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Note about the first story: Noah's Arc is a show on LOGO, which is a channel for the GLBT community. The best way to describe the show as "Sex In The City" but with black, gay men. I know not everyone has LOGO, but I watch this show and really enjoy it. And the guy featured in this story is fine! Pic: http://blackvoices.aol.com/black_ent...11142909990001

Big Break

"It feels good to be a part of something that's groundbreaking in a world where everybody has seen everything and done everything. To be able to create new images and new situations on television…it's good to be a part of it," said Jensen Atwood, better known as Wade on the LOGO network's original series 'Noah's Arc.'

The South Central Los Angeles-bred actor, who studied theater both at California State University Long Beach and Playhouse West in Los Angeles, has become one of the breakout stars on the pioneering black gay dramedy. "Wow! That's all I can ever say is, 'Wow,'" said Atwood. "To be where we're at now, with the first season on DVD and the second season [having just premiered], from where we started. I believed in [the producer] Patrick [Ian Polk's] work and I wanted to take chances and so I saw it as an opportunity to do that. And here we are, again, and people are talking about it."

Buzz about 'Noah's Arc' began in Hollywood almost two years ago. A pilot for the series was screened online and was sent to journalists nationwide, while Polk and his partners shopped the series to various television networks. When it seemed as though no television outlet would option the series, there was talk of an entire season of the show being packaged for the straight-to-DVD market. Ultimately, MTV launched LOGO and 'Noah's Arc' found a home there.

Atwood feels the timing couldn't be better for 'Noah's Arc' to be on television. "I think as a people we've come a little further as far as not being so judgmental. We live in a world where we experience everything. To pretend like your next door neighbor isn't of a different nationality or the guy that you work with isn't of a different sexuality, we're just very different people," he explained, before adding, "I am not sure why it took til' now, but I'm glad it's now. If it was a different time, Wade would be played by somebody else perhaps."

Hollywood has embraced the series as well, with stars like Victoria Rowell ('The Young and the Restless"), sportscaster John Salley, former B2K singer Raz-B, Rockmond Dunbar ('Prison Break') and Keith Hamilton Cobb ('All My Children') being slated to, or having already guest-starred on the show.

On 'Noah's Arc,' Atwood's character is a straight man that discovers he's gay when he falls for the title character, Noah. Because the show pushes the envelope with erotic kissing and racy sex scenes, I wondered what Atwood's family and friends thought of the series. "Um, they're excited that I am doing what I want to do. And I'm actually making a living doing it," he said, laughing. "Other than that, it was a surprise to them. It was a surprise to my mom at first because she found out through the Internet, as funny as the Internet can sound sometimes, and she really wasn't sure what it was. Just getting a half story, she was kind of shocked 'cause she didn't know what it was. So it took me to explain it to her. It took me to show her what it really was for her to go, 'Oh okay, yeah that's good.'"

Since my mom always told me never to assume, I didn't want to assume that since Atwood played a gay person on 'Noah's Arc' that he was actually gay in real life. So I asked: "Do you define your sexuality?"

He replied: "I do. But I don't. Because, you know, its funny with this…people seem to get away from the show and the actors when they get caught up in someone's sexuality. I am a very open person and proud of who I am, but when it comes to 'Noah's Arc' the show or Jensen Atwood's personal life, I'd rather talk about 'Noah's Arc' the show."

Though his answer was a little ambiguous, I left the matter alone. I am told that Atwood is straight.

I did, however, ask Atwood what he thought of the hoopla made over Lance Bass of N'Sync coming out of the closet. "Has it caused a hoopla? I didn't even know that," he offered, before adding, "It was kind of like, 'duh,' to me when somebody told me. I don't know if there is a different objective as far as maybe career wise or something. It wasn't a huge surprise, so I don't know what the big deal is."

