The Daily Buzz for Aug 12

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Queen Latifah COVERS (THR)  "The Hollywood Reporter”"

On September 16, media mogul Queen Latifah will make a heralded return to the daytime television market with The Queen Latifah Show.  Folks who tune into the Sony Pictures Television show will see Queen Latifah tap cover a mixture of celebrity interviews and human interest pieces....and she'll even sing!  But you shouldn't expect any revelations about her personal life.  

Holly Jacobs, executive vp syndication and reality programming at Sony Pictures Television said,

"It's her choice what she chooses to talk about....It doesn't feel relevant to me because we're just making a big, entertaining show and celebrating all of life. There's a difference between talking about one's personal life and one's point of view and perception of the world and how they see it. And I respect that people need to put boundaries to whatever they want to talk about."

But that doesn't mean the show will steer away from controversial topics.  The Queen Latifah Show has already been sold to 94 percent of the country and its host does not plan to miss out on polarizing issues.

When asked about the George Zimmerman verdict, Queen told THR, "I like that that trial brings up race and people's fears. But I don't necessarily need to sensationalize it. I would like to find a more interesting way to talk about it without trivializing it."

Elsewhere in the article, Queen talks about the death of her beloved brother, keeping her personal life "personal" and how she feels about the growing number of Black talk show hosts.  Here are the highlights:

On the death of her brother:

"I know what it is to really lose someone, and the devastation that it causes and the confusion and the helplessness and the desperation and utter grief. There's nothing closer to me than my brother. That was my foundation. Mommy, Daddy, my brother, from the moment I was born, they were in my life. But I also know some of the little things that can trigger your emotions. You may smell something that reminds you of that person, and it will just flood all of these emotions through you. And it just comes back and you don't even expect it. Sometimes it's not only the big knock-you-over-the-head things, it's the subtle things."

On how she learned to control her destiny:

"Poverty will do that. When you want something that you can't afford, you do what you have to do. Our goal was to use our creativity to turn it into a business that would change the circumstances of our families. For Shakim and me, once we did it, we realized we were really good at it. We could do this all day. Business is fun. Controlling your own destiny is fun. Creating an idea and turning it into a movie; finding an artist and guiding their career and bringing them to some type of status -- there's joy in that. We didn't go to college. But we're smart people. We're hustlers, we're definitely going to get it done. But we also know where we came from. Nobody wants to go back there. We love the 'hood, but nobody wants to go back who makes it out."

On if there are too many Black talk show hosts:

Absolutely not. There's a reason that Steve Harvey is succeeding. He has a huge fan base. I listen to him on the radio. I watch him on Family Feud. Wendy Williams was a big-time radio host. And that's an underserved market. You'd need about 10 African-American hosts on TV for it to be saturated, but we're nowhere near that."

On sexuality: "That's mine. For me"

“I don’t feel the need to discuss my private life on this show or any other show,” Latifah says. “There’s the part of my life that the public and I share together. And there’s the part that’s mine to keep for myself. And that’s mine. For me.”

On bringing positivity to television:

“I have to be realistic about what I can and can’t do,” Latifah says. “So whatever I do has to really be worth it. I like to master the things I do. Making this show great, that’s my focus right now. I want to bring some positivity to daytime TV.”

On mastering the art of television

I have to be realistic about what I can and can't do," she says. "So whatever I do has to really be worth it. I like to master the things I do. Making this show great, that's my focus right now. I want to bring some positivity to daytime TV."

“Lah is every woman...“I remember seeing her in black-and-white photos.  She was barefoot and wrapped in this African garb with this African headpiece. I was so inspired by the courage of this young female MC. - Jada Pinkett Smith (one of The Queen Latifah Show producers).

Did Keri Hilson & Serge Ibaka Call It Quits 

It's true!! Singer/songwriter Keri Hilson has ended her relationship with Oklahoma City basketball player, Serge Ibaka. :(

What once started off as a mere rebound became months of love (and tons of Instagram pictures) from the lovely couple.

Find out the details of the breakup courtesy of NoMercyForYourFaves.com when Read below: 

From NoMercyForYourFaves:

According to Gossipwelove, after months of dating and sharing photos of themselves together on Instagram along with debuting her new ‘Poetic Justice style box-braids’ a few days ago, R&B singer Keri Hilson and her baller boo thang, Serge Ibaka, have “allegedly” called it quits. 

According to a few Twitter peeps, a poster was uploaded last night saying that Serge unfollowed Hilson on Twitter. Now, fans are buzzing about what happened between the once (or still is) happy couple.

No one really knows what the cause of this break up might be, but if you're into cougars Ms. Keri baby is back on the prowl.

Lady Gaga and her Stylist Part Ways

He has been with Lady Gaga for some of her most outrageous looks, but now her stylist Nicola Formichetti is stepping aside.

In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily, the 36-year-old told the publication that while he will always support her, he needs to focus on other commitments.

"She's going to be my BFF forever, but my ex-assistant Brandon Maxwell is heading that project," he said. "I'm too busy with other commitments. I've done two albums with her, it's been like five years, and you know, I'm always going to be involved somehow, but I cannot do it every day."

Mr. Fomichetti also revealed an interesting fact about the pop icon saying, "She changes 12 times a day; it's insane.”

 Gaga’s next album, ARTPOP, her first since Born this Way, is due out on November 11.

