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The Young, Black, and Fabulous

The Young, Black, and Fabulous

Brandy SETS New "Two Eleven" RELEASE Date And REVEALS Whitney Houston's LAST WORDS To Her + Bobby Brown's Wife Speaks On His REHAB! + Elle Varner Grabs #2 Spot On Billboard

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 10:18 AM PDT

Singer Brandy has announced a new release date for her upcoming disc Two Eleven.  Plus, check her new promo pic and find out what Whitney Houston's last words to her were. Also, get deets on Bobby Brown going back to rehab and Elle Varner's chart success...

Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Brandy has announced that her highly-anticipated album TWO ELEVEN will now hit stores on October 16.

Led by the single “Put it Down” featuring Chris Brown (whose video dropped yesterday), the disc will feature Brandy's signature harmonies and riffs as she reveals where she is in life.

In a interview with The Insider, the singer shared that she is in love with her boyfriend Ryan.  "If he acts right it can go very far.  But if he acts wrong it can stop here."  I know that's right...

She also dished on working with Chris Brown saying he is a "genius" and the things that have happened in his life will make him stronger.  Later in the clip, Chris shows up and says that Brandy is one of the best female vocalists.

And when talking about Two Eleven (which is was named in remembrance of Whitney Houston's death), Brandy said that "living my life with purpose" is her special way of tribute. She added that Whitney's last words to her were "Nobody can be you. Just be you." She's now being the greatest version of herself.

Watch the clip here:

 

 

And in celebrity rehab news....

Singer Bobby Brown has checked back into rehab to deal with his alcohol addiction.  His wife Alicia Etheredge confirmed to Radar Online that Bobby is responding well to treatment saying, “He’s doing great.”

Many folks were shocked when photos of the singer passed out on a trip to Miami first hit the web several months ago, but at least now he's dealing with it.  Sources close to the singer told TMZ, Bobby went back to rehab because he “decided that he needed help and wants to make the best out of the rest of his life for his children's sake."

Get better soon Bobby!

 

BONUS:

Elle Varner's debut album Perfectly Imperfect  landed at the #2 spot on this week’s Billboard R&B Albums chart and the #1 spot on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart.  Congrats Elle!  Well deserved for such a fabulous album.

PICS: Stevie J. & Joseline SUCK FACE At Teddy Riley Event In Atlanta

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 09:23 AM PDT

Kissy kissy!  Stevie J. brought his artist/jump-off/possible main chick Joseline Hernandez to last night's ASCAP event honoring Teddy Riley in the ATL.  And the two "Love & Hip Hop" co-stars used the "red carpet" arrival area as their own personal make-out space.  Joseline LITERALLY sucked his face.

 

This after Stevie spent last week with his baby mama and supposed MAIN chick MiMi.  Foolery inside...

Cameras caught Stevie & Jos on full out ass-grabbing-suck-face cupcakin' mode upon arrival at the ATL Live on the Park/ASCAP event honoring Teddy Riley last night.

We assume there was an all-white theme of some kind going on.  At least we hope so.  While Atlanta's finest...and we mean that term loosely...partied it up and took in performances from Mr. Riley himself, as well as Blackstreet, Jos & Stevie were spotted at their table dancing together real couple-like.

Joseline copped a rose from Teddy Jam during his performance.

And the twosome snapped pics with Devyne Stephens, Peter Thomas, Teddy, Jazze Pha and more:
 

Oh how special.

 

Other ATL celebs in attendance:

The new "R&B Divas" stars Monifa and Nicci Gilbert chilled at their table.

Xcsape's LaTocha Scott was there looking good.

Mayor Kasim Reed, Kenny Burns, Shanti Das and more presented Teddy with a plaque to honor and celebrate his career and New Jack Swing musical impact.

Bobby V. was there too.

Blackstreet was there to support.  Damn where have THEY been?

And former "NFL Wives" star Chanita Foster posed it up with Stevie J.  Interesting times indeed...

