, I wonder if she'll ask to keep the car.

Funnyman Kevin Hart also shot a few scenes yesterday in this Jerome-esque wig.

And while rocking a "curl," it looked like his character got into a fight with a few gangstas.

Kevin also shot an intense scene with Wilmer.

This ought to be interesting.  No word if this is for a risque tv special, DVD, or something else.

The Randomness:

1. Drake buys 40 bottles of booze at DC nightclub and no one gets hurt.  Story.

 

Photos via London Ent / Splash News/FameFlynet Pictures 

PARISIAN LOVE: Kim & Kanye Lambo It Up Again + Toya & Memphitz Wright Celebrate Their 1 Year Wedding Anniversary

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 08:06 AM PDT

As the Lambo turns...

 

Kanye West kept the white Lamborghini for another day and took his girl Kim K. for another spin around the City of Light.  Check the pics inside, plus pics of Toya & Memphitz Wright celebrating their wedding anniversary in Paris as well.

Mr. West continued his Lambo state of mind yesterday as he and his girlfriend of the moment Kim Kardashian rode around the city taking in the sites.  But, of course, the paparazzi were on stalker mode too.  Not as if the couple minded though:


And while her sister Khloe was spotted heading into a fertility treatment clinic back in L.A., Kim was spotted hopping out in her Stella McCartney side mesh & polka dotted panel dress, fave boots and her black croc Celine bag.

 

Also in Paris--

Toya showed off her wedding ring and the sites of Paris as she and her hubby Memphitz spent the evening yachting along the Seine River.  The couple was celebrating their 1 year wedding anniversary.

On the heels of last night's "Love & Hip Hop ATL" premiere, where Memphitz' former girlfriend and client K. Michelle blasted him for abusing her and stealing from her, Toya countered with this lil nugget and the pic above:

F$ck what u heard.... I don't think they make em like this anymore. #ilovemyhubby

Oh?


 

But maybe it was just the liquor talking.  She tweeted the above pic saying, "My eyes are telling a story. #faded"

Happy Anniversary to the Wrights!

Pics via FAME

Chris Brown CHATS IT UP About Michael Jackson & CHEAP Videos + Chris' "Calypso" TRACK

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 07:33 AM PDT

As Chris Brown promotes his upcoming Fortune disc, he revealed that his love of "ancient aliens" influenced the cover art and that Michael Jackson continues to inspire him.  Get the deets inside and listen to his latest track, "Calypso."

Though his press team rarely lets him do interviews (remember GMA?), Chris Brown chatted it up with FUSE about his upcoming Fortune album and changs in the music industry.   He also opened up about having to reduce his video budget and getting more music to fans cheaply.  Here are the highlights:

On his album artwork:

“You can see on the album cover, it’s like a code. That’s an encryption for my fans. I wanted to do something different because I’m into ancient aliens. I like being stuff that’s other than what everybody expects. … When they look in the booklet, they’ll see the different code. Some of it says I love Team Breezy or it’ll say certain things directed to them and they’ll know it if they break the code.”

On what Fortune means:

“I wanted Fortune to be the blessing of having it. It’s not money, wealth for me. It’s basically the blessing of being able to do it. I’m fortunate to do it. I want everything to be top notch.”

On his “rarities and B-sides” concept:

“I have a gang of records, so what I do is I give ‘em to iTunes. Instead of releasing it free, for a lesser price you get it. It gives the artist a chance to get the exposure that they need. … Instead of going through the label riff-raff and all the bull, let’s split the royalty and do it like this so we both get paid. The industry is so broke that it’s starting to kill our creative side.”

On the shifts in the music industry:

“I started when they had the $600,000, $800,000 video budgets. My ‘Run It!’ video was around that. Now you get it where people are like, ‘We got $50,000.’ It’s really killing us in a sense because nobody believes in the brand anymore. If we don’t do it, who gon’ do it? So I’m like f**k it, I’ma do it myself.”

On performing for and meeting Michael Jackson:

“That was probably one of the greatest moments in my career ’cause I got a chance to perform for him. People loved the performance. I went backstage and met him. He said hi to my mom. He was respectful. It was just one of those great times in my life.”

On a collaboration with the King of Pop:

“Me and him had talked countless times through our people. We were working on records and we were working on some stuff. But God has other plans.”