EXCLUSIVE — Dwyane Wade’s Legal Bills in Divorce Reach $10 Million! 

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade and ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches: $10 million in legal bills for their divorce! 

Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade‘s divorce could end up costing him $10 million in legal bills!

Repeat: 10 MILLION BUCKS for a divorce!

Two of the dozen or so lawyers in two states involved with Wade’s split from high school sweetheart Siohvaughn Funches tell website Gossip Extra that the past few months in the six-year battle will undoubtedly run the total tab up to that stunning figure!

 “We were at about $8 million last year, and now we’re definitely at $10 million,” said one of the lawyers, asking not to be named in the story. “He’s paying more for lawyers than what he is paying his wife for the settlement.

“It was a complicated case, but it may have become personal.”

According to Gossip Extra D Wade has been paying for his and Funches’ attorneys automatically through a special bank account. It’s funded partly with a small portion of his Heat salary, and partly with endorsements.

 “My gut feeling is that he doesn’t even know how much he’s paying (in legal bills),” the source added.

Wade filed for divorce in his native Chicago in 2007.

He eventually won full custody of the couple’s two sons, but Funches has the boys for two weekends per month, and a full month in summer.

Financial issues were finally settled in Chicago last month, with Wade agreeing to pay Funches $5 million cash plus a couple of cars and their marital home near the Windy City.

The case included several appeals, and several hundred motions.

Last week, for example, a judge in Miami ordered Wade to surrender his kids to Funches after Wade asked that the visitation schedule be suspended.

The ball player was represented at the hearing by four attorneys, and Funches had two — and what was to be a 30-minute hearing ended up lasting more than three hours!

James Pritikin, Wade’s main attorney in Chicago, did not respond to a request for comment.

Out & About: Michelle Williams Is All Smiles While Out In NYC

Michelle Williams was spotted in New York City recently, making a few rounds in support of her upcoming album, Journey to Freedom. The “If We Had Your Eyes” singer beamed in blue, rockin’ a flared sleeveless dress, which she paired with hot pink pumps.

She stopped by the offices of ESSENCE for a special visit, and lunch with staff. While there, she was photographed reading a copy of the magazine’s latest issue; featuring her fellow Destiny’s Child member, Kelly Rowland, on the cover.

Photos: PacificCoastNews/Instagram

Tina Turners Wedding Photos

Tina Turner tied the knot with longtime partner Erwin Bach last month. The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at their home on the banks of Lake Zurich in Switzerland, where they were joined by celebrity guests including Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King and others. The newlyweds shared their wedding photos soon after the event — view after the click:

Tina and Erwin, moved into nearby five-star hotel The Dolder Grand for a week beforehand, with the bride popping home daily to check everything was going according to plan. Thousands upon thousands of roses, flown in specially from Amsterdam.

The couple arrived together for the ceremony with Erwin driving a black Phantom convertible Rolls-Royce, to the sound of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, feeling no nerves, just overwhelming happiness.

Tina donned a nontraditional black and green gown by Georgio Armani, and requested that all of her female guests wear white, while male guests were asked to wear black.

Tina Turner sat down with Oprah for Oprah’s Next Chapter that will air August 25th on OWN. Oprah traveled to the South of France for an intimate conversation with rock and roll legend Tina Turner. 

In the only interview following the iconic singer’s private wedding ceremony in Switzerland to longtime love Erwin Bach, Oprah joins Tina during a stop on their honeymoon, to talk love, retirement and her private life out of the spotlight.

Drake Covers XXL's 150th Issue -- Addresses Amanda Bynes & His Competition With Kanye 

Drizzy is covering the special 150th issue of XXL and is telling all about why he stays real and others don't, his biggest competition (Mr. West) and that murderous vajayjay comment from Amanda Bynes.

Check out the highlights inside...

He's the guy you can blame for the rampant #StartedFromTheBottomNowWeHere hashtags on Instagram and beyond.  And he's also once again created major buzz around his upcoming album.  Toronto's native son Drake is dishing to XXL about how the Jewish community sees his tv-to-rap success, murdering vajayjay and more.

Check the highlights:

ON THE NEW ALBUM

I remember coming into this year thinking, “How am I going to cut through all these people and shine?” I’ve never been part of a year when so many legends are dropping projects. How am I going to be seen? I’m going to be like the kid waving in the background in the photo with all of his tall relatives. And, I guess, those were my initial thoughts, and not to say that I haven’t enjoyed some of the stuff that has come out this year, but it didn’t pan out the way I thought it was going to. I think I am going for it, to really establish what are murmurs or things being said quietly, “Um, I think that Drake might actually…” On September 17th I want people to be like, “Oh, we were right.”

ON HIS IMAGE

Do I think that if I didn’t have, for lack of a better term, a unique look about me, if I was from somewhere in America and if I hadn’t been on a kids TV show [Degrassi: The Next Generation], would I be as famous? I don’t know, man. Honestly, I don’t think so. I was just some young kid on a TV show. And I haven’t become anything else while I’ve been in this position. It’s not like I got here and was like, “Oh, got to switch up my image.” I don’t wake up nervous. I feel like maybe a lot of these guys do. How old are you, really? What is your background, really? What have you really done in the drug game, in the thug game?

