ric rap. Fiction rap. No, no. They’re not bailing me out. They’re [Epic] not standing by me that much. Every time I call them, there’s excuses about [parent company] Sony, this and that. So, nah. It’s more people on the streets that’s standing by me more than them. I haven’t gotten a visit from one of them yet. Nah.”
Raven-Symoné appeared on Wednesday night’s episode of the new hit drama, “Empire.” She was ushered into the show as the possible mother of Jamal’s child. Writers of “Empire” are gearing up to shock viewers with her next appearance that will take place in Episode 10.
“Interestingly enough, I was on the set already visiting friends — Jussie Smollett, Terrence Howard, and everybody — just saying hi and seeing how everyone was doing,” she explained. “I was there for a little while and then I got a call from my manager and he was like, ‘Are you in Chicago?’ I said, ‘Yeah, why?’ ‘They want you to do this role coming up.’ And I said, ‘Wow! I would like to.’ So it was perfect timing.”
Raven-N-Kingsmen
He is absolutely the love of my life,” Fox revealed in an interview. “I really, really cared for him and I loved him very, very much and I always will, but he just wasn’t right for me. That’s hard when you really, really love a person in your heart, you want to be with them, but you finally have to say, ‘He’s just not right for me.’” (“The Meredith Vieira Show”)
Rene Moore, Rufftown Entertainment founder and owner, has filed the lawsuit against the R&B girl group claiming that En Vogue has failed to abide by a deal.
According to legal documents, Moore alleges to have spent an amount of nearly $200,000 in 2010 to fund the major comeback of En Vogue, and it included three originals members— Cindy Heron, Maxine Jones and Terry Ellis. The deal included a new album and a tour.
Sources confirmed that in 2011, video footage showed the trio asserting that they were working on the album. But as it turns out, the ’90s group never managed to complete the album, nor did they execute a tour that was planned to promote their come back.
Unfortunately for Rufftown Entertainment, the money was pledged in vain, as En Vogue abandoned the project while in the middle of working on it.
With seven confirmed dates and more to come, the Harlem group is set to hit the road with DJ Funkmaster Flex in tow. The Hot 97 mainstay is also allegedly hosting their upcoming EP. Confirmed dates are as follows:
02-24 New York, NY – B.B. King Blues Club
02-27 Elizabeth, NJ – Club Allstar
02-28 Brooklyn, NY – CPAC
03-13 New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
03-19 Austin, TX – SXSW
03-20 Providence, RI – Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
03-29 Miami, FL – LIV
I’m just proud that people are talking. Everybody don’t like Barack Obama,” she says, referencing the second episode of the season where her on-screen son, Hakeem (Gray) slams the POTUS, calling him a sellout. “People are out there saying that. That’s what art is supposed to do: expose this shit. You know, we’re dealing with subject matter that’s not really dealt with. Art is supposed to challenge, start a conversation, so let’s lift the carpet up and deal with this dirt. It’s not like we bashed Barack Obama and the show went off. No, Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) jumped in his [son’s] ass. That’s real life stuff. So I’m glad you’re mad. Do something about it. Go in the hood and talk to the kids so they don’t do dumb stuff like that.
Read more in Uptown Magazine
I can’t wait you hear what they are working on!
FOX’s hit series Empire proved that some things can take a little while to get used to, like the image of two gay lovers kissing on TV. We’ve seen it before in other shows, but for some reason, Black people aren’t quite ready for it yet.
‘Empire’ creator Lee Daniels wasn’t too happy with the test audiences that disapproved of 2 men smooching onscreen. After actor Jussie Smollett (Jamal) kissed his onscreen boyfriend Rafael de La Fuente (Michael) in an intimate scene, Washington Post entertainment reporter Cecilia Kang reported that the ratings “plummeted.”
“The test audiences they showed this to…the ratings plummeted,” Kang said. “They did not like that scene at all.
source: NaturallyMoi
The reality star and former beatmaker for Diddy is charged with failing to pay more than $1M in child support for his two kids, despite being paid handsomely for his part on the VH1 show. The judge noted it was strange that the case was being held in federal instead of state court, but prosecutors said that Family Court ‘has not worked.’
Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Steven (Stevie J) Jordan pleaded not guilty Tuesday to being a deadbeat dad.
The reality star and former in-house beatmaker for P. Diddy is charged with failing to pay more than $1 million in child support for two kids despite making $27,000 a month as a star of the VH1 show.
Over the course of 10 years it has not worked.”
Jordan was ordered to pay $6,608 in 2001 for their two kids, which was increased to $8,557 in 2011.
In an Exclusive Interview w/ NECOLE B Toya Wright speaks about Marriage and separation, turning down Love and Hip Hop and the ongoing beef with K. michelle.
On the status of her and Memphtiz relationship and Why He’s Acting Out
The current status of me and my husband [is] we are separated at the moment. And, we’re just- everybody has their marital issues. And right now, you know, we’re separated…..READ MORE ON PAGE 2
The Browns gave their blessing to pull the plug at the stroke of midnight to align the date with the 2012 passing of the legendary singer at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The move is a symbolic way to keep the mother and daughter together for eternity, according to a Brown family source.
The beautiful @therealchilli as the newest brand ambassador for @themanechoice!
For anyone wanting to grow their hair out or looking 4 something to reduce shedding, I use @themanechoice hair vitamins & their green tea conditioning mask. The vitamins have great ingredients that help stimulate growth & this conditioning mask cuts down on excessive shedding and promotes GROWTH! That’s what we want!
Photo credit: Kingsmen
Lecrae took home his second Grammy this week as he won the award for Best Contemporary Christian Song/Performance for his song “Messengers,” which also features the Christian music group for KING AND COUNTRY.
During his acceptance speech he took some time to reflect on his faith in Jesus Christ.
“Love and respect to everybody out here because this is a celebration of gifts. And there’s so many people out here who are gifted, but obviously you can’t celebrate gives without celebrating the giver of all gifts. So I want to celebrate Jesus for gifting us all with the gift of love and sacrifice,” he said.
Married music couple Jay Z and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter are reportedly inching closer to putting together a joint project.
According to mega producer Detail, he has something in the works with the superstar duo.
“I’m working on a couple of new projects that I don’t want to unveil — me and Beyoncé and Jay Z are actually doing something this year,” Detail said in an interview at the Grammy Awards red carpet. “When you think of Jay and Bey together, you think ‘album.’ In my imaginary mind, I will work to say it’s true.” (Billboard)
“I just know that the Grammys, if they want real artists to keep coming back, they need to stop playing with us. We ain’t finna play with them no more,” said Kanye. “And Beck needs to respect artistry, and he should have given his award to Beyoncé.”
As West made his way to the stage, cameras captured the reaction of Bey’s husband and Kanye’s Watch The Throne collaborator Jay Z. The Roc Nation boss initially looked disturbed that his “little brother” was about to repeat his VMA rant, but Jay and most of the crowd ended up laughing off Kanye’s move.
A warrant for his immediate arrest will be issued if he does not turn up at Fulton County State Court in Atlanta at 9am.
READ MORE ON THE NEXT PAGE
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea took to the red carpet in a figure-hugging, cobalt Armani Privé gown and, um, a rather odd choice in hair-wear. The star rocked a milkmaid-meets-crown braid that didn’t quite do it for us, mainly because it gave Iggy makeshift helmet head.
Seriously, the star’s normally cascading blond locks would have been a better counterbalance for her structured Armani dress, but we can at least give it to Iggy for trying a new, unexpected look.
Hairmet aside, the star took another loss tonight: Iggy is not, we repeat, not the Grammy winner for Best Rap Album. Twitter users sounded off on the rapper’s loss, with most expressing relief that Eminem nabbed the award instead.
Taking over the stage, Kanye took a brief minute to taunt and speak out at Nike, the company responsible for his previous two Yeezy sneakers. “I just want to talk to Portland right quick……everybody at the Nike office right quick,” said Kanye before pointing up at Jay Z in the crowd. “Hov..Hov I ain’t going to talk too long, but I got to say something. Cause I know the execs are saying ‘Nike ain’t scared of Kanye West’,” he continued. “Should Nike be scared of Kanye West?,” Kanye asked the crowd before going into a medley of “Black Skinhead,” “New Slaves,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” “Gold Digger,” and “Clique” while Travi$ Scott crowd surfed. (Miss Info TV)
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO ON THE NEXT PAGE
Hot or Not????
