Jay Z keeps WININNG!!! Now a Sports Agent! Will sell his shares in The Brooklyn Nets!
His social circle includes the biggest names in sports. His celebrity cachet is unmatched. He has informally advised athletes on everything from housing choices to contract extensions.
Jay-Z has long been in the inner circle of A-listers like Alex Rodriguez and LeBron James, using their names in his lyrics and their star wattage to enhance his own. Now, he is making a move to turn those relationships into big business in a more formal way.
With a double-barreled announcement Tuesday that he was opening his own sports agency, and that he was stealing the Yankees star Robinson Cano from the most powerful agent in baseball, Jay-Z stands poised to shake up the sports world by offering athletes something they cannot find anywhere else: himself.
Roc Nation Sports is the newest arm of Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s “full-service entertainment company” that has quickly built a strong reputation representing artists like Rihanna, Shakira and M.I.A. Jay-Z has been temporarily licensed to represent professional baseball players, said Ron Berkowitz, a spokesman for Roc Nation Sports, which also has teamed with Creative Artists Agency, a leading Hollywood agency that provides formidable negotiating authority.
Jay-Z’s move into sports representation does not come as a complete surprise, considering he has long invoked sports in his lyrics alongside boasts about his entrepreneurial skills and his fashion sense. In fact, he has turned a Yankees cap into a sort of personal trademark, claiming in one song that “I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can.”
With the borders among music, film and sports growing ever blurrier, leading agents and their companies increasingly see sports as the next frontier. Athletes command contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars — an irresistible prospect especially if the film industry continues to stagnate and the television and music worlds fragment further.
Creative Artists, which has long been a blue-chip Hollywood agency representing stars like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, now represents more than 800 athletes, including Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks and Buster Posey, who recently signed a $167 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. Creative Artists has been looking to expand even further into the sports world since at least 2010, when the agency sold a 35 percent stake to the buyout firm TPG Capital. That deal put Creative Artists and TPG Capital in control of a $500 million investment fund that included sports as one of its priorities.
“What a Jay-Z brings to the table is an ability to connect with the athletes in a way that a player agent who came up as a lawyer or accountant never will,” said Marc Ganis, president of SportsCorp, which brokers team sales. “Jay-Z can say, ‘We both came from humble beginnings, both of us have women chasing us, both of us want to make a lot of money, but not pay a lot in taxes.’ Then, there’s the aura around him.”
Roc Nation Sports represents the latest piece of the Jay-Z empire, which already includes nightclubs, video games, a clothing line and a small ownership stake in the Nets. It is widely seen as a savvy move that will capitalize on his success rebranding the Nets, and attract internationally known athletes, who double as some of his biggest fans. It also creates yet another potential windfall for him.
In baseball, agents typically receive 5 percent of a deal. Cano, a 30-year-old All-Star second baseman, is expected to command at least a $200 million contract whether or not he becomes a free agent at the end of the season, which means Roc Nation and Creative Artists could earn as much as $10 million on Cano alone. It was unclear how Roc Nation and Creative Artists would divide their fees, and how much Jay-Z would receive.
Roc Nation is the entertainment company that Jay-Z founded through the $150 million deal he struck with Live Nation in 2008. It has a record label with a handful of artists attached, as well as a music publishing division for songwriters, but the company, a joint venture with Live Nation, is primarily known for its management division.
Although still a boutique firm — the top management companies in music represent far more acts — Roc Nation has quickly built a strong reputation for innovative and aggressive management, in part because of the company’s president, Jay Brown.
“Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years,” Jay-Z said in a statement.
Cano will have his pick of suitors when his contract expires unless the Yankees re-sign him before then. He described the decision to sign with Roc Nation as a move to “take a more active role in my endeavors both on and off the field.”
But it was a drastic and very public breakup with his agent Scott Boras, who has established himself over the past 25 years as the most powerful agent in baseball, feared by owners and coveted by players. He has regularly negotiated major deals for many of the game’s biggest stars, seemingly always extracting far bigger contracts than anyone thought possible. In recent years, he has had a hand in securing $275 million for Rodriguez, $214 million for Prince Fielder and $18.9 million for Bryce Harper before he played a major-league game.
It is not unprecedented for a player to defect from Boras — Cano was the third Yankee to do so in recent years — but the decision still reverberated across the sports world on Tuesday.
Boras declined to comment.
The N.B.A. said in a statement that there was “no prohibition on N.B.A. owners having an interest in businesses that represent non-N.B.A. athletes.” The Nets did not describe how Jay-Z’s new arrangement would affect his role with the team other than to say, “We fully support all of Jay-Z’s endeavors.”
Berkowitz, the spokesman, said Jay-Z was concentrating on baseball, apparently steering clear of that potential conflict. “The main thing is to launch the company with an All-Star like Robinson Cano,” Berkowitz said.
Some analysts said that they expected that Jay-Z would add a sprinkling of celebrity dust to Creative Artists’ sports division, but that he would do little more than bring athletes to the table.
“This is really an arrangement with C.A.A.,” said Jordan Kobritz, the chairman of the sport management department at SUNY Cortland and a former owner of a minor league baseball team in Daytona, Fla. “Jay-Z is part of their recruiting arm because he has access, and is a public entity, and New York is his cradle.”
At least one rival agent dismissed Roc Nation’s move into sports as “a marketing deal.”
“I don’t know a lot about writing songs, and he probably doesn’t know about negotiating player deals,” said the agent, who declined to comment on the record about a competitor.
If Jay-Z does not know about negotiating such deals, he is about to find out — perhaps with some of the top players in sports. Yahoo Sports is reporting that Mr. Carter is looking to "divest his ownership share" -- meaning sell off his share -- of the Nets. And it's all because he wants to expand his Roc Nation Sports division, which recently signed Yankee Robinson Cano, into the world of professional basketball. According to NBA rules, one cannot have ownership in a team and represent individual players at the same time. So Hov is going the agent route.