ON THE COMPETITION

It’s tough for me. That’s a guy I can’t pretend not to like. He’s the guy to me, in a lot of ways. That’s Kanye West. But I’m also here to be the best. I’m here to surpass. I’m here to outdo. I’m ready for whatever with anybody.

ON HIS SUCCESS

I get Jewish people coming up to me proud like, “Mazel Tov, bro. Come to my house for Shabbat dinner.”

AMANDA BYNES

I don’t even know who that is doing that or what that’s about. If that is her, I guess it’s a little weird and disturbing. It’s obviously a behavioral pattern that is way bigger than me. Whoever is behind it, whether it’s her or somebody else, they know people are paying attention so they keep it going.

Drake's Nothing Was The Same album hits stores September 17th while his XXL cover issue hits stands August 20th. 

And if that's not enough emo-rapperdom for your life, the "Hold On, We're Going Home" rapper is kicking off his 41-city "Would You Like A Tour?" tour September 25th in Portland.

The Iconic Jackie Robinson statue defaced with racist slurs, swastikas outside Cyclones park!

A despicable act of vandalism sparked a chorus of outrage after swastikas and racist slurs were found scrawled on the iconic Jackie Robinson statue outside the Brooklyn Cyclones stadium.

A manager at MCU Park in Coney Island stumbled upon the defaced statue about 8:30 a.m., just hours before thousands of kids showed up at the ballpark for Camp Day.

Among the hate-filled messages written in black marker on the monument of Robinson and his Brooklyn Dodgers teammate Pee Wee Reese were: “Hile (sic) Hitler,” “Die N----r” and “F--k Jackie Robinson and all N------s.”

A worker covers the base of the Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese, where vile slurs written in marker could not be removed from the stone.  

In a bid to help cops catch the hate-filled coward, The NY Daily News is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

Investigators were poring over surveillance video. The desecration drew fiery denunciations from a slew of politicians and former baseball stars — including one of Robinson’s last living teammates, Ralph Branca.

 “I have no idea why anyone would do that,” Branca, 87, told the Daily News. “The statue signified a great moment in American history.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer, in a surprise visit to the site, lashed out at the perpetrator.

 “I hope you’re punished for what you did because what [you] did put a dagger in the heart of what America is all about,” Schumer said.

 “That there are still people who don’t understand what Jackie Robinson stood for in his grace, and his strength and the beautiful person he was and to try and deface him, defame him by defacing this statue is just an act of . . . it’s beyond words to me,” he added.

Photos of the defaced statue obtained show an image of a swastika above a Hitler reference and the word “N-----s” scrawled twice on the base, just above the inscription detailing the monument’s significance. The bronze and stone statue commemorates one of the most touching moments in baseball history. Robinson, the first black man to play in the major leagues, was met with a barrage of racist taunts and death threats when he strode out onto Cincinnati’s Crosley Field during his rookie year in 1947.

The stone could not be scrubbed clean so it was covered. 

“It was a great gesture on his part,” Branca told The News. “That took some guts, some courage.”

The statue, erected in 2005, shows the two players, with Reese’s arm around Robinson’s shoulder.

 “I remember Jackie talking about Pee Wee’s gesture the day it happened,” Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, told The New York Times after the statue was unveiled.

Parks workers try to wash away the scrawl that reminds of 1947, when Jackie Robinson made his major league debut amid much discrimination. 

“It came as such a relief to him, that a teammate and the captain of the team would go out of his way in such a public fashion to express friendship.”

Team officials believe the crime happened between midnight and 6 a.m., according to a police source.

Nazi symbols and racist commentary defaces the state of Jackie Robinson, a great American pioneer. 

After the graffiti was discovered, a crew of workers scrubbed clean the legs of the statue ahead of the team’s 11 a.m. game. The Parks Department had to be called in to try to erase the swastika and other messages on the statue’s stone base.

 “We had 7,000 fans coming to the game and the vast majority were kids from local camps,” said Billy Harner, spokesman for the Cyclones, a minor-league affiliate of the Mets.

Most of the scrawling was gone by late morning, but part of the base was still hidden from public view by a garbage bag that night.

 “Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese embody the humanity and inclusiveness that make our borough, city and country great,” the Cyclones organization said in a statement. “It is both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing that this statue, which is a symbol of equality and tolerance, has been defaced in such an offensive and hateful way.”

The vandalism also disgusted fans streaming out of the ballpark Wednesday.

 “This is messed up what transpired,” said Noel Aguillar. “All the kids are here.”

American baseball player Pee Wee Reese, pictured in 1955, put his arm around Jackie Robinson during an emotional moment in Cincinatti during Robinson's rookie year in 1947. 

Patrick Gabour, who volunteers at Cyclones games, was visibly angry as he sat outside the statue with a couple bottles of paint remover.

“It’s disgusting,” said Gabour. “I could understand it 20, 30, 40 years ago, but you know what? It’s not like that now.”

The statue outside MCU Park in Coney Island shows Pee Wee Reese putting his arm around Jackie Robinson, as a symbol of solidarity. 

Coney Island resident Queenie Huling agreed.“It's very offensive,” said Huling, 67, who is a former president of the Brooklyn chapter of the National Action Network. “It’s a true insult to this community and to Jackie Robinson.”

The iconic statue of Jackie Robinson outside of MCU Park is one of the first things vistiors see when going to a Brooklynj Cyclones game. 

