[Confucius]

Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of June 19th, 2006

Hold off buying those wedding gifts for Michael Jackson! He is looking for wife number three, but he won’t be his nanny, Grace Rwaramba. Last week, there was a lot of speculation that Michael was planning to tie the knot with his children’s longtime nanny. When Michael gets in trouble he takes a wife. Right now, he is fighting for custody of his two oldest children. Michael’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe, the mother of Paris and Prince, is back in the picture. Years ago, she signed away her rights to her children for millions of dollars, and then Michael got into trouble for a second time facing child molestation charges. Debbie realized she wanted her children back, and a judge agreed. These kids are now seven and eight years old and they have no idea who Debbie Rowe is. Paris and Prince refer to their nanny as their mother. Nanny Grace has been in their lives since birth. Michael was looking to marry Nanny Grace. He wanted to prove to a judge that the children are being raised in a stable environment. Grace wanted the same thing, but she has not been truthful about her past. Grace Rwaramba is a 38-year old African native. Her nickname is “The Enforcer” because she keeps Michael under control. Sources say she is deeply religious, but she is not liked by the Jackson family. They feel she is a social-climbing golddigger. Things started to unravel for the nanny last week when it was revealed that she can’t marry Michael because she is already married. Apparently, Nanny Grace has been married for the past 11 years to an African American filmmaker. It was a marriage of convenience so Grace would be allowed to work in the United States. Michael also found out that Nanny Grace had been involved with his brothers Jermaine and Randy (What is with these two and sharing women? Years ago, Jermaine ran off with Randy’s baby momma). Michael needs a wife, but he can’t marry a woman who already has a husband, or a woman who has been involved with his brothers.

Janet Jackson’s new song, Call On Me, with Rapper Nelly has been released to radio. Her new album, 20-Years Old, comes out in September. Expect a duet with Mariah Carey on the new album.

Bobby Brown can’t stop cheating on his wife Whitney Houston. Yes, they are separated, but they are still legally married. Bobby, 37, has been carrying on with a 24-year old contestant from America’s Next Top Model. Tiffany Richardson is enjoying her time in the spotlight as the mistress of Bobby Brown, proclaiming it’s cool because Whitney is not here. How is Bobby going to explain this? His lies are catching up to him. In the meantime, Hollywood is reaching out to help Whitney. Denzel Washington and Mel Gibson have reached out to help. Whitney is in Los Angeles. According to long time friend, Singer Cherelle, Whitney has started detox, and is determined to clean up her life.

Now speaking of Whitney, cheating and open marriages, check out the July issue of Essence magazine. Singer Jill Scott interviews Actress/Comedian Mo’nique. Mo’nique talks about her marriage, and she has some encouraging words for Whitney. Last month, Mo’nique married her childhood buddy Sidney Hicks. He is the father of her twins. Mo’nique talks about cheating, and she says it’s cheating when you lie and keep secrets. She says she and her husband are honest with each other. I thought “cheating” was sex outside of your marriage or exclusive relationship. What is Mo’nique saying? Is she having an open marriage with her husband? Essence magazine loves Mo’nique. She has graced the cover 3 times in the past 15 months. Is it too much Mo’nique? According to the editors, no because they feel Mo’nique is the perfect fit with her spirit, energy and confidence. They say readers respond to her realness. When you read the article, let me know what you think.

Get well wishes go out to Singer Isaac Hayes. He had to cancel his summer tour because of a heart ailment. He has been sick most of the year. We also send out get well wishes to Rudy Ray Moore, a.k.a. “Dolemite.” Moore was the king of the party records in the 60’s and 70’s. The 80-year old Moore is suffering from an undisclosed illness at a California hospital. He is in intensive care and in good spirits.

I hear Singer D’Angelo has fallen on hard times. Last year, he was involved in a serious car accident. He hasn’t toured or released an album in years. With no income coming in, he could lose everything.