Given reports that the rapper will unveil his year-in-the-making new Adidas line on Thursday, Feb. 12 (which is when the countdown ends), during New York Fashion Week, the odds are good that Yeezy.Supply is teasing a sportswear collaboration, and not one with a Beatle. (Wall Street Journal)
adidas has announced the launch of adidas Confirmed, a revolutionary sneaker reservation app which will debut the release of its highly anticipated collaboration with Kanye West. Sneakerheads will receive push notifications for the most coveted releases, before allowing them to reserve a pair in their size at local adidas stores and select wholesale partners. (Hypebeast)
Halfway through Katt’s show the comedian spoke about being high on Percocet and joked about throwing up in the middle of a joke! After drinking water the comedian ran off stage and didn’t return. Ticket holders were left confused and looking for a refund!!!
Some of these cats get so many chances to get it right! Let it be somebody in the hood or one of our homeboys and they ain’t getting that many chances. I hope this slime ball gets it together this time and stay out of trouble! A lot of folks would love to be in a position to do music and tour the world! Let’s see how this works out!
“We are super fans of Kerry Washington here at InStyle. To feature her on the cover of our March spring fashion issue is both an honor and a delight. We have heard from those who have spoken out about our newsstand cover photograph, concerned that Kerry’s skin tone was lightened,” the magazine said in a statement posted on their website. “While we did not digitally lighten Kerry’s skin tone, our cover lighting has likely contributed to this concern. We understand that this has resulted in disappointment and hurt. We are listening, and the feedback has been valuable. We are committed to ensuring that this experience has a positive influence on the ways in which we present all women going forward.”
The letter, which was verified by The Roots’ Questlove as having truth to it, details a collaboration that was in the works at the time featuring some truly legendary hip-hop names representing the East, West, and South.
“I’m doing a record now called ONE NATION it’s a group album with me, Greg Nice, Buckshot, Smiff & Wesson, Outkast, The Outlawz, Scarface & E40,” Shakur revealed in the letter thought to be addressed to a friend.
There is an active criminal investigation underway in Georgia in the Bobbi Kristina case … it centers on possible foul play and the target is her boyfriend … TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us … Bobbi Kristina had certain injuries that have piqued their interest. We do not know the nature of the injuries. Multiple sources tell TMZ there is a history of violence between Bobbi Kristina and boyfriend Nick
We’re told police are looking into a possible altercation more than an hour before Bobbi Kristina was found submerged in a bathtub.
“I think what me and Tim did, our music was so ahead of its time and its still ahead of its time and its not even coming from a cocky or conceited way, I look at Tim and say, ‘What were you on? What were we on? Musically, It can’t be duplicated. Those records are timeless, now when you play them it don’t sound dated. Talent is talent and it’s timeless. That’s just my take on it.” (“Sway In The Morning”)
“Is she influenced by Foxy Brown? Certainly,” the DC native said. “That’s where a lot of her style comes from—Salt-N-Pepa, all of that. That era of hip-hop was her heyday, those are the woman she identifies with.”
The 44-year-old also gushed about Lil’ Kim’s influence not only on Cookie but on hip-hop in general.
“Kim is everything. Today it’s Nicki Minaj, but Nicki Minaj got everything from Kim. Kim came on the scene and made everything change for women—she made it feminine and sexy and hardcore. She was a champion, and she’s certainly Cookie’s champion.”
source: Vogue
Bobbi Kristina Brown’s grandmother Cissy Houston is expected to travel to Georgia to join her family at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, ET has learned. Cissy, who is 81 years old, is expected to be there through the weekend.
Apparently Wayne and Turk have been talking, and it seems that Birdman and Cash Money have been doing some sketchy accounting. Turk claims that the label broke its deal with him and now he’s suing for the rights to his songs just like Tunechi.