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz also expressed his dismay. “I’m beyond disgusted by the defacing of the #JackieRobinson monument,” he posted on Twitter.

A total of 36 cameras are installed inside and outside the stadium, but none is trained directly on the statue.

“We’re hopeful that with different angles, we’ll be able to put something together,” Harner said.

Police are investigating the vandalism as a possible hate crime.

Big Boi Casts Doubt On Celebrity Big Brother Rumours 

Big Boi may not be on a reality show

Rapper Big Boi has played down reports suggesting he is set to join the cast of British reality show Celebrity Big Brother, insisting he never gave producers an official answer.

The Outkast star reportedly signed a $450,000 (£300,000) deal with network bosses at Channel 5 to appear in the fly-on-the-wall reality series, which will begin airing later this month (Aug13), but Big Boi claims the announcement he'll be a part of the show is premature.

In a statement issued to the Wall Street Journal, the hip-hop veteran explains: "They (Big Brother producers) reached out to my team a while back. I was on my way back from Canada, they started saying I was set to be on there... and it wasn't true."

However, Big Boi isn't ruling out the Tv gig completely, adding: "I don't know. I've been on the road... They were talking to my team but I don't know what happened after that. I never said yes or no, ever."

Sylvester Stallone VS Bruce Willis?

Sylvester Stallone Calls Bruce Willis Greedy and Lazy

Sylvester Stallone who stars in the movie Expendables along with Bruce Willis is calling him out… Bruce Willis who was apart of the franchise didn’t leave on amicable terms so they replaced him with Harrison Ford. Production on “The Expendables 3″ is set to begin this month. Jackie Chan, Wesley Snipes and Milla Jovovich are expected to join the cast, possibly alongside Mel Gibson. Look for “Expendables 3″ to arrive in theaters next year.

Sylvester Tweeted out “Greedy and Lazy is a sure formula for career failure…” But I’m pretty sure Bruce Willis is chillin, he has his new Movie Red 2 that dropped this year, w, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lee Byung-hun, Anthony Hopkins, and Helen Mirren, so he is not stressing. If anything Sylvester Stallone is a struggle that he can’t cross over from his Rambo days…

Groupie Puts Lebron On Blast On Savannah’s Instagram…

Lord Jesus, the saga continues… Well we told you how Lebron and his friends were recruiting groupies in Toronto this past weekend and how  they were making sure that people weren’t snapping any pictures of the NBA player and if they caught you, you were kicked out!… Now I guess Savannah posted something on her Instagram and someone put Lebron on blast…  Check out the message inside.

 MrsLondonroe continued to leave messages on Savannah’s page, claiming not to be hating, jealous or the actually “groupie” she alleged was with Lebron but as a woman she wanted to let her know how her soon to be husband acts, ok MrsLondonroe why were you at this hotel?

At the end of the day Savannah knows the type of dude Lebron is, so there is nothing new under the sun that anyone can tell her. I can’t wait until they make it official next month!

AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES

‘Floral Vs. Stripes’

It’s common knowledge that the purpose of pants is to cover up your underwear right? I haven’t kept my finger on the pulse of this topic as much as I probably should but that’s probably because I thought it was a non-issue. I guess I’ll have to be more attentive now. Thanks

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD EVERYBODY!!!

EFREM

The Daily Buzz For March 19

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Nia Long Rocks The Cover Of JET, Dishes On Her Engagement Ring Search

Nia Long, who's looking fresh faced and effortlessly gorge in her brand new photoshoot for JET, talks exclusively to the mag about the harsh reality that pushed her into the industry. And she tells all about dodging career damaging scandals to finessing time to how she dotes on the men in her life.

With original cover art and exclusive & never before seen family photos (provided by Nia herself), the 42-year-old mom of two boys talks about marriage, choosing her career path and reviving her character Jordan in The Best Man Holiday ("I don't wanna hear about no g****** peas!"). Here's a few excerpts...

Nia on dream career:

“I wanted to be a pediatrician…I promised that I’d give myself one year from the day I graduated from high school to make movies in the business…I really wanted to help my mom, who was struggling.

Nia on marriage:

“Last time I visited San Antonio we looked at rings, but I’m not in any rush.”

The issue hits newsstands March 18. 

Check out more about the upcoming content over at JetMag.com.

Beyonce talks about losing baby weight: ‘I’m not a person that is naturally very thin’

Beyonce covers the April issue of Shape Magazine. I LOVE that swimsuit. It’s so cute, and I love that she isn’t hanging out of it. This is her first time covering Shape, I think. And guess what she’s talking about? You’ll never believe it. She’s talking about how much weight she gained while pregnant (side-eye) and how difficult it was to lose the weight (side-eye) and how anyone can lose weight if they just live like Beysus. So inspirational! Or something.

 “Talking about weight can be a very touchy subject for women,” according to Shape magazine editor-in-chief, Tara Kraft (and, well, millions of other moms out there), but someone has to do it. Who better than one of the 100 sexiest women of the 21 Century herself? Beyonce Knowles.

Shape’s April 2013 issue features Knowles, who Kraft says is bravely willing to go where few women have gone — talking about weight — “because she wanted to make every woman out there feel like they, too, could achieve what she did.”