A big deal for Atwood was his big break in Hollywood, which came by way of his role as Johnny Taylor in Oprah Winfrey's made-for-TV adaptation of the Toni Morrison novel, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God.' "It was unbelievable. Which actor wouldn't want to play opposite of an Oscar winning actress," he said about the film's star, Halle Berry. "I was given that opportunity and it was something that still follows me, and I'm glad that it does."

While acting seems to be Atwood's first love, there may be some music endeavors in his future as well. "I've been singing my whole life," he confessed. The actor was a backup singer for Tyrese when he toured with Brian McKnight and even sung in a quintet called Reign. Atwood has appeared in music videos by Destiny's Child ("Lose My Breath"/"Soldier"), Lil' Mo ("Superwoman Pt. II") and Heather Headley ("I Wish I Wasn't").

Music Notes

Soul singer KeKe Wyatt has inked a new recording contract with TVT Records. Wyatt hit the scene in 2000, singing the Rene & Angela duet "My First Love" on singer Avant's first CD, 'My Thoughts.' Her solo debut 'Soul Sista' was released in 2002 and featured a second duet with Avant called, 'Nothing In This World.'

'Soul Sista' sold modestly until Wyatt was arrested on Christmas Eve in 2002 for stabbing her husband with a kitchen knife. The controversy made the album shoot up the charts and the CD earned a gold-certification, selling more than 500,000 units. The case was settled out of court and Wyatt reconciled with her husband.

In 2004, Cash Money Records decided to venture into R&B, having already signed Teena Marie, and added Wyatt and singer Lil' Mo to its roster. Wyatt's single "Put Your Hands On Me" was released to radio, but shortly thereafter rumors began that both Wyatt and Lil' Mo wanted out of their deals with Cash Money. Apparently their release was granted.

"It feels good to finally find a home at TVT Records," Wyatt told us exclusively. "They really support my vision and will allow me to develop my own sound. I see how they developed Teedra Moses through word of mouth and I am looking to create my own buzz once again." In addition to Moses and Wyatt, TVT Records is also home to rappers Lil' Jon, Ying Yang Twins and Pitbull.

In other music industry news, sources tell me that R&B group Jagged Edge is being dropped by Sony. Though a rep for the label said they don't believe the rumor is true, word has it that the group is eyeing a new deal with Interscope Records. The platinum-selling quartet's latest self-titled release has only sold an underwhelming 238,606 units according to SoundScan.

R&B singer Tamia has inked a new deal with Image Entertainment for the American release of her fourth album 'Between Friends.' The CD has already been released to rave reviews in South Africa on Gallo Records. Tamia worked solely with producers Shep Crawford and Rodney Jerkins for 'Between Friends.' The CD also reunites Tamia with singer Eric Benet, whom she scored a gold-certified, number one single with "Spend My Life With You" in 1999. 'Between Friends' is expected to drop in mid-October. In addition to the album, Tamia is also a spokesperson for Chevrolet and is currently featured in radio spots and numerous print ads for the automotive maker. She and husband, Orlando Magic player Grant Hill, have a 4-year-old daughter, Myla Grace.

Speaking of Image Entertainment, though the company is best known for releasing straight-to-DVD films and stand-up comedy videos, the company is apparently branching more into the music business. They released Mint Condition's last two albums, 'Livin' the Luxury Brown' and 'Live From the 9:30 Club,' and I'm told they have also signed singer Blu Cantrell. The piquant singer hit the scene with her platinum-selling 'So Blu' in 2001. That album featured the number one single "Hit Em Up Style (Oops)" and the power ballad "I'll Find A Way." X-rated photos that Cantrell took for Black Tail magazine before making it in music surfaced online shortly after her single hit the top of the charts. Her sophomore album 'Bittersweet' made her an international superstar and received silver-certification in the U.K. and gold status in Australia. The CD bombed terribly in the U.S. and Cantrell subsequently parted ways with Arista Records.