Turk is suing for $1.3 Million
Update: Bobby Brown’s lawyer released this statement on Thursday: “If we issued a statement every time the media published a false report regarding this matter, that’s all we would be doing 24 hours a day. This is false, just as is the vast majority of the other reporting that is currently taking place.”
This comes after report that family members gathered to say goodbye.
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION DELIVERS ITS MOST DIVERSE A-LIST ARRAY OF CREATIVE TALENT IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE CAMERA EVER AT THE 6TH ANNUAL 2015 AWARDS CEREMONY
ATTENDEES INCLUDED:
Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Ava DuVernay, Kathryn Bigelow, John Singleton, J.K. Simmons, Chadwick Boseman, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alfre Woodard, David Oyelowo, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Mike Epps, Debra Martin Chase, RZA, Salli Richardson-Whitfield,
Gil Robertson with the cast of Selma
Best Supporting Actor Winners, Tyler Perry and J.K. Simmons
Best Actress, Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Best Actor, David Oyelowo
Best Ensemble Cast, Chadwick Boseman
I just got off the horn with my homie from BK and he was telling me that Jay Z and Roc Nation are working out some type of deal to be ready to offer to Lil Wayne if Birdman fails to cough up that cheese. It seems that Jay fell back from Wayne after he took shots at Bey in songs I the past but J is now looking at how profitable he can be if Wayne comes over to the Roc and bring Nicki and Drake.
There was some hope that Bobby Shmurda would be leaving New York’s Rikers Island this week after his $2 million bail was posted last Friday (Jan. 30) by his “management associates.” The bail application was reportedly withdrawn on Wednesday (Feb. 4) and no new hearing is scheduled, according to the special narcotics prosecutor’s office for New York City.
Defying the usual rules of television, Empire’s ratings have risen each week it has aired, starting at 9.9 million viewers on Jan. 7 and most recently attracting 11.3 million last Wednesday.
Now that we know exactly how Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) managed to wrangle herself an early release, she jumps to a conclusion in Wednesday’s episode of Empire that causes her to react in a way that will almost certainly have her behind bars once again. (Unless, of course, she can get someone to take the fall for her – it worked for Lucious, after all)
With his video $1 million over budget, Lucious commands poor, off-his-meds Andre to find the money to continue financing it, despite the fact that the upcoming IPO has accountants questioning their every expenditure.
What did you like about last nights episode
This isn’t the only free album the Young Money general has up his sleeve. Word has it that Dedication 6 is on the way as well. DJ Drama announced via Instagram that mixtape was on the way, posting the caption “Sorry For The Wait 2. Carter V. Dedication 6.” under a pic of him, Wayne and Mack Maine.
Officially a Lafayette Leopard! can’t say enough how thankful & blessed I am to be in this position…was a long year, but through it all I was able to stay focused & accomplish my goal attending a very good school & playing D1 football without my parents having to pay a dime…& to top it off, I get to go to school with my brother from another. can’t think of a better situation to be in. & to all the people who supported me & even the people who hated on me, thank you. I appreciate you all. & last, but not least… #GoPards !!
-CJ Amill
Proud father & uncle… Not only is CJ going on to play D1 football but so if my nephew Jalen who gave his verbal commitment to Youngstown St…!!! Congrats Missy & Jason Austin… Maybe we will finally get to see them play in the playoffs… #D1Family
-Chris Amill Sr.
“I don’t want to be 50 years old and rapping, man. I’m pretty sure nobody wants to do that. I’m pretty sure Jay Z don’t wanna rap right now,” Thug says. “If you’re 30, 40 years old, you’re not getting listened to by minors. Like, Jay Z has some of the sickest lyrics ever, but I would never buy his CD, just because of my age and because of his age. By the time I turn that old, I ain’t gonna be doing what he’s doing.” (GQ)
Source: GQ
Photo Credit: Kingsmen Media
We’ve learned … Beyonce and Jay Z are currently living in a hotel in Beverly Hills and actively looking for an estate to buy on the westside of L.A., which includes Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills and Bel-Air. We’re told they have already discreetly looked at a number of homes, but so far none fit the bill.