In case you blinked and missed what that achievement is, Knowles goes on to explain it — going from bootylicious pre-baby fabulousness to pregnancy and back, all in the span of three months — in a behind-the-scenes video of her Shape magazine cover shoot.

 “I gained 57 pounds when I was pregnant. I didn’t have a lot of time to lose the weight, because I scheduled a show three months after I gave birth, which I would never do again,” Knowles says in the minute-and-a-half video clip. “I’m not a person that is naturally very thin. I am a person that has to work at keeping my body in shape,” she goes on to say, adding that dance is what keeps her active.

Add cardio, lunges, and a diet full of veggies and lean meat to that, according to Shape editor-at-large, Bahar Takhtehchian, who revealed to The Insider last year what Beyoncé’s post-baby fitness routine consisted of. Trainer Marco Borges said it’s one vegan meal a day that has helped Bey keep her nearly 60 pound weight gain at bay.

But while “it’s really really hard to lose your baby weight, because you don’t always have the time,” as Kraft admits, it’s easy to work it into your lifestyle the way Beyoncé does, she says. “She’s not setting the bar too high, she’s helping everyone feel like they can get there.”

Beyoncé, on the other hand, says that where she is, isn’t necessarily where everyone else needs to be. “Not everyone is supposed to be the same. Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you.”

[From Shape Magazine via HuffPo]

Even though Beyonce is usually deserving of some “O RLY”-screams, I like that she acknowledges that “Not everyone is supposed to be the same” and at least her trainer isn’t trying to tell all women that they need to lose all of their baby weight and do it right now. So, in some ways Beyonce and her team are WAY better than Gwyneth Paltrow and Tracy “Let Me Take Off Your Pants So I Can Body-Shame You” Anderson. Now, even with Beyonce’s caveats, I still don’t believe that it was so super-easy for her to “get back into shape” after the baby. By most accounts, she was dancing, training and working out for like eight hours a day after Blue Ivy was born. And that’s not realistic for most women.

Snoop Lion Proposes Solution To Gun Violence

Exclusive: The emcee formerly known as Snoop Dogg also explains why he decided to be open about his religion with his fans.

The maturation of the artist formerly known as Snoop Dogg continues its press run. On Wednesday March 5, the multi-platinum selling Hip Hop icon spoke with media members about his upcoming documentary, Reincarnated in West Hollywood, California's famed Westlake Studios. The film details the one-time Doggfather’s spiritual journey to Jamaica and entrance into the Rastafari religion, the creation of his first Reggae release (Reincarnated) as well as the birth of his new moniker: Snoop Lion.

Snoop Lion Explains Why He Shared His Faith With His Fans

Sitting in what’s referred to as Westlake's “Bubbles’ Room”—a space built for Michael Jackson’s pet chimpanzee during the Thriller recording sessions in 1982—Snoop spoke in depth about his spiritual transformation and why he decided to share his journey with his fans. “One thing about it is that when it’s in you, it’s in you and you can’t do nothing but let it out of you,” he told HipHopDX.

“It’s a spirit thing,” he continued. It’s not even about being bashful or shy. I’ve never been offensive with [my beliefs]. I’ve always been the one to let people know slowly but surely who I am. I don’t force it on you or try to make you become what I am—whether it was the gangster shit; whether it was me hanging with the Fruit Of Islam; [whether it was] me being with the Rastafari, whatever. I’ve never forced anything on people other than what you believe.”

Snoop’s religious affiliations were largely pushed to the background of his gangster rapping, marijuana loving reputation. However, the Doggystyle-emcee says that he never intentionally hid his faith.

“Sometimes the questions are posed as to what do I believe in and what do I stand for,” he explained. “But if those questions aren’t asked, there’s no need to speak on it because my religion is a liberty. It’s the way I live. Not what is presented to me or what is supposed to be religion. To me the best religion is the way you live. Not by a book or by what someone tells you. By the way you live. That’s your religion because it’s your life and it tells exactly who you are and what’s gonna happen when you’re gone. That’s my belief.”

Snoop Lion also discussed the creation of his first Reggae release—Reincarnated—a departure from his Rap roots that is executive produced by Diplo & Major Lazer. Stepping away from the cypher wasn’t a challenge for Snoop. He says he was comfortable making a Reggae album because Reggae was always “intertwined” into his music.

“It was always in there but never at the forefront,” he noted to DX. “As far as being challenging, nah. It’s all music. It’s all melodies and harmonies. It’s what feels good to you. Reggae music feels good if you do it right. I’ve always been able to do it right but I’ve never been able to do it all. So I wanted to step in and do it right and do it all at the same time.”

Along with Diplo & Major Lazer, Reincarnated the album features production by 6Blocc, Dre Skull, Supa Dups, and Ariel Rechtshaid. Notable appearances include Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes on “Remedy,” Akon on “Tired Of Running” and Collie Buddz on “Smoke The Weed.” Snoop’s daughter Cori B is featured on “No Guns Allowed”—an anti-gun violence anthem which also features Drake rhyming in an Andre 3000-like style.