Buzzworthy

Gospel artist Donald Lawrence is still going strong with his single "The Blessing of Abraham." The song has been number one for 15 consecutive weeks on the gospel radio charts. Lawrence and his Tri-City Singers beat the record previously held by singer J.Moss for his song, "We Must Praise," which held the top spot for 13 weeks. "The Blessing of Abraham" is the first single from Lawrence's two-CD release 'The Finale: Act 1' and 'The Finale: Act 2' on EMI Gospel. Lawrence is the first gospel artist to join the ranks of an exclusive group of entertainers such as Bruce Springsteen, rapper Nelly and Guns N' Roses, who all successfully released two different CDs on the same day. The celebrated, self-contained talent-singer, songwriter, producer and arranger-was the big winner at the 2005 Stellar Gospel Awards this past January, taking home seven trophies including Artist of the Year for his 2004 release 'I Speak Life.'

Basketball player Kenny Anderson is having some issues paying his child support. The former NBA All-Star, who played on such teams as the New Jersey Nets and the Boston Celtics, is now playing internationally on the Lithuanian team Zalgiris Kunas. According to the New York Post, Anderson owes at least four of his babies' mothers-two of whom he married -back child support. His first wife is Tami Roman, who is best known as a house guest on MTV's 'Real World: Season 2.' She and Anderson have two daughters; Kenni, 10, and Lyric, 11. He also has a daughter with Salt-N-Pepa deejay Spinderella (real name: Deidre Roper), though the two never wed. Anderson has seven kids in total. According to court documents, he owes over a million to his creditors and spends $41,000 on himself monthly.

Music producer-songwriter Sean Garrett is looking to step from behind the scenes and into the spotlight with his own solo project. Also a singer, Garrett is apparently close to inking a deal with Interscope Records for his own CD release. Rapper Jay-Z has nicknamed Garrett "The Pen" for his string of Billboard hits, which include the Pussycat Dolls' "Buttons," Chris Brown's "Run It," Beyonce's "Check On It," and Nelly's "Grillz." He also co-wrote the Usher smash "Yeah!," which was named BMI's 2005 Urban Song of the Year, and Garrett received BMI Urban Awards for Ciara's "Goodies" and Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath."

Can't Say Names…

A sexy ensemble-singing star was rumored to be keeping company with a crooner who duets on her recent single; however, he may be surprised to know that she's quietly creeping with the head of their record label. A source tells me that said siren and the music mogul have secretly become the modern day Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola-sans the super-sized wedding. Out of all of the names listed, I think it's Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls. I've heard she's been going with Avant.

Frankly Speaking

"Yes it's much easier to ask personal questions regarding celebs' personal lives. A few days ago I was talking with the fabulous Roberta Flack on my show. She's 66 and certainly a legend. We talked about menopause, friendships and lost virginity. She was 12, and it was in the bushes. And she in no way felt disrespected [by me asking]." - Syndicated radio host Wendy Williams in Upscale magazine's Aug. 06 issue.

BV Scene

Solange Knowles sported the new jewelry line contraVersy by Candace (www.candaceviola.com) while at the MTV building in New York City's Times Square for her appearance on 'TRL' last week. Knowles wore the jewelry to the Houston premiere of her straight-to-DVD release 'Bring It On: All or Nothing' as well… Bestselling author Karrine Steffans and singer Bobby Brown dined with their sons at the Casa Vega Restaurant on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, Calif.… Last week tennis great Serena Williams shopped with an unidentified male companion at the Solstice Sunglass Boutique in Century City, Calif. Williams told an associate she was looking for the "biggest glasses they had" and ended up buying both the Dior Gaucho in white and gold and the Dior Cannage in white and pink… Remy Ma and Black Buddafly attended the LL Cool J and Ne-Yo party at Banana Joe's in Allentown, PA… Tyra Banks and Nicole Richie attracted a swarm of paparazzi when the two shopped at Kitson, dined at The Ivy, and raided the 99¢ Only store in Hollywood last week, according to TMZ.com. The outing will be featured on the Sept. 11 premiere of 'The Tyra Banks Show.'