On following in MJ’s footsteps:

“My legacy is not to be Michael Jackson, but to just be me. … I want to make him proud. I don’t want to make it an effort to copy because I hate clones, so I don’t want to be a clone.”

 

Watch the interview here:

Part 2

 

And....

Though snippets of the song surfaced online two years ago, Chris has chosen to release a full version of his Polow Da Don-produced track "Calypso." Listen to it above.

 

BONUS:

Check out the latest commercial for Chris' Fortune album (July 3).

GET YOUR PARTY ON! Happy 34th Birthday Zoe Saldana!

Posted: 19 Jun 2012 05:17 AM PDT

She's already starred in one of the biggest movies of all time, and now 34-year-old Zoe Saldana is ready for more! Celebrate her special day inside....

 

Avatar actress Zoe Saldana celebrates her 34th birthday today! As the New York native has carved a niche for herself as the "pretty brown go-to girl" for actions flicks in Hollywood, she's also become a fashion staple.

So whether she's covering a magazine, walking a red carpet, or doing charity work, Zoe personifies a fab chick who has it all.

Celebrate with Zoe in the gallery.....

34 Years & Counting...Happy Birthday Zoe Saldana!

Chris Bosh's BABY MOMMA Applies For FOOD STAMPS! + Lil' Wayne EXPLAINS The 2012 Summer Jam FIASCO

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 06:56 PM PDT

While Chris Bosh continues to "ball" both literally and financially, the lawyer for his baby momma Allison Mathis claims she has applied for food stamps and is about to lose her house.  Get the deets inside and find out what Lil' Wayne had to say about Summer Jam.

 

Orlando family law attorney Jane E. Carey is making some shocking claims on behalf of her client, Allison Mathis (Chris Bosh' baby momma).  She said that Allison was laid off from her gig as a secretary and has applied for federal food assistance.  Meanwhile, her home is in foreclosure.  And while Chris gives her $2,600 a month in child support, he won't offer he anymore assistance.

And what about him wanting to take his daughter to the Summer Olympics?

“He wants to take his daughter across the world for a photo op,” said Jane. “It’s just for a photo op. He doesn’t care. He hasn’t been decent to my client and his daughter.”

Based on Chris' current salary of $18M, Allison should be getting about $30,000-a-month in child support.  Jane is now trying to get the figure adjusted.  

“My client just lost her job and applied for food stamps for her and Mr. Bosh’s daughter. She’s about to be foreclosed on, he won’t help her and all he wants to do is go to London with his daughter. Are kidding?”

So far....Chris has not responded to the claims.

 

 

And in rap music drama......

 

Get More: Lil Wayne, Music News

 

 

Lil' Wayne spoke to MTV News about his decision to pull Nicki Minaj from Hot 97's 2012 Summer Jam concert.  He said, 

“That’s a female; first and foremost Nicki Minaj is a female.I don’t know what anyone else believes, but I believe females deserve the ultimate respect at all times, no matter when or where or how.”

Respect for females at ALL TIMES? I've heard him say some interesting things about females that I wouldn't call respectful.  But continue...

"As soon as she called me and told me she felt disrespected, I just declined everything.  I pulled her from the show because … no person that works with me will be disrespected in my presence as long as I’m on this planet.  I expect the red carpet, in her manner; the pink carpet to be laid out for her.  It’s just an executive move, no salt, no bad feelings, no hard feelings.”

He closed by saying, “I feel like a woman’s supposed to be respected at all times, therefore I believe I made the right decision."

 

EXTRAS:

1.  Arsenio Hall headed back to late-night television.  Story.

REALITY ISH: VH1 Releases FULL Premiere Of "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" + Julissa Bermudez Gets Closure With Ex-Fiance Larry Johnson

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 02:30 PM PDT

VH1 has posted the first episode of "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" online. And the cast is very interesting....to say the least.  Watch it inside and see a clip of "Empire Girls" star Julissa Bermudez running into her ex-fiance NFL star Larry Johnson.

 

VH1 has posted the first episode of "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" and let's just say it does very little to present Black and Brown women in a positive light.  The female characters come across as promiscuous, emotionally needy, and sometimes desperate.  Not much different from the rest of VH1's shows--but this one is indeed the front runner in those departments.