Photog: Jazmyne Nycole

The Randomness:

1.  DUDE--Where's my car?!  will.i.am's $750,000 car has been missing all week! STORY

REMEMBER HER? Sparkle RETURNS With New "So Bad" Video

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 08:43 AM PDT

Though she burst onto the scene as R. Kelly's protege with the hit single "Be Careful," Sparkle quickly sparked out.  But now she's back. Check out Sparkle's return to the music scene with her new video called "So Bad."

 

Remember Sparkle?  She first hit the scene 15 years ago singing the R. Kelly-penned track "Be Careful." Though the track was a major hit, her career quickly fizzled and she became most notable as the aunt of one of the young ladies in the "alleged" R. Kelly sex tape.  Chick even hit the witness stand to testify against him.

But now, she's back, she's now 37, and working on a new album (sans R. Kelly) and has a new video called "So Bad."

Watch the new video below:

Will & Jada Pinkett-Smith WILL PRODUCE 'Watch The Throne' Documentary + Zoe Saldana CHOSEN To Play Nina Simone?!

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 07:39 AM PDT

Fab couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith has signed on to produce the documentary about Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch The Throne tour/album. Get the deets inside and find out about Zoe Saldana playing Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic.

Overbrook Entertainment, the production company belonging to Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, has announced plans to produce the “Watch the Throne” documentary. The film, which follows Jay-Z and Kanye West as they record the WTT album, is set to premiere in full at the Toronto Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 9.

Jay-Z spoke about the venture saying, “The Overbrook Entertainment family and I have a unified vision. This venture into film development and production is a perfect next step with teams that are accomplished, creative and innovative.”
 

Jay-Z will also be working with the power couple on a remake of Annie starring Willow Smith.  Will you be watching the doc?

 

And in movie news......

Actress Zoe Saldana had been as announced for the lead role Nina, a biopic about the late priestess of soul Nina Simone. Famous for classics like "Feeling Good," (which Jennifer Hudson remade for her Weight Watchers commercials) “Mississippi Goddamn” and “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black,” Nina was a very vocal voice and performer during the civil rights movement.

The film will focus on "the incredible life of the songstress whose incomparable performance style still enchants and haunts listeners today," according to Cinemablend.

While Zoe is a fabulous actress, many folks have questioned the casting of a fairer-skinned gorgeous chick to play a singer known for her unique looks and features.  And who has a soulful voice.  None of which Zoe has. With it being the civil rights movement, will Zoe really be able to tap into the essence of what it meant to be Nina Simone in the 60s? 

Hmmm....it is called "acting" but many critics around the net think Adepero Oduye (much talked about award winning Nigerian actress known for her role last year in Pariah--which was also nominated for several awards) should take on the role.  Her acting credentials are fab and she has an uncanny resemblance to Nina. 

Oh well.....good luck Zoe.

VIDEO: Nicki Minaj Brings Out Foxy Brown At FREE CONCERT In NYC, Says "No Other Female Rapper Opened More Doors"

Posted: 15 Aug 2012 12:20 AM PDT

Nicki Minaj kept her promise and gave her fans a big 2 hour FREE concert in NYC Tuesday night...after all that hoopla at Summer Jam went down causing her to not perform there.

 

Nicki surprised the crowd with a few of her celebrity friends, including Foxy Brown.  Check out how they shared the stage and how Nicki praised her inside...

Onicka brought her fellow New York rapstress on stage Tuesday night to help put on for the Pepsi/Fuse free live streamed concert at Roseland Ballroom.

Foxy Boogie came out to support, since she was also set to perform as Nicki's guest at Summer Jam.  The two performed for the crowd.  And Nicki told Foxy there was no other female rapper who opened more doors for her...than Fox Boogie herself.  She also said many female rappers don't support others like they should.  We all know who THAT was geared too...

Check out a snippet of video of Foxy & Nicki on stage.

 

And Nicki gearing up for "Starships."   Her other guests for the night?  Cam'Ron, Drake, Lil Wayne & Mack Maine. 

The show was live streamed on Pepsi.com, as well as in Times Square.