Snoop Lion Shares Solution To Rise In Gun Violence

When asked his thoughts on what individuals can do to help quell the recent rise of shootings nationwide, Snoop offered a solution. “One of them is doing what I’m doing: correcting my mistakes by being a better person and putting out more energy and more music that represents what we’re going through as opposed to what we went through,” he said. The Lion continued:

“I ain’t going through that no more. I’m going through what you’re going through, watching the world and watching the power that I have and watching the way people react when I walk into a room. What should I do with this power? Should I abuse it? Should I continue to send my peoples down the wrong path? Or should I at least try to wake them up and let them know that there is another way and show them that the way that I’m doing it may be the new way. They’ve been following everything else that I’ve been giving them, let me give them something that got some substance to it with thought behind it.”

During last July's New York City press conference where he first announced his name change, Snoop Lion said he was initially drawn to Jamaica because he always thought he was "Bob Marley reincarnated." Last January, original Bob Marley & The Wailers member, Bunny Wailer lambasted Snoop's Rasta conversion, calling it an "outright fraudulent use of the Rastafari communities personalities and symbolism." In response to Wailer, Rohan Marley—Bob Marley's son—spoke out in support of Snoop Lion.    

Reincarnated the album is available for purchase on April 23.

T.I and Tiny SPLITTING UP?

Well the liars over at Mediatakeout is saying one of Atlanta’s favorite couples is splitting up.

Peep the bull sh*t!

From Media takeout

It really HURTS OUR HEART to have to report this . .. but . . . according to a person IN THE KNOW, rapper TI and his wife Tiny are having some MARITAL STRIFE.

The insider, who spoke to MediaTakeOut.com on the condition on anonymity, tells us that the pair has been arguing MORE THAN USUAL since making the move out to Los Angeles. And that people close to the couple fear that the two may be headed for DIVORCE.

And, TI appeared to CONFIRM what we were hearing. Peep what he sent out to fans via Instagram. He deleted the posts HOURS LATER when Twitter followers began asking if he and Tiny were SPLITTING UP.

Stay Tuned!

R&B Prodigy R.Kelly’s Finances Exposed By HACKERS!

R&B legend R. Kelly is next in the celebrity hacked credit scandal.  The hacker(s) for seemingly unstoppable Soviet Union website Exposed.su.

According to the documents shared website, R.Kelly owes  a lot of debt to the Chase Bank.  Looks like the singer allegedly has a foreclosure, and he’s more than 30 payments past due.

He has a Chase credit card in collections, and civil judgement against him for $30K

Why can’t these hacker(s) be stopped!!

Former WNBA Star Chamique Holdsclaw Pleads NOT GUILTY!!

WNBA Legend Chamique Holdsclaw pleads not guilty today in court. Check this out, if she is convicted he’s facing up to 65 years in prison.

According to TMZ:

WNBA legend Chamique Holdsclaw insists she’s no violent gun-slinging psychotic ex-girlfriend … pleading not guilty to aggravated assault after allegedly firing a gun inside her ex-GF’s car.

Holdsclaw entered the plea in Atlanta this morning — also pleading not guilty to criminal damage in the first degree, criminal damage in the second degree, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Holdsclaw m who’s currently free on bond — was charged with the laundry list of crimes last month.

Holdsclaw  considered one of the greatest players in WNBA history — was arrested in Atlanta last year for a violent encounter with ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lacy.

According to the police report, 35-year-old Holdsclaw attacked Lacy’s car with a baseball bat and then fired a gun into the vehicle’s backseat while Lacy sat in the driver’s seat.

Chaka Khan Featured on Billboard Magazine!

Music legend Chaka Khan graces the cover of Billboard’s first-ever augmented reality cover, the issue will be available March 16th.  The cover works in conjunction to Printergize–an augmented reality app that allows the cover to come to life on ChakaKhan.com.

While logged on to Chaka’s site, you’re able to see her 100 Days of Chaka campaign which marks the 100 days from her 60th birthday (March 23) to the anniversary of the release of her first recorded album with Rufus, “Rufus” (July 1, 1973) 40 years ago. You will literally watch Chaka’s career on a daily basis

K. Michelle & Rasheeda's Husband, Kirk Frost, Go At It On Twitter!!

I really don't know what's going on here, but just a few hours ago Vh1 "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" cast members K. Michelle and Kirk Frost (Rasheeda's husband) went at it on Twitter!!

I'm not really sure why the two got into an argument over a social network, but whatever it was, K. Michelle was spilling ALL the tea on Kirk!

Whether the tea was hot or not, K. Michelle spared no mercy on the brother. Just check out some of the tweets K. Michelle sent Kirk's way below:

If you thought the above tweets were bad, it gets worse! So find out why K. Michelle went in on Kirk Frost when you look below:

Here's the back story. Apparently, Kirk Frost started with K. Michelle and posted up the above photo. That's when all hell broke loose and K. Michelle spared no mercy!

However, she wasn't finished with Kirk as she had more to say below:

Now it all makes sense. Now what say you?

HBO’s Treme Actor Ameer Baraka Joins Oprah

Ameer Baraka is many things: a model for Master P‘s No Limit Apparel brand, an actor in the acclaimed HBO drama series Treme and FOX‘s “The Unit”, a producer, a director, a fitness enthusiast…and a man with a criminal history. Now, the 36-year old is taking on the role of a lifetime―himself. It sounds like the easiest part to play in front of a camera, but the reality is completely different. The story he’s telling isn’t just his own, but those stories of hundreds of children in New Orleans who are on the fast-track to a life in prison, without redemption, without hope. Having experienced first-hand the worst society has to offer, Baraka has risen above his past and more importantly, wants his rising tide to lift the spirits, hopes and dreams of every young man and woman who thinks they have no alternatives.