He owns less than 1% of the Nets, but is undoubtedly the face of the franchise. He propelled the team to a big name status, and he's gotten rewarded in return with tons of publicity, lots of face time on and off the Barclays stage, and the opportunity to brand his existing catalog of music into the NBA franchise. Business doesn't always mean cash is involved....notoriety, platforms and clout are parts of the equation too.
It looks like Hov may be leaving with exactly what he came in to get, so it may be a win-win for everyone
Wendy Raquel Robinson DISHES On Working With Steve Harvey And "The Game" For BE Magazine
Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson is covering the April 2012 issue of BE magazine cover as she talks about playing "The Game" in Hollywood while dishing on her former co-star Steve Harvey and being Tasha Mack.
On Steve Harvey: "I watched Steve Harvey work so hard, from getting up at 4 AM for the radio show, then he'd come to the set & we'd do the rehearsals and the shooting, and then him and Cedric would pop out after taping & would fly out and do the Kings of Comedy. I was like WOW! It just made me feel like mayBE I wasn't working hard enough..."
On "The Game" "Bringing The Game back was really humbling, but at the same time it was an added pressure. It's like whoa, with the fans, we can't BE bringing no BS, we gotta bring it & bring it tight each and every week. So it really elevated the playing field & THE GAME literally that the actor brought to the show BEcause that don't happen! I don't know of another show that that has really happened to by viewers choice gets cancelled & picked back up and have a greater life than it did BEfore."
BE Magazine Issue XXXVIII is on news stands now!
The Predictions Are In: Monica’s ‘New Life’ Set To Sell…
Easily one of the most anticipated R&B releases this year, Monica‘s ‘New Life’ no doubt has many itching to see how well it does straight out of the gate.
And while a definitive answer will be ushered in with next week’s official Billboard 200 chart, its first day figures-as is usual-provide a safe estimate. Find out what Ms. Brown is on-course to open with after the jump…
According to Hits Daily Double, ‘Life’ is slated to premiere within the top 10 with sales of 55,000-65,000 – a noticeable dip from the debut of her last outing, ‘Still Standing’. Indeed, many will remember the ‘Everything To Me’ led set shifted 184,000 on its first week.
Needless to say, the figures aren’t at all the best. That said, longevity is key; and with 17 years under her belt, staying around and relevant is something Mo’ seems versed in. Here’s hoping aspects of the project are salvaged with solid single releases (‘Daddy’s Good Girl’, anyone?) and touring.
Personally I like this CD. It shows a mature side of Monica.. However maybe her fam base is still living in the past?
Your thoughts?
Kevin Hart’s Ex Wife Assaults His Attorney in Court
Comedian and actor Kevin Hart’s ex-wife Torrei reportedly attacked Hart’s attorney Debra Opri during the couple’s divorce proceedings Wednesday afternoon, Radar Online reports.
Kevin Hart filed for divorce last year and the divorce is already finalized, but the ex-couple were in a Los Angeles working out post divorce matters. An eyewitness said that Torrei became irate when the judge ordered her to pay a portion of Hart’s legal fees, at which point she lunged at Opri. Though several sheriff’s deputies had to restrain her and Torrei called Opri a b*tch, she was not arrested. The eyewitness also says that the two have joint custody of their two children, and that Kevin Hart pays child support to her.
“Kevin pays Torrei child support and just wishes that Torrei would get over the bitter feelings she has towards him for the sake of the children,” said the source.
Hart has been in numerous films including “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and “Scary Movie 3.” He also has performed three comedy specials for the Comedy Central network, and who could forget the hilarious ‘Laugh At My Pain.’
Madonna Launches 'Truth or Dare' Fragrance
Tending to promotional duties as she hopes for big sales, Madonna launched her signature scent 'Truth Or Dare' By Madonna in New York City The 'Material Girl' was in fine form as she greeted the gathered crowd at Macy's Herald Square while clad in a black Dolce & Gabbana frock.
Madge's fragrance launch comes after her commercial for the product caused a bit of a controversy while deemed by many to be "too sexy".
The New York Post reported that the ad (watch below) led ABC to request a revised version from Madonna before airing it in a primetime slot. The Post's source dished, "ABC viewed the ad [and] came back with a list of changes. They say they want her bra digitally made bigger, and to extend higher to cover more of her chest, and her corset longer to cover more of her bottom. ABC also wants to cut another suggestive scene where Madonna writhes around."
Meanwhile, those who wish to purchase the scent - 'Truth or Dare' is available at Macy's in a 2.5 oz bottle for $68.
Britney Spears Joins ‘X Factor’ As New Judge For $15M
Britney Spears 30-year-old mother of two has reportedly reached a deal with “The X Factor” that will give her 15-million dollars to take a seat at the judges’ table. A source close to the situation say that the pop star and Simon Cowell’s show have agreed upon the deal, but nothing has been signed yet. Spears is expected to get 13-million for working alongside Cowell, L.A. Reid and another still-unnamed judge, with the remaining two-million dollars coming as a bonus for performing on the Fox show. Last month, the singer reportedly rejected a ten-million-dollar offer, and was said to be asking for 20-million. While she didn’t
Jada Pinkett-Smith Addresses Divorce Rumors
Once and for all Jada Pinkett-Smith shuts down divorce rumors surrounding her and Will Smith...
Jada tells French magazine Gala, "Every year, a celebrity couple is on the radar. This year, unluckily, it's us! I almost want to say that we should have been expecting it."
"But Will and I know the truth. We are waiting peacefully for when the storm ends." "These rumours are completely untrue. I'm travelling a lot because of my work, as Will does. And the fact that I'm accompanying our daughter, Willow, on her trips, while Will spends time with our son, Jaden, doesn't make things easier." "But our way of living hasn't changed. Before the children, we were already away from each other quite often because of our work."