Pics via TWITTER

 

Jordin Sparks, Tika Sumpter, Cullen Jones & More Turn Out For NYC "SPARKLE" Premiere

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 11:48 PM PDT

The countdown is on for the premiere of Sparkle.  And Tuesday night in NYC at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, The Cinema Society hosted the celeb worthy premiere party with Circa & fashion house Alice and Olivia.  Check out the pics of the fab cast inside...

Leading lady Jordin Sparks looked amazing in red last night as she rocked a sleeveless peplum Alice & Olivia dress for her big night.  A perfect choice to show off her new curvy hot bod.

She tweeted her excitement about the night saying:

The premiere 2night in NY was amazing! Emotionally drained after...but in a good way! Love all my cast mates! @sparklemovie out FRIDAY! :D

Her co-star Tika Sumpter looked equally fabulous in a floor skimming slinky gold sparkling dress from the Bill Blass Fall 2012 collection, Valentino shoes and bone straight locks.  The look was slightly sheer, but it still worked.  And co-star Carmen Ejogo kept it subdued in a black number.  Would have looked more chic had it been a bit shorter.

Jordin brought her mom as her date since her boyfriend Jason Derulo has been in Australia the last few weeks finishing his third album.

Red HOT.

 


 

Tika looked like she was going for Oscar gold...and we're not mad at it.  She's a doll...literally.  So she can pull off an extra sheer look without looking trashy. 

Trashy would be what Russell Simmons' date had on for the evening:

Rolling up the street after hopping out of bed in your négligée just does not work.

Adrienne Bailon looked nice in a blue lace dress.

Q Parker, formerly of 112, hit the capret.

The girls' co-star Derek Luke hit the premiere with his wife, Sophia.

And silver medalist TEAM USA Olympic Swimmer Cullen Jones looked dapper as he made an appearance at the event.

Gabby Sidibe made an appearance to support the cast.  And posed it up with her Precious co-star Xosha.

Stylist June Ambrose looked killer in this gold and black number by Renzo And Kai.

"True Blood" actress Rutina Wesley rocked her usual simple yet accessorized look of leggings and an oversized shirt.

And Derek posted a cast pic with Omari Hardwick, Sparkle producer Debra Martin Chase, Mike Epps, DeVon Franklin & Tika.

Sparkle is in theaters this Friday!

Pics via WENN/INF/Getty/Jerome Shaw

Alicia Keys Serves Up New Promo Pic & NEW ALBUM "Girl On Fire"

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 08:21 PM PDT

Alicia Keys is officially on the comeback tip.  She just penned a letter to her fans about her upcoming fifth studio album, which will be called Girl On Fire.  Find out how she plans to set it off inside...

On her website today, Alicia Keys let the world know her next album is on deck. And she revealed a pretty hot pic at the same time.

Egypt's mom said she felt like a lion locked in a cage, and now she's on fire with things to say. She's dishing about the fresh start, fresh life she now has after staying mostly in NYC to record the album, but still traveling to some cool places.  Here's her letter in full

I’m in the studio right now working away on my new album and I am SO excited!!! I’m ignited!!! I’m like a match to a flame! I’ve had the title of this album in my mind for a long time….It’s been hard to hold it back and now I’m not holding it back anymore! It is called Girl on Fire!!! And that’s exactly how I feel!!! You’ll be learning more about it soon… but let me just say before making this record, in some ways I felt like a lion locked in a cage…I felt like a girl misunderstood that no one really knew, I felt like it was time to stop making excuses for any part of my life that I wanted to change. Once I made that choice I became a Girl on Fire, the lion broke free!!

During the recording process, I mostly stayed in NY but on some cool and memorable occasions, I traveled to different places, and worked with many collaborators, (some old friends, some new). I discovered so many beautiful sounds, and meanings and a lot about the power of a song. I can’t wait to share this album with you. I promise when you hear it, it’s a new me, I gave it my all: powerful, soulful, honesty and heart… With Girl on Fire, I want to move you and surprise you.

Girl on Fire is about new beginnings, new perspectives and fresh starts… stripping away all the bad energy in your life and taking full control of the reigns and how you want to live. There is something really empowering about finding yourself and your own inner strength. On one song, One of the lines I wrote says, “I’ll never be perfect, but at least now I’m brave!”