His web series “N.O.L.A. Life,” co-produced by Danny Garcia (What She Wants For Christmas, Who Did I Marry?) and Baraka himself, dares to show it all. The documentary series, described as “the truest, grittiest, most realistic depiction of New Orleans life ever filmed,” explains not only how life is for the young men and women on the streets, but more importantly how that life can be different. As a young man, Baraka experienced the hardship of growing up without a father. A mother and grandmother can provide love, but as he notes, “A woman cannot raise a man.” Without the strength, without the discipline afforded by a positive male role model, living in the Calliope housing development, he fell into a life of drugs, crime, and violence by age fourteen. It wasn’t until he landed in prison and met older, reformed convicts who saw something special in him that he learned the secret to breaking this vicious cycle. Preaching at children does not work―mentoring them does.

Two years’ experience running a mentoring program at Booker T. Washington School in New Orleans backs him up. Considered some of the highest-risk youth in the state, Baraka’s engagement brings real results to a setting long thought beyond repair. Reaching out to the intelligent young minds he sees before him, Baraka challenges them to channel their energies and impulses in positive directions and faith-based initiatives, and the results speak for themselves: drug use, fights, suspensions and expulsions at Booker T. Washington are down across the board. To further these ends, he created the Ameer Baraka Give A Hand Fund, which provides financial assistance to children so they can attend school in better areas of New Orleans. Visit his website at http://kingbaraka.com to learn more about his life and work.

‘My Mother Was Pregnant In Jail With Me’, Read An Excerpt of Erica Mena’s ‘Underneath It All’ Book

For the past few weeks, we’ve heard buzz about controversial reality star, Erica Mena‘s new rumored tell-all. Titled, Erica Mena Underneath It All, we’re not quite sure what to expect of the Love & Hip Hop reality star’s new book hustle. To date, she recently dropped the bomb that she had a romantic relationship with ‘The Breakfast Club’s’ DJ Envy. And while we’re told the goal of the book is not to serve as a ‘tell all’, only time will tell what Mena shares with readers. Peep the first excerpt that she’s released exclusively.

We all know how this goes; I was born, I lived, I died. Typically when someone writes a story about their lives that’s usually the form it follows but we both know that this isn’t one of the “typical” situations. I know just as well as the person reading this that the only reason you picked this book up is either a) I was on the cover, b) you think this is going to be some sleazy tell all or c) you’re actually interested in what I have to say. I’m going to go with either A or B because from my experience I’ve learned that the truth doesn’t sell, at least not in this industry. No one cares about the truth. Nothing matters but finding out who slept with who, if this person had surgery, if this chicks ass is really fake, if her boobs are real, if that person really likes girls or if he really takes it up the ass. Sorry to disappoint you but you’re not going to find none of that in this book.

I’m not mad at the fact you think it’s one of the first two, actually I’m happy that you do, simply because I thrive off of proving people wrong. I eat critics and brush my teeth with the bullshit that I see on TMZ or in blogs. I rinse my mouth with the lies depicted on reality TV and I spit out nothing but whats real. While I have had relationships with other celebrities this book isn’t meant to expose them or paint them in a negative light. This book is to allow you to see who I really am and that contrary to popular belief I’m not this crazy, psycho, nut bag that you see on TV. I’ve fought, I’ve struggled, I’ve laughed, and I’ve cried just like a real person. I’ve had reasons to do the things that I’ve done whether good or bad and regardless of how you feel after reading this, I’m still going to be me at the end of the day. I’m a girl from the Bronx, and I embody everything that being from New York entails. If you can’t respect my hustle then fuck you, it’s that simple. However, if you’re interested in getting to know who I really am  then I suggest you get comfortable; make yourself a drink, roll a blunt, do whatever you need to do to relax because by the time I’m done, you’re going to need it.

La linda manita

Que tiene el bebe

Que linda, que bellla

que preciosa es

If it’s possible for a baby to have memories of being in utero then thats the first thing that comes to my mind. My mother used to sing that song to me while sitting in a prison cell. Yes you read that right, prison. She was shoved into a 6×8 cell with the very basic of necessities. She was doing a three year bid for something that I believe any mother would have done if they were in the same situation. She was guilty of trying to provide for her children and her unborn child. She was guilty of having a “by any means necessary” mentality in the sense of doing whatever she could to make sure I came into this world not wanting for anything. My mother has always been a go getter, a real hustler in my eyes. To me hustling isn’t something that you can teach, that person either has it or they don’t. Hustling is something as simple as bathing everyday. Either you want to do it or you don’t. You can’t make someone want to wash their own ass just like you can’t make someone want to hustle and better their lives. See, as big as my father was in the drug game at that time he was very cheap. Yes, he would occasionally shower my mother with gifts and he made sure that she was well taken care of but at the same time he wasn’t really a good provider if that makes any sense. It’s along the lines of people saying any boy can be a daddy but it takes a man to be a father; make sense?

My father made my mother struggle more than she had to instead of helping her and giving her the things that she needed which ultimately led to her being sent away.  Anyway, my father’s nephew presented her with the opportunity to make some extra money if she would drop off a package at a specified location. She figured it sounded easy enough and even if she was hesitant, the only thing on her mind at the time was being able to provide me with a crib before I entered the world so she agreed. When she was exiting the apartment the police were going in to raid it and she was caught up in the mayhem that followed.