"In general, Will and I take two months of holiday, at the end of the year."
"Right after Thanksgiving, we shut down the curtain and nothing comes to bother our family life until January."
Loretta Devine: “The Sequel To Waiting To Exhale Will Go On Without Whitney”
Loretta Devine recently appeared on Good Day L.A. to promote her new series, The Client List. She plays a woman who runs a massage parlor that’s also a brothel. Loretta, also talked about the sequel to the movie, Waiting to Exhale.
WATCH:
Last year, movie plans were in the works for Terry McMillan novel, Getting To Happy, a follow up to Waiting To Exhale. In the wake of Whitney Houston untimely passing, there have been questions if the movie will go on. Loretta had this to say: “they’re trying to put together Waiting to Exhale 2, but now I think the focus is for it to be a tribute to Whitney, which would be wonderful if we could pull that off.”
Erykah Badu Asks For Forgivness
A few days ago Eykah Badu tweeted an apology to her fans in Tampa and Chicago. Of course that sent me scurrying to find out what she was apologizing for...
Apparently Ms. Badu has picked up a nasty little habit of showing up hours late for her performances without explanation, and based on fan reviews from across the country she should be apologizing to more than just Tampa and Chicago.
One fan on Tickemasters fan review page noted that after waiting two and a half hours for Ms. Badu to take the stage in Chicago she cussed out the crowd telling them,
"If you mother fuckers don't liven up after all you fucking paid I'm gone." Fans in Hawaii said pretty much the same thing and also had a lot to say about the way Erykah was dressed, mostly describing her fashions as early nineties crackhead attire [think: baseball cap, cheetah print sweat jacket and flowered leggings].
Fascinating reading those fan reviews are in case you're parched for tea.
Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label is now home to another famous emcee. MTV News says Q-Tip has signed on to the Def Jam imprint. The A Tribe Called Quest rapper says he’s “excited” to be a part of G.O.O.D. Music, adding that he’s going to do his best to “present the most cutting-edge music” he can. Q-Tip joins artists like Big Sean, Kid Cudi, John Legend and Mos Def as members of G.O.O.D. Music. The label will release its first album featuring all of its artists sometime this spring. Q-Tip is also currently working on his first solo effort on G.O.O.D. Music, “The Last Zulu.” The album is expected in stores sometime next year.
Q-Tip and Kanye West are no strangers to working together. Q-Tip contributed to Kanye’s 2010 record “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” He also worked on Kanye and Jay-Z’s hit album “Watch The Throne.”
Philly Flashback: Charli Baltimore's New UNRELEASED Photoshoot
Remember Charli Baltimore? There are so many photos out there that sometimes don't get released. And recently, we were sent a magazine submission shoot with Charli Baltimore that's never seen the light of day....until now.
The 37-year-old mother of two is still grinding on the music scene. She's set to drop a new album called True Lies on June 19, 2012.
Here's a photo of her and stylist Anthony Chad at her listening party.
Jay-Z’s Company Rocawear Partners with the New York Yankees
The man who said “I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can,” is actually going to see if he actually can.
Today it was announced that the Rocawear, the clothing brand founded by Jay-Z, will partner with the New York Yankees for the 2012 season. Though details about the partnership are scarce at the moment, it appears the deal will involve branded signage at Yankee stadium and integrated promotions throughout the season, says a statement on the Roc4Life website.
Jameel Spencer, executive vice president of marketing for the men’s division of the Iconix Brand Group, Inc released a statement about the agreement.
“Jay-Z has been a long-time fan of the Yankees, regularly attends games and has even included his favorite team in song lyrics, so this was a natural partnership,” Spencer said in the statement. “Rocawear, along with Jay-Z are very excited to be working with the Yankees for the 2012 season. We feel another championship in ‘12” Jay-Z sold the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group, Inc. in 2007, but maintained an interest in the company.
Hopefully the move will help the company, which was forced to lay off more than half of its Manhattan office employees back in January.
Rihanna raises eyebrows as she steps out in a trench... and little else
With her scantily-clad wardrobe, Rihanna's always been comfortable with her body and her sexuality. So it wasn't exactly surprisingly to see the Caribbean singer stepping out in a trench coat... and apparently nothing else, in Sydney.
Out for dinner ahead of her long-haul flight home, it appeared the 23-year-old singer was wearing a tightly wrapped coat as she gave a glimpse of her bare legs.
The singer, who has been touring the world promoting her new film Battleship, wore the daring outfit to celebrate her best friend Melissa Forde's birthday.
Meanwhile, the pop star narrowly avoided a meeting with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown as she left Sydney later that evening.
The troubled R&B star jetted into Sydney just as Rihanna was leaving. The fact that his new girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, was by his side could have made the encounter awkward, to say the least. Rihanna looked comfortable in black leggings and an Oakland Raiders cap and T-shirt as she prepared to leave the Australian city.
She flew halfway across the world to promote her first major film, Battleship.
First Listen: SWV ‘I Missed Us’
Finally the R&B group from the 90′s are back….. SWV‘s new album ‘I Missed Us’ is now available for your streaming pleasure… Since it’s been so long I’m wondering if this new project is traditional SWV.
I’m gonna post the link for you Chroniclers and I want you to come back and tell me what you think!!
What are your thoughts on the album so far? Did SWV deliver?
Nicki Minaj Teams With Jeremy Scott
Nicki Minaj has teamed up with the fashion designer Jeremy Scott for his upcoming Fall/Winter 2012 Jeremy Scott x Adidas line. The queen of rap, who dropped her number one, sophomore album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded last week, was shooting with Scott yesterday a part of a commercial campaign on the streets of Brooklyn.
Nicki is seen rocking a long blonde hair, a long colorful puffy jacket with non-matching colored sneakers, which fit well with her usual outlandish looks. Check out the behind the scenes shots after the click and let us know if you think of Nicki’s gear.