We’ve also learned the famous couple enrolled their 3-year-old into a toddler program at an elite private school — we know which one but we’re not naming it. But we will tell you, the tuition is $15,080 a year.
We’re told Blue Ivy was admitted halfway through the school year, which is unusual. The school generally only accepts students at the beginning of the school year.
As for why they’re moving, sources connected with the couple tell us they want “a change in lifestyle.” You’ll recall, Bey and Jay spent the summer in a $200K a month rental near Bev Hills.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3QnXvhp51
After the Detroit Free Press told of Robertson’s arduous 21-mile trek to and from his suburban factory job, the story inspired thousands of donations from across the nation. A day later, the soft-spoken machine operator got to meet the computer student from Wayne State University who launched an Internet crowd-funding site to gather more than $230,000 — a figure expected to continue to climb today.
E! News has found out that Roswell Police Department detectives are investigating the possibility that another person or persons may have been in Bobbi Kristina’s home the morning she was found by Nick Gordon face down in a bathtub but fled before law enforcement arrived.
According to a source, police officers in recent days have asked storeowners in the commercial Ellard Village strip mall adjacent to Bobbi Kristina’s gated community if they saw any suspicious persons or movements on Saturday morning prior to the police arriving at the scene.
We gave it a try and unfortunately it did not work out for both parties,” Shaw told ESPN.com “It is an amicable separation. Roc Nation was very professional at our meeting and they allowed me to keep all of my fighters and my company, and terminate any agreements we had together. They gave me back my company.”
Other boxers Hov lost under the split include Darleys Perez, Tureano Johnson, Jonathan Maicelo, Kenneth Sims Jr., Francisco Santana, Roman Morales and Daniel Geale.
Bobby Brown’s lawyer has issued a statement over Bobbi Kristina Brown’s marital status.
As Bobbi Kristina, the daughter of the late Whitney Houston and singer Bobby Brown, continues to fight for her life in a hospital in Atlanta, her father’s lawyer issued a statement to Access Hollywood , noting an investigation is underway, and that the young woman is not married to Nick Gordon.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been suspended for at least a year without pay due to his most recent violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
“Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns has been suspended without pay for at least one year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse,” the NFL announced Tuesday. “Gordon’s suspension begins immediately.”
“We have not returned to the house since the incident, and we will not be making any further statements about this rescue call,” Lisa Holland, the Roswell Police Department’s Public Information Officer, said.
Diddy will not reportedly let his son, Quincy, shine on the new overnight hit Fox show, “Empire.”
Details of Puffy’s issues with the popular show stems over music rights have surfaced this week.
Lee Daniels’ hip-hop drama “Empire” is the hottest show on TV, and actors and musicians are lining up for roles. But Sean “Diddy” Combs pulled his adopted son, Quincy, from the cast after getting into a fight with 20th Century Fox TV over music rights, Page Six has exclusively learned. (Page Six)
Rapper Dee-1 turned down a deal with Cash Money worth millions because it didn’t feel right in his spirit. Check out the interview below.
httpv://youtu.be/-EwSjBkcXW8
photo credit: Kingsmen Media
Nicki Continues to deny that she is dating Meek Mill but she continues to keep the rumors up with IG pics!!! What do you think????
“Tyler was absolutely shocked by the news,” the source tells Us. “He heard the news and immediately offered Bobby Brown a flight in his private jet, which is why they arrived at the hospital together.”
Brown took the private jet from L.A. to Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 31, to rush to his daughter’s bedside. Another insider tells Us that Perry was already bound for Atlanta. “He called Bobby immediately and offered to take him,” the source tells Us.
Two hours after a suspicious package was found, motorists were being strongly advised to avoid downtown Atlanta. Those already driving are being forced off the interstates, causing traffic backups around downtown. And rush hour hasn’t even officially started.
“When you’re at the top, there’s only one place to aim at. Love conquers all. I do know that, no matter what, we’re a family. We’re not always the bestest friends, but we love each other underneath it all. I know Wayne and Baby love each other. And I know they’re going to resolve anything that needs to be resolved.”
Sylvester