Here’s to finding your power! Your FIRE!! Stay tuned for more.

In the meantime, thank you for all your love, strength and support.

-Alicia

A Girl On Fire!!!!

Alicia recently released the track "A New Day" with 50 Cent and Dr. Dre.  You looking forward to Girl On Fire?

LaLa Anthony's "Full Court Life" HEADS To London's Olympics + Jennifer Lopez COVERS InStyle Magazine

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 05:34 PM PDT

LaLa Anthony will soon return to TV with season 3 of her reality series "LaLa's Full Court Life." Deets inside and see Jennifer Lopez cover InStyle.

LaLa Anthony has already begun filming season 3 of her reality show “La La’s Full Court Life,” and this year they will head to London for the Olympics.  We posted pics last week of La filming with her girls Trina & Vanessa Bryant, as well as her own fam Po, Dice & her mom and brother. 

We'll get to see LaLa, Po and Dice cheer on Carmelo Anthony as he and the rest of the Dream Team cop their the gold medal.

Also, we'll get a sneak peek at her Motives for La La line in the UK, and a crash course in how she hobnobs with London’s elite, this according to the press release. 

And you can expect more appearances from Ludacris, Ciara, Estelle and Charlamagne Tha God.

The show premieres early 2013.

 

Meanwhile... 

Jennifer Lopez recently posed for the cover of the new issue of InStyle Magazine. In the mag, she's looking pretty in red and dished on love and parenting.

 

Here are the highlights:

On love:

“The most important quality the man in my life should have is that he is sweet. I like the good guys… The hard part is that you never stop believing in love. You never stop. But that’s also the best part. You never stop believing, and you never, ever give up.”

On surviving tough times:

“I live by the mantra that God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle. It’s not until something bad or difficult happens that you really get to grow. And then you realize that those difficult moments, the times when you feel pain, are when you do a lot of your growing. You realize: There’s no reason to be terrified of things.

On being a parent: “Of course,

I’m the same as any parent. I feel the pressures of wanting to be a great parent and of wanting to do right by my children. I feel the pressure of knowing you can’t be perfect even though you want to be. One thing I’ve learned: Being a mom, or a dad, is the most important job there is. It doesn’t matter who you are. You have to embrace it for everything that it is.”

 

You can pick up the issue on stands now.

 

 

The Randomness:

1.  Bobby Brown enters rehab.  Story.

VIDEO FAB: Brandy Ft. Chris Brown's "Put It Down"

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 04:57 PM PDT

Brandy just dropped the visuals for her newest single "Put It Down" featuring Chris Brown.  Check out the dance-heavy video inside...

 

B Rocka is looking fabulous in her brand new vid.  She flossed her dance skills with the help of choreographer Frank Gaston.  And the Hype Williams-directed video is a fun & energetic look for her fans.  Check it below:

Brandy is co-hosting "106 & Park" tonight where she will debut the vid on tv.  Her album Two Eleven drops soon.

Chad Johnson SPEAKS, Says He Apologizes To Fans & Still "Loves Evelyn To Death"

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 04:07 PM PDT

After the statements & divorce papers from Evelyn Lozada, Chad Johnson is now saying his piece.  Check out his statements inside...

Chad has been absent from Twitter ever since that foolishness of a night where he allegedly head butted his wife, Evelyn Lozada, and was subsequently arrested.

But today, RT'd two sites who had posted two statements from him about the matter.  The first was his website OchoCinco News  Network where Chad apologized and said he truly loves Evelyn to death:

I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred. I would like to wish Evelyn well and will never say anything bad about her because I truly love her to death. I will continue to be positive and train hard for another opportunity in the NFL. To all the fans and supporters I have disappointed, you have my sincerest apologies. I will stay positive and get through this tough period in my life.

And the second was a statement to Black Sports Online, where he thanked his fans for their support and wishes Ev the best:

“I am going to let the legal process run its course. I wish Evelyn nothing but the best, I have no negative words to say about her, the only thing I can say is I love her very much.