Nike Air Force 1 Max Air VT "Camo"
There is such a thing as too much camo, but consider these kicks an exception. The Nike Air Force 1 Max Air VT is the fourth shoe in the AF1 X-X Pearl collection, and easily the illest. The low top basketball sneaker features a full length Vis Air Sole unit and the camo patterned upper consists of canvas Vac-Tech construction. Other details on this premium shoe include waxed laces and embossed leather tongue and heel tabs.
Rock these with some fatigues or cargo shorts (avoid OD'ing green/brown jungle camo, though) on the and you are winning the game, period. Act fast, these are quickstrikes, drop April 20th and are a hefty $200.
Toya's Mom Says She Used Her
While Toya Wright is busy going hard for her husband Memphitz reports from New Orleans is that her mom could use a little help...
According to Tamera Tattles, Toya's mom was in a local store asking every patron for spare change so she could buy a pound of crawfish and was telling anyone who would listen that she had no place to stay and needed to get into a shelter.
"Everyone was basically ignoring her and after a few minutes of her ranting about how no one loves her and how her daughter just used her (ppl were saying she should call up toya and wayne for money) she started begging everyone for spare change to pay for a shelter for the night."
NFL Baller Brandon Marshall OPENS UP About His Borderline Personality Disorder
Hoping to pull back the curtain, Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall, who suffers from a personality disorder, is speaking out about his condition. Though he has an extensive list of run ins with law enforcement like those domestic disputes with his wife Michi, those around him,
Like Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald tells the Chicago Sun Times in a recent interview: ‘‘I have only had positive experiences with Brandon. He is misunderstood. Once you get to know him, he will give you the shirt off his back. ‘‘My thing is this: Get to know him, the man, before you pass judgment.’’
Now Brandon is revealing what's gotten him into so many altercations over the years....borderline personality disorder. He says, ‘‘A lot of people are afraid to talk about it — it’s taboo in our communities. But I’m willing to use myself, make myself and my family vulnerable, to break the stigmas.’’
And in an interesting footnote, Brandon added that a large number of prison inmates, both male and female, have been diagnosed with the disorder.
"Since I’ve been in the league, things have been very rough for me. From Day 1, I’ve always wanted better for myself, on and off the field. To finally get an answer — to finally be in a place where someone can help me — that was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. But it was scary because someone is telling you, ‘Hey, you have to go through this therapy. You have to stay up here and talk to me.’ But the outcome was amazing.’’
Now Brandon looks at his disorder with a different light. He says his anger was, ‘‘my gift and my curse, because without that passion, without that intense approach to the game, which comes from a lot of my pain, a lot of my anger, I wouldn’t be here today.’’
Although Brandon now has his diagnosis under control, some others aren't so lucky. ‘‘This thing is bigger than me. We’re losing lives. When I was in treatment, there was a young lady who took her life. ‘It’s one of the most devastating disorders out there, but it’s the most treatable, and with the proper help and the proper treatment, we can make a huge impact in our community.’’
Brandon has now focused on using his fame as a way to help those who are lost. ‘‘There’s a lot of people who are pushing to get healing in our community. I’m just the guy with the fame, so it brings light to it quicker, and it spreads faster. So that’s why I was excited to use my celebrity and platform to raise awareness.’’
Wow. Glad he's using his experiences to do good for others.
Melody Thornton Bares Breasts All At ‘Elle’ Gala
After a successful stint in the Pussycat Dolls, Melody Thornton is striking out solo. It’s a path, it seems, has the talented singer keen to make a lasting impression. Case, point, her choice of ensemble at the 3rd Annual ELLE Women in Music gala in Los Angeles.
Sporting a see-through, flesh-coloured dress (which bared her breasts), Thornton turned many a head. 'I like to think I put a little classy twist on it.'
Her former Pussycat Dolls bandmate Nicole Scherzinger was also on the red carpet, however in a rather awkward moment, the pair both snubbed each other.
But Nicole, along with most guests, did gawp at the sheer number from afar. Melody literally left nothing to the imagination in the brown lace number, which did little to maintain her modesty with its sheer material.
And while the singer managed to draw attention to her gym-honed figure in the outfit, it was something of an odd choice for such a well-attended industry event. Certainly when compared to her more modestly-dressed peers, Melody stood out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons.
Lil Kim Snubs Biggie Smalls’ Mother/ Announces ‘Tell All’ Documentary
After a number of false starts, Lil Kim is finally ready to make her long overdue comeback. Kicking things off with the fan favorite ‘Keys To The City’, the Rap original took to ‘The Morning Riot’ yesterday to reveal details on her future plans. However, as you will hear below, she found herself revealing more than initially intended when quizzed on Biggie Smalls‘ mother, Ms. Wallace and a certain Rap nemesis.
Listen below…
On forthcoming projects, she explained:
I’m going throw some new singles out there so people can get familiar with my new sound. You know, I have a documentary that I’m gonna put out so that will explain a lot of things, so people can stop asking stupid questions. I still have my book deal with St Martin’s Press which is solely about my time in prison.
On her relationship with Ms. Wallace, she hissed: I have absolutely no relationship with that woman.
The conversation also saw her speak on long time nemesis Remy Ma (who is currently incarcerated), admitting: I’m very sensitive to women in jail. Anyone who really knows about Hip Hop knows me and Remy had our little thing, but if she needed anything I’m the kind of person to reach out and help her- like if she needed something for her son or something.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES “Sweet’N Low”
Well this sweet thang definitely belongs in the candy aisle, but what I want to know from you guys is which candy best describes her?
MempHitz DISHES On His & Toya's New Wal-Mart Clothing Line...And "The Mistresses" Reality Show
MempHitz, the rapper/producer husband of reality star Toya Wright, recently talked about his upcoming projects and expanding his brand with his music, a new clothing line at Wal-Mart and a reality show called "The Mistresses." Yeah, the one we were all in shock was actually happening. Get the deets inside..... Cutie MempHitz recently chatted with Its Only Entertainment where he confirmed that new reality show we previously posted about, "The Mistresses," a clothing line from both himself and his wife (who he romantically gushes about) at Wal-Mart, and he dished on his upcoming artists and how he plans to reach billionaire status.