Former American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard sued his former manager Ron Edwards and won. A judge ruled that Edwards took advantage of Studdard when he stole money and credit cards from him. Studdard was awarded $2 million in his lawsuit. In a statement, Studdard declared it was nice to see justice at work, but he is still hurt because he had known Edwards since he was a child and trusted him.

Mary Wilson had a big court victory last week. The Mary Wilson Law went into effect protecting original artists from copycat performers. Copycat performers, whether they are using an artists name, songs or personas, must now proclaim they are doing it as a tribute. For years, the public has been fooled by impersonators going on stage as the original performers.

Lionel Richie wants his daughter Nicole to gain weight. He is reportedly offering Nicole and her friends a trip to the Caribbean if she gains weight. He feels she is being influenced by her friends.

Is there life after Divorce Court? For Judge Mablean Ephriam there is. Judge Mablean will no longer appear on Divorce Court. She decided to leave the show after a contract dispute. Producers were also hassling her about her hair, and now she can wear her hair anyway she wants to. According to Judge Mablean, the sky is the limit. She says she would like to write a book and also try her hand at acting, maybe a movie or a stage play. She has also started a foundation to help guide young fathers.

Usher is back with his former stylist. Last year, Usher caught a lot of flak when it was revealed he was dating his former stylist who was married with three kids. Well, Stylist Tameka Foster has divorced her husband and she is free to be with Usher, who is ten years younger than she is.

Actress Keke Palmer (Akeelah and the Bee, Madea’s Family Reunion) has just signed on for the Disney movie Jump. She also has a new album coming out on Atlantic Records.

The 15 minutes of fame are not over for Hoopz. Hoopz is the infamous winner of the VH-1 reality show Flavor of Love. She won Flavor Flav’s heart, and dumped him shortly thereafter. Hoopz, a.k.a. Nikki Alexander, has been making a name for herself running through the rappers and the ladies. Hoopz ran into trouble with the Michigan Police last week, and she was arrested after fighting with the cops. She claims she was being harassed by her neighbors then she was attacked by the cops.

I’m Rick James is a new documentary coming out this fall based on the life of the wild entertainer. The full length feature film was put together by his daughter Ty, and it covers Rick’s career from his days as a struggling musician in Buffalo to a world class entertainer.

Tyra Banks is fast on her way to becoming the Oprah Winfrey of the younger set. The 32-year old former supermodel has two hit shows under her belt, America’s Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks (talk) Show. Tyra owns a part of both shows, and last year she made $18 million. Tyra is on a roll with her TV shows and her rumored romance with Tyler Perry. She says they’re just friends. Hmmmmmmmm!

Get ready for The Luther Vandross Collection. It’s a 16 song collection featuring 2 new songs, Shine and Got You Home. The album will coincide with the one year anniversary of his death. Look for it in August.

Check out these upcoming DVD releases
Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail-June 27th.
Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion, the movie-June 27th.
Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married, with Kelly Price-June 27th. Akeelah and The Bee- Laurence Fishburne, Keke Palmer, Angela Bassett – August 29th.


WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Veteran Soul Singer is very angry about his career. Back in the late 70’s, he topped the charts with numerous soul ballads. In the 80’s and 90’s, he had numerous crossover hits, but he never achieved the success he thought he was due. This Singer made money, but not the millions that are being paid to today’s top artists. This Veteran has had his share of hard times. He feels it’s unfair because he can really sing, whereas today’s top entertainers are created in a studio. The Veteran Singer is letting his anger consume him. In concerts, he stops his show to curse the other artists who he feels are not as talented as him. This Singer is working non stop to get out of debt because he never got the millions he was due. He has no idea he is turning a lot of his fans off with his bizarre behavior.

The BET Awards air Tuesday night, June 27th with Host Damon Wayans. Nominees include Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington, Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah and Alfre Woodard. Chaka Khan will be getting the Lifetime Achievement Award. Beyonce and Jay-Z will be the opening the show, and Prince will be closing. Mary Mary, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, and Rapper T.I. are also scheduled to perform.