[Afrochic]

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 30, 2003

The marriage between Singer Brandy and her Husband Producer Robert Smith is over. They were married for less than two years and they have a one-year-old daughter. Sources say Robert was not suited for Brandy and her parents didn’t approve. Brandy and Robert shocked everyone when they eloped. Robert recently lost his dad and he and Brandy were together at the funeral just last week. Brandy’s record company has released a statement confirming the breakup and denying reports that she is currently pregnant. I felt bad hearing this news, I had a chance to talk to Robert and Brandy a few months ago and they appeared to be very happy but maybe the stress of a young marriage and child got the best of them. Brandy has been seen out and about lately so it appears she has moved on with her life, she says she will remain friends with her husband as they raise their child.

Get ready for Wendy Williams! The former Power 99 morning host is now on WBLS in New York doing afternoons. On July 11th Wendy will debut her new show on VH1 Wendy is on Fire at 10:30 pm. This is going to be a busy summer for the Queen of Gossip on August the 5th her long awaited autobiography hits stores. The book is called “Wendy’s Got the Heat” and it is very revealing. Wendy talks about it all, her drug use, her affair with a veteran rap artist and her abortion, how she was date raped by a one hit wonder R&B Singer, her miscarriages, extensive cosmetic surgery, her first husbands treachery and her current husbands infidelity. Wendy tells all in her book. Wendy is not afraid to speak her mind and I hope she comes to town to do a book signing. I look forward to talking to her.

Author E. Lynn Harris has a new book coming out next week called “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”. In this book E. Lynn tells his life story, his struggles with homosexuality, how he made his 1991 self-published book “Invisible Life” a success. He talks about Bi-sexuality and Gay Men, his battles with depression, obstacles and sexual frustrations that led him to almost take his life. E. Lynn is a fascinating storyteller and he has quite a story to tell about his life and success.

Bobby Brown and Whtiney Houston are in talks to do a movie called ‘Beefy and Charlie’. Bobby and Whitney are set to play gangsters who are also musicians. Bobby says their movie will have lots of singing, robbing and stealing. They are probably going to do this project after Whitney gives birth to their second child this fall.

There is a move underway to get a Postage Stamp for Marvin Gaye. The campaign is called ‘A Stamp for Marvin’ and the committee who is starting the campaign hopes to see their dream come true in time for Marvin’s 65th Birthday on April 2, 2004. The late Soul Singer was killed by his father almost 20 years ago. Fans are asked to write a letter of support to the citizens stamp advisory committee in Washington D.C. Letters should go Dr. Virginia Noelke, Chair Citizens Stamp, Advisory Committee, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW Room 5670, Washington D.C. 20260-2437

Kobe Bryant and his dad Joe Bryant are working on their differences. A few weeks ago the popular Los Angeles Lakers Star revealed that he and his dad Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant were estranged. There had been reports that Joe was unhappy when Kobe decided to marry a young Hispanic/Italian girl. Kobe’s decision to marry the girl almost tore apart his family and when Kobe and his wife gave birth to their first child he decided the estrangement had gone on long enough. Kobe and Joe recently hosted the LA launch party for Avia Athletic Apparel. Last week Kobe signed a 45 million deal with Nike Shoes. High School Phenomenon and No.1 Draft Pick Lebron James also signed a deal with Nike his contract is for seven years and he’s getting 90 million dollars. So why is Lebron getting more than Kobe who has three championship rings? Kobe is not good at selling sneakers and even though Lebron has never played a game in the NBA, kids like what’s hot and new.

Congratulations to Olympic Champion Marion Jones. Marion gave birth to a 5lb. baby boy last weekend. Tim Montgomery was named after his dad World Record Holder, Tim Montgomery. Marion says she will be ready to compete in the summer Olympics in Athens next year.

Destiny’s Child is growing; Beyonce’s youngest sister Solange will be joining the group. The group’s manager, Matthew Knowles is the father of Beyonce and Solange. Solange’s solo career never took off so now she will be joining Beyonce, Michelle and Kelly as they head into the studio in September to work on an L.P. Beyonce is currently topping the charts with her solo L.P. “Dangerously in Love”.

Chris Tucker will return as Detective James Carter in ‘Rush Hour 3’. No word yet on whether Jackie Chan will return as his partner. Chris’s last movie was ‘Rush Hour 2’ I would like to see him in another role.