I will continue to be positive and stay training hard for another opportunity in the NFL.

I appreciate all my fans and supporters and if I have disappointed you in any way, you have my sincerest apologies. Once again I will continue to stay positive and appreciate all the support during this tough period in my life.”

He also changed his twitter avatar to this pic:

Sounds about right... 

Azealia Banks Releases "Van Vogue" Video, Rocks SPIN Magazine Spread

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 03:12 PM PDT

Azealia Banks just dropped her "Van Vogue" video off her hot 1991 EP.  Plus, the ish-talking rapstress is all over the magazine covers these these days.  And the flood continues with another colorful spread in SPIN magazine.

 

Check out the vid and SPIN spread inside...

Ms. Banks teamed up again with director Rankin (who also helmed her hot "Liquorice" vid) for her brand new viral video for "Van Vogue."  She does her usual sexy teases of lips, skin and her love for fashion. And of course, she's moving around in water like the Mermaids she seems obsessed with.   About the vid, Azealia tweeted:

My nipples are always tryna get that cameo :-\

The video was posted online earlier but was quickly yanked down due to it not being in the necessary VEVO player. So we'll update if this one gets yanked too.  The 21-year-old is shooting the video for her "1991" title track tomorrow.

Chick lovers a mermaid theme.  After having a mermaid cover for her latest EP FANTASEA, and rocking the Mermaid Ball in a few cities, Azealia Banks put on her iridescent mermaid style best for the new September/October cover of SPIN magazine.

The Harlem chick who moved to L.A. recently, in order to focus on her music in a different space, gave the magazine access to her NY life, L.A. life, trips accompanying her to Disneyland & her love for high fashion.  Peep the flossy, fun & sexy pics from the spread below:

Azealia's LOOK issue of SPIN hits stands August 28th.

 

SPIN Photos by Jason Nocito

IT'S OFFICIAL: Evelyn Lozada Files DIVORCE PAPERS! [UPDATED WITH COURT DOCS]

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 02:18 PM PDT

Even a blind man could see this coming. Evelyn Lozada just filed those papers. So she and Chad Johnson have now jacked the crown from the Humphries clan for the shortest marriage in recent celeb history. Deets inside... *We've updated this post with the court documents*

After being married a quick 40 days, Evelyn Lozada just hit Chad Johnson right back...with divorce papers.

TMZ reports Evelyn just signed her name on the dotted line and filed the papers in Florida this afternoon.  The couple reportedly had a prenup but it supposedly won't matter due to the shortness of the marriage.

Her statement she gave this morning about being disappointed in Chad for not taking responsibility in his domestic violence actions were a clear sign the marriage had come to an end.

As we all know, Chad was arrested this past Saturday after a neighbor called the police saying he had just head butted Evelyn during a fight...which was reportedly over a condom receipt being found in Chad's car.

A canceled spinoff show and a canceled marriage.  If this isn't a WOMP filled week I don't know what is...

*UPDATE*  Click HERE to see the actual divorce docs.  The Insider copped the paperwork, in which Evelyn asked for the Pre-nuptial agreement to be upheld, and for Chad to pay her attorney fees.

NFL QB Cutie Cam Newton Gets Sexy For GQ Mag + Condoleezza Rice & Serena Williams Rock NFL Women's Apparel Campaign!

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 01:31 PM PDT

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton covers the September 2012 issue of GQ where he dishes on playing with Tim Tebow (who landed the other cover for the month) in college and mistakes he doesn't plan to repeat.  Deets and more pics of the cutie inside, plus Serena Williams and Condi Rice repping for their fave football teams in a new NFL campaign inside.......

Yes please! Cam Newton, the 23-year-old Carolina Panthers quarterback with a smile that will melt even a non groupie's panties off, shares a dual cover with Tim Tebow for the latest issue of GQ. 

Inside, he revealed that he wishes he was as focused at Tim was, and that he could have used their time together in a more productive way.

“If I had said to Tim, ‘Man, can we spend some extra time to study the playbook?’ he would have done it. I didn’t take advantage of what was right in front of me. If I had, maybe his mentality would have hit me sooner. Basically, I was immature and unfocused. I would never, ever make that mistake again.”