La linda manita

Que tiene el bebe

Que linda, que bellla

que preciosa es

So here I was, cozy inside of her womb listening to her angelic voice sing me to sleep. As crazy as it may sound I wish I could’ve stayed there. I wish I could’ve stayed protected, stayed sheltered from the world and its harsh realities, stayed nestled in a place of unconditional love and warmth but that’s not how life works. Life likes to wait until the bases are loaded and it seems like you’re going to go home only to turn around and throw a fast ball right at your head and knock you down. Seems like a weird analogy to use but I would soon find out how true it was and the significance it would have on my life.

Does this excerpt give you any insight on the hot-headed reality star? And how do you think this compares to Winter Gordon’s tell-all?

The Braxtons Celebrate Season 3 Premiere Party

The Braxtons are everywhere as they promote the new season of "Braxton Family Values" whiched kicked off last week. We've got lots of pics from their big premiere party in NYC pics  

Plus, what the ladies told us about their lives...

Our fave sisters are back for a new season on WeTV.  The ladies--including Mama Evelyn--all headed to STK in Manhattan for the season 3 premiere party.

Tamar was front and center with her hubby Vince and the new baby bump!

And she's still rocking her Guiseppe stilettos.

Toni Braxton put on a red hot jumpsuit for the occasion.

Traci and Trina had some fun on the carpet.  Traci's dress is super cute but we wish she would have left off that belt.  We asked the fun loving Taci about her recent weight loss, and she told us, "I cut out all carbs! I feel good!"

She also confirmed she's no longer working on getting her own hair shop, but she is having a good time riding motorcycles and other fun adventures.

Toni showed where she gets her good genes from--Mama Ev.

Lil Kim showed up tot he premiere still pissy about the alleged "photoshopping" she says every single "blog site" is doing.  Guess she still hasn't contacted the paparazzi agency (SPLASH) who shot the pics. 

She would find those very pics are in their raw image database....

Angela Simmons kept it simple in black and army green and nude pumps.  Nice look.

Jen Williams and her perfect bun hit the red carpet as well to support her girls.

And if you're wondering how Trina and Gabe's marriage is going, we asked them.  And Trina responded by throwing her arms and lips around her hubby and said, "This is how we are doing!" 

Looks like that haircut and makeover of his is working some wonders.

And the media caught up with Tamar outside about how this pregnancy is going so far.  As for who's given her the most advice so far on being a mom..."Toni Braxton, chile!"

Lawsuit Claims Kid Ate Used Condom At McDonalds

A parent who took her two young children to a Chicago-area McDonald’s is suing the fast food restaurant because she claims one of her children found a used condom in the play area and then ate it.

Anishi Spencer and her two sons, three-year-old Jonathan and two-year-old Jacquel, were eating in the restaurant’s playground area when they allegedly found the condom. Some time later, the lawsuit says the two-year-old coughed up a piece of the condom. Both children had to receive medical attention.

The lawsuit accuses McDonald’s of failing to properly keep hazardous material from areas open to children (which, should there be used condoms in parts of McDonald’s not open to children?) as well as failing to use survellence or inspection to detect “deviant activities,” or boning, at its restaurants. Spencer is seeking at least $50,000 in damages, for negligence and to cover the children’s medical expenses.

And to think, all this comes to light the same day McDonald’s announced its “Egg White Delight,” an egg yolk free version of the Egg McMuffin. Coincidence? I think not.

Morris Chestnut Covers ROLLING OUT Magazine and Talks The Best Man Sequel & Kissing Halle Berry

Morris Chestnut covers Rolling Out Magazine.  Chestnut is one of the most celebrated and respected African-American television and film actors of the last decade, it’s no stretch of the imagination to say Morris Chestnut has enjoyed a successful career. Whether he was quickening the heartbeats of teenage girls everywhere as the doomed teenage father Ricky Baker in the 1991 cult classic “Boyz N the Hood”, or the sexy groom-to-be Lance Sullivan in the 1999 film “The Best Man” or even as the self-centered yet lovable Tracy Reynolds, NBA Star in the 2002 kid friendly “Like Mike”, Morris Chestnut wins his audience over every time.

Co-starring in the February 2013 blockbuster “Identity Thief”, opposite Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy; and this month in “The Call” as Halle Berry’s love interest, Chestnut’s star appears to be shining even brighter as of late. 2013 will undoubtedly prove to be one of Chestnut’s most notable years, with a summer blockbuster hit on the way, “Kick Ass 2″, an appearance on the fifth season of Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie”, and the long awaited sequel to “The Best Man” making its way to theatres in November. Although he is one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, and it’s no secret he is considered to be one of the most handsome men on the planet, Chestnut insists family is his first priority. The married father of two has perfected balancing his public persona against his starring roles as husband, father, brother and even friend.

Between promotional runs for “The Call”, Chestnut sits down with rolling out correspondent Ronda Racha Penrice to discuss family, his upcoming movies, wearing the production hat on a new project and the long awaited “Best Man” sequel.

Visit www.rollingout.com to read the interview with Morris Chestnut in its entirety.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

‘Squid Faced Beard Man’

Davy Jones…NAILED IT.

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!

EFREM