Here are the highlights:
IOE: You went through the whole process of interning, being the coffee boy and running errands that you didn’t want to do and didn’t go to school for, but you didn’t give up. What advice do you have for an intern who wishes to follow in your footsteps?
Memphitz: I would tell them that if its really what they want to do they will stick through whatever they got to stick through to get there. The way they do whatever job they’re doing is being watched everyday. How hard they go, how passionate they are about the smallest of things, it’s being seen. You’re being graded whether you know you’re being graded or not. You can’t go in there with this time frame in your head of how long its going to be before you should be popping. It varies, you just have to be willing to be humbled enough to stick in there to do what it takes until you get that opportunity. First, you have to know when that opportunity shows its face because all opportunities aren’t blatant opportunities. You have to do what you have to do and do what your told. You should always be sharpening your blades for when that opportunity comes for you to play something that you heard or play something that you think is hot. Nobody likes an intern that playing is music that nobody asked them to play. I would just be known for being around hotness because you have to know that one day if its meant for you its for you, that opportunity will show its face and you just need to be ready. Don’t rush it. Be ready for it when it knocks on your door.
IOE: Now lets talk about the married life. You are still a newlywed in a sense. How is married life working out with your busy schedule?
Memphitz: It’s pretty cool, I love being married. It focuses me. I’ve never been this focused. When I wasn’t married, I was focused but a certain percentage of my focus was on things that is not on my mind now like the girls and things that come with the business. But now that I’m married I’m just so focused. My wife knows how this business works already so it’s like she knows how my life works and she understands my life and she knows the things I’m encountered with at times. At the same time, she has my back and I love her for that. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. I really look at her as a blessing from God, like shes a gift to me and it’s something I cherish.
IOE: That’s so sweet! How do you both handle being in the spotlight?
Memphitz: We both know the entertainment business so we both know what it is. We both come from a background of entertainment whether directly or indirectly so when we get home we’re best friends. We’ve been friends since we met. She’ll go her way and I’ll go mine and we meet when we’re at home. We talk all the time.
IOE: You and Toya are great role models for other couples. How do you keep your marriage so strong and what advice you have for other couples?
Memphitz: Times aren’t always good in relationships because u can’t expect perfection- that just doesn’t exist on this planet. I would say just try to stay friends and stay dating. Dating is a big part of it. All the stuff I did before we were married, I try my best to do those tihings now. So every once and while try and do something that you used to do when you were dating. Try and stay dating even though its not dating anymore because you have taken it a little further, it’s still fun to date each other every once and a while. You’re going to have your ups and downs. That’s to be expected. Anyone who says they are always on the ups is a lie. That’s not real. Just keep dating. That’s all I can really tell you. If the two of you are really meant for each other it wont be so hard to keep dating.
IOE: Aside from being an A&R and discovering new music talent, what are some of the other business ventures you are currently working on?
Memphitz: Right now, I have a reality show I’m working on called “The Mistresses”. That’s just one of many shows that I have that’s kind of attacking certain issues in life but at the same time there is a lesson to be caught inside of them. There’s a lesson to be caught in the string of shows I am about to do although it may be ugly in the beginning, there are lessons to be learned. My wife and I just did a deal with Ampro Hair products so that’s something we’ve been working on. Walmart just offered to put our clothing lines in their stores starting July 1st for the going back to school season. She’s working on her line and I am working on mine. Signing Key Swag to Interscope Records right now. I don’t want to put too much on myself, but im working towards a billion dollars. Like I always speak billions! I wouldn’t mind 1.5 billions dollars! I will get to the moon.
Check out the full interview over at IOE.com
As you may already know: Facebook Buys Instagram for $1 Billion
Facebook has just finished a deal to acquire mobile photo sharing app Instagram for approximately $1 billion in cash and stock. The CEO recently announced the acquisition in a post on his Facebook timeline:
“For years, we’ve focused on building the best experience for sharing photos with your friends and family. Now, we’ll be able to work even more closely with the Instagram team to also offer the best experiences for sharing beautiful mobile photos with people based on your interests.”
The sale is expected to close later this quarter, and will bring the 8-person staff of Instagram to the social network. Zuckerberg went on to say that the company will be building on Instagram’s strengths and features and growing the app independently rather than “just trying to integrate everything into Facebook.”
Facebook plans on keeping features within the app that allow photos to be published on other social networks, and the ability to have followers and follow people who are not necessarily your Facebook friends. “We will try to learn from Instagram’s experience to build similar features into our other products,” Zuckerberg said. “At the same time, we will try to help Instagram continue to grow by using Facebook’s strong engineering team and infrastructure.”
Instagram launched its iOS app in October 2010, and came to Android for the first time last week. This is the first time Facebook has acquired a company or product with so many users. Zuckerberg explains: “We don’t plan on doing many more of these, if any at all. But providing the best photo sharing experience is one reason why so many people love Facebook and we knew it would be worth bringing these two companies together.”
Riva Tims Speaks Out About Failed Marriage to Zachery Tims
*Several months after the death of Pastor Zachery Tims’ mysterious death, his ex-wife, Pastor Riva Tims is finally speaking out about the events that led up to her late husband’s death and the difficulty she experienced that led to end of their marriage.
Meeting at a local church at age 22 and marrying, the couple had a love for each other and even deeper love to serve God and win souls. Shortly after their marriage, they were eager to begin their ministry.
“So we labeled ourselves as an outreach ministry. So, our whole goal was to pull people in from the streets, not to pull them from other churches but really to get those that were unsaved,” she said in an interview with CBN. ” I think the people felt our love, they felt our sincerity and we were young. We had a lot of zeal for the Lord, a lot of excitement.” Quickly growing their church from 5 to 8,000, along with an attendance boost came a heightened level of celebrity with the church community. This began to take a tole on the couple.