Also in the mag, he sang the praises of his father Cecil saying, "He was like my superhero.  If something was broke, he could fix it. If I was lost somewhere, he would find me. If I was crying, he could cure it. I knew that if I had my father with me, everything was going to be all right."
 

Cam also expressed why he keeps his ego in check saying, "If I come out and say, 'I will be the greatest to ever play this game,' that's a no-no. If I come out and say, 'I will not be stopped this year,' that's a no-no. People want to see humble."

Well said cutie.

See his football & fashion focused spread below:

Don't do it Cam!

Sexy pics!

 

Also in sports........

 

NFL Women's Apparel has just launched a new campaign called "It's My Team."  It features an extremely diverse group of influential women, including Serena Williams, DJ Kiss and Condi Rice.  The line features official NFL clothing like branded boots, glitzed out watches and fitted jerseys.  

This is the first time we've seen former Secretary of State Condoleezza do an ad like this.  And we're loving it.  We all know she is a huge football fan and was once in talks to buy the Cleveland Browns. This is pretty cool to see her so laid back.

 

The Randomness:

1.  "Sparkle" producer Debra Martin Chase inks TV production deal with ABC Networks.  Story.

Brandy STEAMS UP NYC In Short Shorts + Janelle Monae Is The New Face of COVERGIRL!

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 12:33 PM PDT

 

R&B singer Brandy was spotted out and about in NYC today looking hot.  Find out what she's up to in the city and get the deets on Janelle Monae becoming the latest face of COVERGIRL!

 

 

While rocking some premium Giuseppe Zanotti heeless wedges, Brandy was spotted strolling through NYC today.  She's on her promo rounds in her black short shorts and black croc Celine bag that we're loving.

Later on today, she'll be on "106 & Park" premiering her new "Put It Down" video featuring Chris Brown that we told you about.  Will you be watching?

 

In other fab chicks in music news..........

Singer Janelle Monae has been named the newest face of CoverGirl!  She'll be featured in a 10-page ad in VOGUE's Spetember Issue (with Lady Gaga on the cover).  She said that the honor was absolutely significant to her, especially since she usually does her own makeup for her major performances.  The "Tightrope" singer tells VOGUE:

“Growing up and trying to find myself as a woman and experimenting with makeup, I’d go buy magazines.  I’d see Tyra Banks [in the CoverGirl ads] and I’d think, Wow, she’s beautiful. It never looked like she had on too much makeup. There was just something clean and classic about her face.”

Janelle dished on her makeup for her performances saying that she's experimenting with CoverGirl’s Lash Blast Mascara. “I keep my eyes pretty simple but I like to make [my lashes] a little darker and thicker.

And about how her new role will be used to empower women around the role:

“I believe it’s time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them.  One of my core values is to help redefine what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman in the music and fashion worlds and to empower the wonderful things that make us unique. Becoming a COVERGIRL is truly an honor and a gift: it opens up a new platform for me to inspire women to feel stronger, braver and more beautiful inside and out.”

More sneak peeks from the ad campaign:

 

Congrats to Janelle!
 

PICS: SPLASH/CoverGirl

Rick Ross Drops Hot "Amsterdam" Video With Leading Lady Antonique Smith

Posted: 14 Aug 2012 11:49 AM PDT

Rick Ross just dropped his latest visuals of his #1 album God Forgives, I Don't.  And it's the hotness.  Check out Mr. Rozay parlaying in a mansion with his leading lady, singer and actress from the Notorious flick, Antonique Smith...

Directed by DREFilms, the video shows a flossy Rick Ross chilling poolside with his lady, living a luxe life in his mansion, and talking about the hotness of a place some may call an exotic high, Amsterdam.  Maybach Music's resident songstress Teedra Moses is on the vocals.  Check the vid above.

And if you were wondering who's side he's on in the Evelyn vs. Chad hoopla?  His tweet today said it all:

Salute everyone supporting @ochocinco !!Beat the case.new team.new cream. #weback

Beat the case?  Oh.
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