First we meet Erica, who's the baby momma of Lil' Scrappy.  Unfortunately, being his "baby momma" appears to be a very comfortable title for her.  Watch and tell us if you agree.

Then we meet Mimi, the "girlfriend" of producer Stevie J.  Mimi, who relies on Stevie for financial support, pretty much tells the camera that SHE KNOWS he is sleeping around with other women but she wants to "believe" him when he says he loves her and wants a family.  So when he offers to buy her a house OUTSIDE of Atlanta so he can do his "thing" in the city.....she considers it. Deep sigh. 

And then there's Joseline.....Stevie J's "artist" and ex-stripper.  After revealing that she is sleeping with Stevie (mind you...he's ALSO sleeping with Mimi), she looks at the camera, touches her crotch and says that Stevie isn't just "f**king" her body, he's also "f**king" her brain.   Did she want a round of applause for that or....?

Now here comes Mama D.  Mama D is Lil' Scrappy's mother and she justifies her past as a pimp AND drug dealer because she had two babies depending on her. 

K. Michelle comes along next and reveals that she was once managed by (and was also dating) Toya Wright's husband Memphitz. She completely puts him on blast revealing the rumors that he beat her are true AND he pretty much robbed her by spending her entire $2 million recording budget on gifts for himself!

And one last note.....it's hinted at the Mama D has a mental illness.  Erica said Mama D was "crazy" during one scene then asked her had she taken her pills.  Mama D says, "....not for five days."  

Then there's a "sad" confrontation between Mimi, Joseline and Stevie D.  And let's just say, Mimi is clearly not interested in playing the strong black woman role.

 

Watch the full preview here:

In other reality show drama,

 

"Empire Girls" star Julissa Bermudez ran into he ex-fiance NFLer Larry Johnson "randomly" on the streets on NYC.  Remember when they dated years ago and broke up with no explanation?

The reality star seemed caught off guard at the encounter and later met up with him to discuss his life now--which caused waterworks.  He admitted to cheating on her, aving a drinking problem and being a horrible fiance, but now that he's grown out of it, he's in love with his baby moms.  And it's a bit painful for Julissa to handle.  Isn't that always the case ladies?  Watch the initial "run-by" above.

Lil Wayne & Son, Gabby Union, Savannah & More Cheer On The MIAMI HEAT For Game 3

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 01:54 PM PDT

Lil Wayne spent Father's Day courtside at the Miami Heat game with his son Dwyane V.  And Gabby Union, Savannah Brinson and Adrienne Bosh all snapped pics while cheering their men to a win.  Check the pics inside...

It was a day of stuntin' like their daddies at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.  While the Heat beat the Thunder during Game 3 of the NBA finals(sigh), Lil Wayne was on hand with his lil' one to cheer on his team.  He also hit up the game with his own YMCMB "Daddy" Birdman:

And LeBron's fiancee Savannah was spotted snapping pics with Dwyane's girlfriend Gabby Union and their friends--including fitness queen/actress AJ Johnson.

And y'all already know new mom Adrienne Bosh was there repping for Team Overdressed in this getup.

Hey Tracey Mourning!  Cute pics ladies.

The Heat take on OKC again in Miami tomorrow night (Tuesday).

MUSIC FAB: Azealia Banks GETS COLORFUL For PAPER Magazine + Dawn Richard Releases "Automatic" Video

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 12:13 PM PDT

One of our fave rap chicks on the rise, Azealia Banks, nabbed yet another magazine cover and spread.  The "212" rapstress is giving her colorful and fun with a touch of raunch vibe to PAPER magazine for their brand new Summer Music issue on stands today.

 

Get a peek inside, plus Dawn Richard's brand new video for her song "Automatic"...

On the heels of dropping her brand new video for "Liquorice" off her 1991 EP, the 21-year-old Harlem chick is donning some fashionable digs for her new Paper magazine spread. 

In the topmost pic she's rocking an Alexander Wang shirt, belt by Diesel Black Gold, shorts and hat by Joyrich, Pedro Garcia wedges and a Mickey Mouse bag by Todd Pearce for Love Bailey.  In the above sucker-licking pic, Azealia's threw on a jacket by Diesel Black Gold, Ashton Michael shorts, collar by Louis Vuitton, Versace belt, mirror shades by Diesel, and jewelry by Mishka Piaf.