“There was somewhat of a distance that began to take place. I could still connect, but I knew that there was something different.” She realized something was wrong when Zachery began to travel a lot and prevented her from traveling with him. “It was always a reason why I couldn’t go. That’s when I knew.”
Her suspicions were affirmed when Zachery’s affairs were uncovered. She was hurt by the affair but more so by his reaction to them. When asked about his level of remorse, she said
“In the beginning he was remorseful he got caught and that’s the part that hurt. There was no running after me, coming after me. He was trying to keep everything together.”
“My heart hurt, not just in spiritual way, not just in an emotional way but in a physical way and I didn’t realize that people hurt that badly. But the Lord told me to hold my peace. That was the hardest thing you could ever do.” Wanting to pursue counseling, Zachery was reluctant to sit down from ministry and she believes he returned prematurely when resuming his role after just three months.
According to Riva, well meaning members urged him to come back too soon, telling him they didn’t care what he did, becoming “enablers” to him. This too helped to prevent their marriage and family from healing. In addition to this, the leaders of their church began to turn against her.
“Actually I was just kind of, you know, booted out, so to speak, and asked not to come back. It was like, if they see you, they won’t heal, I was told. So just stay away.”
Subsequently, Zachery began to confess to her more about the affairs. Looking for help in high profile pastors, she was again disappointed. “They didn’t want to hear it or if they did hear it, they would say with that, get over it. It happened to me. You gotta think about the church. You gotta think about the ministry and my mindset was it first starts at home. You know, your relationship with God starts at home first before you can go out and minister…”
Check out the full interview:
Well obviously by Zachery Mom’s suing to keep the autopsy secret says a lot about the preacher and his demons. However I hope that Riva can find some PEACE and begin to heal.
LIAR, LIAR Mega Millions Pants On Fire….It Was All a Lie!
After more than a week of mystery and intrigue surrounding the Maryland Mega Millions jackpot, it appears that we have a winner, but who is it?
The holder of the winning ticket, sold in a Milford Mill 7-Eleven store has claimed their share of the record-breaking $656million prize today, but will remain anonymous. Maryland Lottery spokeswoman Carole Everett said that the winner claimed the prize at lottery headquarters with a ticket matching all six numbers: 2-4-23-38-46 and the Mega Ball, 23.
The winner will remain anonymous, but officials shared some details at a news conference this past Tuesday morning, Maryland does not require lottery winners to be identified.
The burning question emerging from the announcement is whether the big winner is McDonald's worker Mirlande Wilson, who grabbed headlines as well as outrage when she publicly announced that she had the winning ticket – and, despite entering the drawing with co-workers, was not sharing it. Ms Wilson told NBC that she gave all of her co-workers the copies of the tickets for the pool and the winning ticket was not among them
But the mother-of-seven's co-workers doubted her story was the truth. Another colleague told the New York Post: 'I don’t believe her. I didn’t believe her from the beginning, she’s always been strange.
'She’s an attention seeker. She likes to have all the attention on herself'. On her Facebook page, Ms Wilson has pledged to donate all of the winnings to rebuild her earthquake-devastated native Haiti. She wrote: 'All my true friend know im not greedy a person [sic] i don't want da money it made my life a living hell already im gonna give it all to rebuild haiti yall [sic] can chase all want my life and, my children it more important for money [sic]'.
Ms Wilson’s attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday evening.
The jackpot was the biggest in Mega Millions history, and the three winners - one each in Maryland, Illinois and Kansas - will each receive more than $218million before taxes. Kansas' winner claimed a share of the jackpot Friday, but also decided to remain anonymous. Lottery players waited in long lines to buy tickets as the jackpot gradually climbed, leaving millions of losers to grumble about their misfortune and dream of what they would have done with all that money. Maryland has been the home of Mega Millions winners in the past. In 2007, Ellwood ‘Bunky’ Bartlett won roughly $27million after taxes.
Rihanna Sets Sail in Sydney with ‘Battleship’ Castmates
Following a whirlwind tour through Japan, Rihanna jetted to Australia for the next leg of the international promo run for Battleship. The Barbadian superstar caused a scene as she strolled through Sydney and boarded a boat, sailing through the Harbour with the cast of the film
Dallas Mavericks and Lamar Odom part ways for rest of season
Lamar Odom and the Dallas Mavericks have decided to part ways. Although the move isn’t an official release- he’ll be listed as inactive for the remainder of the season- Odom will not be with the team. He released a statement:
“The Mavericks and I have mutually agreed that it’s in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team,” Odom said in a statement to ESPN.com. “I’m sorry that things didn’t work out better for both of us, but I wish the Mavs’ organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship.”
The trade from the Lakers to the Mavericks came about after the now infamous canceled trade between the Lakers and Hornets that would’ve brought Chris Paul to the Lakeshow. Odom never found his groove in Dallas and missed time away from the team to deal with personal matters in LA for a stretch.
The question for the offseason, what team is willing to take a chance on such a fragile individual? If Lamar isn’t mentally engaged, his on court play suffers and it’s a wasted effort. Any team that has Odom on its roster as of June 29 must buy him out by that date for $2.4 million or accept responsibility for the full $8.2 million that Odom is scheduled to earn in 2012-13….Oh what will Kris Kardashian say?
Former NFL Warren Sapp “I’m Dead Broke”
Mannnn! How in the heezy can anyone fix their mouths to say “All I got is 6.45 Million dollars to my name? And then file for Bankruptcy! If he is dead broke then I am cremated dead broker! According to our good friends at TMZ Future NFL Hall-of-Famer Warren Sapp has filed for bankruptcy … claiming he’s racked up millions of dollars in debts … but worst of all, dude claims he LOST his 2002 Super Bowl ring. Sapp — who played in the NFL for 12 years — just filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Florida … and in the papers he gives a full rundown of his dire financial situation.
According to the docs, Sapp owes more than $6.7 million to various creditors … including hundreds of thousands of dollars in child support payments and alimony to at least 4 different baby mamas.
Among the debts, Sapp says he owes $853k to the IRS for 2006 and another $89k for 2010. Sapp says he also owes $2,858 in medical bills for “Corrective Speech and Language Therapy.” Sapp says he only has $6.45 million to his name … and lists all of his assets in the documents … which include:
– 240 pairs of Jordan sneakers and sandals – Large Nude women painting – Lion skin rug (female – lioness) – Nike golf clubs – De Grisogono watch (scratch on crystal, nicks and scratches on band) – A boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali
But most interestingly, Sapp notes he has LOST two of his most treasured and valuable possessions — the 2002 Super Bowl ring he won with the Tampa Bay Bucs (example below) and the National Championship ring he won with the Miami Hurricanes. In the docs, Sapp also lists his current salary as an analyst for the NFL Network as $45k per month … $540k per year. Sapp says his deal with the NFL Network expires in August and he’s not sure if the network will extend his deal.
LaTavia Tells All: Talks Mathew, Beyonce And Her Time In Destiny’s Child
As one of the founding members of Destiny’s Child, LaTavia Roberson‘s dismissal from the group is just as ‘confused’ today as it was in the heat of the group’s first split. Whether she was pushed or jumped remains to be seen, however- there is no denying the impact her leaving had on former manager Mathew Knowles‘ public image.
Indeed, despite the success he later went onto have with the group’s remaining members, he became Joe Jackson 2.0 in the eyes of the public- accused of manipulating those around for him for his own personal gain. Now, in an interview with our friends over at Kempire Radio, LaTavia opens up like never before, weighing in on Mathew, Beyonce and her short lived success in the group.
Her thoughts here:
What do you think?
Eva Marcille Lands New Reality Show
Eva Marcille, alumni of America’s Next Top Model, is preparing to expose the behind the scenes of her career and personal life on a new reality show coming to Oxygen. The series will follow Eva and her three close friends; interior designer Nikki Chu, actress Denyce Lawton and talent manager Kelly Marie Dunn as they navigate the tumultuous waters of love, celebrity life, and the entertainment industry. The Eva Marcille Project is scheduled to premiere this Summer on Oxygen. In a recent interview, Eva and her friends gave up some details about the upcoming show. Get the details — after the click:
On the Show The thing about television is, a lot of things are produced and clearly you have to produce a show, but this type of a show, it gels so well with Reality TV because it’s really our lives and us as friends. You see the glitz and glamor of the finished product of what Hollywood gives, but you never really see the true struggle. And I don’t mean those that have rich parents or have that big heiress legacy, but those that traveled from across the world, that moved to California, that decided this was gonna be where they made their mark. We have each other to help each other out, so it’s not like the wives clubs of basketball or of sports, but it’s the friendship club of life and I think all women can relate to that no matter what it is that you do.
On Not Faking it For the Cameras For myself, a lot of the world knows who I am so I have already an idea, so it’s only so much faking you can do and even if I tried, all of you guys would pull my card anyway. But this is what we do for a living. We’re not showing you a script on a screen. I’m showing you what I do when I wake up in the morning and try to go out and try to seek work and sometimes I get it and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes it’s an epic failure and my friends help pick me up. [Denyce] has that same struggle and I think for us that are actually actors in the business it’s a little bit harder because there is this idea that you have…this preconceived notion that when you see I’m X, Y, and Z, then you watch the show you realize I’m not X, Y, or Z. I’m actually A, B, and C. It’s completely different moment so you get to see from what you thought something was to seeing the full spectrum of what life in entertainment really is.
On Reality TV Forcing People to See Celebrities as Real People The thing is — not to make this all a moment — is that it humanizes celebrities because you look at a celebrity and you realize it’s not a battery pack back there and they’re actually a person with blood and they need to eat everyday like everybody else and they’re human. So to stand around and take pictures for the next 3 hours is kind of like, tiring, but they don’t think about that. They’re like, you’re a celebrity, do it. Now you can kind of see what a day in the life is and that we live the same life as you. We have to smile because if we didn’t we’re a b**** and it’s like, okay, I just had gas. It gives you an inside look at the entertainment beyond the glitz.
Jennifer Lopez's lover Casper Smart shows off the new wheels she bought him for his birthday
She reportedly bought her toyboy lover the new shiny toy for his 25th birthday this weekend. And Casper Smart showed off his new four-wheeled gift from girlfriend Jennifer Lopez as he cruised around Los Angeles. The back-up dancer hopped into the massive white Dodge Ram pick-up truck to run some errands.
The giant automobile, which features a huge silver grill and shiny rims, somewhat dwarfed the pint-sized dancer who was dressed in some summery attire consisting of some knee-length demin shorts, a black T-shirt and some flip flops. Casper was certainly spoilt by his much older ladylove over the weekend. He was surprised with the new truck in the morning by the 42-year-old singer before his intimate birthday dinner at upscale eatery Cecconi's. 'Jennifer had planned a fun day to celebrate Casper's birthday,' a source told People magazine.
'(She) knew that Casper really wanted a truck, and Casper was very excited about the generous gift.' And the lavish day didn't stop there. Casper was also treated to a shopping trip and fancy lunch in Beverly Hills. Then it was on to the swanky Cecconi's where the couple and some friends dined on Italian food in the eatery's private room. Jennifer and Casper arrived in his new ride much to the delight of his girlfriend.
'Casper was so excited about his new truck that he decided to drive it to dinner,' the source told the magazine. 'She was smiling about Casper's excitement.'