The shoot was done at Smashbox Studios in L.A. as she just moved to the west coast city:

"For me there's three options of where to live: L.A., London and New York," she says. "London's too expensive and New York's too exciting: too many parties, too many of my friends. If I wanna make this my life, I have to live somewhere I can work, somewhere I can focus." She laughs. "My album will not come out in September if I live in New York."

Top by Acne, pants by Diesel Black Gold, necklace by Glynneth B and cuff by Juju Gold.

In an Alexander Wang top and a fork held to her wig, Ms. Banks spoke on the music industry saying:

"The music industry is like a machine," she says. "It's always going, and this new generation of artists -- me, A$AP Rocky, Rita Ora -- we're the fuel that's keeping it going. And once you get in that machine you've gotta run with it. There's a crazy inertia that's been going for years and years and years, and it's not gonna stop for you, so you've gotta keep fucking working. The minute you stop working, that's when you get stuck in the gears. And that's when it grinds you up and spits you out." But doesn't that constant work leave zero time for normal-person stuff? "That's what you give up when you sign that contract," Banks replies. "This hustle and bustle becomes your normal-person shit."
 

Check out the rest of her feature over at PAPER.
 

And Dawn Richard just released the full version of her "Automatic" video for her fans.  The track appears on her Armor On EP on sale now.

 

FIGHT NIGHT: Rapper Meek Mill Tells His Side, Says NEITHER Drake NOR Chris Threw Bottles

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 11:24 AM PDT

Meek Mill has opened up about his role in the Drake/Chris Brown club brawl revealing that he and Breezy don't have any beef and he never saw Drake or Chris throw a bottle.  Deets inside....

 

Meek Mill talked to XXL about the club brawl that erupted between the camps of Drake and Chris Brown at W.I.P. in NYC recently. He said, the people "around" Chris and Drake took the ish to another level.

“Chris and Drake, them two was there but its other people that be around that take shit to the next level.  Things just happen in the club. I seen girls in there throwing bottles, all types of shit. All types of people. I never seen Chris Brown or Drake throw a bottle and I was there.”

They also asked Meek if he threw a bottle and he said,  “Fuck no.”

And what about Chris being upset with Meek about his Rihanna friendship?  Meek said the two are not beefing.  He told the magazine:

“What [Brown] tweeted was just that me and Meek Mill ain’t got no problem.  I talked to him immediately after that, on the phone afterwards, like immediately, like, ‘There’s nothing there, this-that-and-the-third.’

He added, 

“Chris Brown be in clubs.  He be around situations like this. Things get out of hand that don’t mean it’s out of hand with me and him or whoever, not even him and Drake.”

Maybe Meek, Drake and Chris should watch the company they keep before someone gets hurt....again.  Birds of a feather...

W MAGAZINE MODELICIOUSNESS: Joan Smalls LANDS July 2012 Cover, Naomi Campbell Gets LUXE

Posted: 18 Jun 2012 10:53 AM PDT

 

Fashion magazine "W" is full of pretty YBF chicks this month as Joan Smalls lands the July cover and Naomi Campbell is featured in the issue.  See the pics inside.......

 

Industry darling Joan Smalls covers the July 2012 issue of "W" magazine.  She went blonde for the shoot and still looks fabulous.  Joan told the magazine:

“I just have something to prove...I know I’m representing a group—black, Latin, whatever you want to put me with—and I want to show that they are beautiful the way they are. I think that’s really important for our youth to see. Fashion is part of our culture...And it’s about more than just a pretty dress.”

In the mag, the Joan is photographed by Steven Meisel.   She also covered Australian Vogue in May and is becoming one of the industry's most recognizable faces.

Joan credits her string of success to Givenchy's Creative Director Riccardo Tisci saying, “When I first started it never picked up for me, doing shows." But after Riccardo booked her for Givenchy in 2010, she says, “He saw my potential. And it changed people’s perspective.”

 

 

Also in W Mag...........

Emma Summerton captures all the ridiculous glory that is Naomi Campbell.

Stunning shots.  And it looks like Naomi may buy a home in Ibiza.  A friend recently said, "Naomi is looking to buy a house. She loves Ibiza and, when she picks the right villa, we’re expecting to see lots more of her. She and Vlad are often here on holiday and usually take a yacht, but they love it so much they want a home."

The July issue hits newsstands on June 26th.

Source: W Magazine
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