Jennifer made sure it was an extra glamorous night of celebration by slippng into a clinging turquoise dress complete with matching glittery clutch bag. And the singer ensured she showed off her famous curves in the low cut number.
'We hope Beau has the happiest Birthday Beau ever has!' she wrote on her social networking page. Although they have been dating for less than a year, Casper certainly seems at home with Jennifer's twins Max and Emme.
CISSY HOUSTON TO RELEASE NEW MUSIC ON MOTHER’S DAY
Whitney Houston‘s mother, Cissy Houston has found a way to channel her grief. On Mother’s Day – May 13th – Cissy will release a four song gospel EP. This is something Cissy began before Whitney’s tragic death. Vy Higginsen, the much respected playwright (Mama I Want to Sing) and musical director, is working with Cissy on this project. “We worked on it for a long time. On the day that Whitney died, Cissy and I were on the phone for hours talking about what else had to be done,” Vy said. “Then Whitney died that afternoon, and everything went out the window.”
Once Cissy returned home, grief stricken, Vy suggested to her–gently–that they get back to work. It would take her mind off the tragedy to some extent. The record will be released on Mother’s Day, and will be accompanied by four gospel remakes. Details of distribution are forthcoming.
MOBB DEEP…What’s the Tea…FOR REAL?
Havoc of Mobb Deep went on a shocking tirade against his former rap partner, Prodigy. Havoc outed Prodigy claiming he was having sex with other men during his recent stay prison and Havoc vowed to see Prodigy in the streets...
Havoc gave no reason for going off and so far Prodigy has not responded. Sway from MTV News confirmed that the Tweets from Havoc were real.
UPDATE; HAVOC Claims his phone was stolen: The H.A.V.O.C. issued the following statement: "Just getting back into NY after my Easter weekend with family and friends in Jersey. I left my phone at a gas station yesterday evening while on my way to Jersey after a glorious Knick's game. To all Mobb Deep fans: it's business as usual! It's Mobb Deep all day!!! My twitter account @THEREALHAVOC will be down until further notice. The only other real account is @PRODIGYMOBBDEEP. Ignore the rest. One!"
Prodigy—who recently told Hip-Hop Wired about Mobb Deep's formula for longevity—issued a short statement of his own, via Twitter. "ATTENTION: TO BE CLEAR@PRODIGYMOBDEEP IS A FAKE PAGE I DONT EVEN KNOW WHY SH-T IS VERIFIED TWITTER PEOPLE R ON SUM BULLSHIT RIGHT NOW SMH..," he tweeted. "IM A FATHER ,AN ADULT, IM NOT HERE TO BEEF IM HERE TO MAKE MUSIC."
This whole debacle sounds suspicious. What do you think? Are the Infamous victims of identity theft or is this a cover up?
Hot Shot: Kelly Rowland Beams On Set Of Trey Songz’s ‘Heart Attack’ Video
R&B diva Kelly Rowland was snapped posing it up on the set of Trey Songz‘s ‘Heart Attack’ video It’s currently unknown if the ‘Motivation’ singer actually features in the clip (or was merely visiting).
In any case, it’s great to see Ms. Rowland keeping her face in fray as she records her eagerly awaited 4th studio album.
Angelina Jolie's "Maleficent" Gets Release Date
Having revealed plans to take on the project late last month, Angelina Jolie's latest undertaking of "Maleficent" has now been given a release date. The tale, which is the re-telling of “Sleeping Beauty” from the perspective of her evil character Maleficent, will be making its way into theaters on March 14, 2014. With Robert Stromberg set to direct, filming is expected to get underway a few months from now in June.
Of the gig, Miss Jolie previously told press, "It sounds really crazy to say that there will be something that’s good for young girls in this, because it sounds like you’re saying they should be a villain. [Maleficent] is actually a great person, but she’s not perfect. She’s far from perfect... In general, it’s a very good message to say, ‘let’s look at something from the other side.’”
“But then also, what our challenge will be — and the script writer [Linda Woolverton] has already cracked it — is not to simplify it, not to just reverse the story but tell a bigger story that doesn’t point the finger [at Princess Aurora] either. It doesn’t flip it," she added.
Beyonce & Jay-Z Enjoy The Beach St. Barts
Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted on the beach in St. Barts as they have been all week.
I’m just now reporting it because it’s a slow news day The superstar couple relaxed with Beyonce showing off her post-baby body in a black swimsuit.
Beyonce is soon set to return to work with a 3 sold out dates over memorial weekend.
Nicki Minaj Gets A Bedazzled Cake For Miami Album Release Party
After a heavy promo tour for her new Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album last week, Nicki Minaj finally chilled out Easter Sunday in Miami with her YMCMB crew. And she had a fitting bedazzled 4-tier Swarovski decorated cake for her bash at Fontainebleau Hotel.
Nicki and YMCMB's head honcho Lil Wayne partied it up alongside the rest of the fam--like Cortez, Mack Maine, Birdman and Mystikal--at Miami's Fontainebleau Hotel.
The creative folks at Divine Delicacies Custom Cakes told us they whipped up a strawberry shortcake flavored creation for the blonde Barb. And did it on a one-night's notice after Wayne put in a request the night before.
It's 4 tiers of fondant, edible color paints (including Nicki's fave color pink), pink pearl Fondant bows and pink & blue Swarovski crystal bands around the cake and brooches on the bows.
Nicki's new album covers and monogram and paint splashes like what's on her covers were all over it too.
By the way, this was the 29-year-old's first time meeting Mystikal and she tweeted: “Met Mystikal… Didn’t tell him I had a crush on him back in da day doe.”
Ha!
Monica and Shannon Share Their Love Online
If you've lost all hope in celebrity marriages take heart. Monica and Shannon Brown are sickeningly sweet with their love for each other...
Isn’t that SWEET!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES “Rippin’ It Up”
Hole-ly moly! I don’t mean to be the bearer of bad news, but even without the hole I don’t think those jeans were gonna work for you.
