[Afrochic901]

I had a few computer problems and GC has been trippin...so I had to create a new account. I have a lot of catching up to do.

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2003

Last week was not a good one for rapper 50 Cent. Gunfire erupted outside a Jersey City hotel while he was checking in. Nine shells were found at the scene and now police want to talk to the rapper and his entourage to find out what was going on. 50 Cent is also profiled in the new edition of the Source magazine. The magazine says 50 Cent is nothing more than a media savvy "gangsta" wannabe. The Source claims 50 Cent stole his name from an 80's era rapper from Brooklyn who was killed. 50's previous name was "Boo-Boo." 50 brags about serving a 3-9 year jail term, but he only spent seven months in a boot camp where he scrubbed floors with a toothbrush. 50 brags how he was shot nine times and he survived, and his critics say that is all he brags about. 50 has been known to dis his mentors Dr. Dre, Eminem and Jay Z, who invited him on his tour. 50 has had one incredible year and right now he is the hottest rapper out, and he's dating one of finest women in Hollywood, Vivica A. Fox. How long will it all last for 50 Cent?

There's another book coming out about Michael Jackson. Author Randy J. Tarraborelli is writing the book Michael Jackson: The Magic and The Madness. Some of the highlights in the book include Lisa Marie Presley bragging to friends about how good Michael was in the bed. According to Lisa, Michael was hot stuff and they would spice up their sex sessions with role playing but Michael would never let her see his body if the lights were on. Lisa also never saw Michael without his make up on. The book also claims Michael was driven to plastic surgery by his abusive father. He didn't want to look like his dad. Michael also refused to move in with "Screen Goddess" Elizabeth Taylor because he feared he would have to have sex with her. They also talked about marriage. After ten operations on his nose, his nose collapsed and he now wears a prosthetic nose tip and disguises it with thick stage makeup. The author also talked to Michael sister, Rebbie. Rebbie says her brother was traumatized by an encounter with two prostitutes. Years ago a family member arranged for a meeting between Michael and two prostitutes. The three of them were locked in a room together but nothing happened because all Michael wanted to do was talk. In other Michael news he's got a new song coming out that R. Kelly produced.

What is the secret behind the successful marriage of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith? Is it complete submission? Will has stated the secret of his happiness with Jada is complete submission. Jada sings in a band called Wicked Wisdom and they are coming out with an album. One of the songs on the album is called "Worship Me.'' The song is about a woman dominating her man. Some of the lyrics in the song are "…I'll let you stay if you behave and do exactly what I say, you've got to worship me."

Judge Mablean Ephraim of Divorce Court is sporting a new look. Judge Ephram recently lost 65 pounds the old fashion way-- through diet and exercise. No stomach stapling or intestines rerouted for her. The judge debuts her new look this week.

Is Oprah Winfrey sporting a new look? According to published reports Oprah underwent plastic surgery last month. Nothing major just a little bit of work to make her look younger and more relaxed. Oprah turns 50 in January and sources say she was ready for a change that went beyond diet and exercise. Reports say she got liposuction on her butt, stomach and knees, a chin implant, and eyebrow lift and a breast reduction where they take out excess and lift the breasts so they can be perky again. Oprah says she has not had surgery. The new season has started for Oprah and later this month she is going to sit down with the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige.

Have you noticed the change in Star Jones from the ABC show The View. Last month Star underwent gastric bypass surgery, but she is being quiet about it because Barbara Walters is going to do a big special on her. Star was recently spotted eating a small container of applesauce which is required as part of the meal plan for those who undergo the surgery. Your stomach is smaller and you can't eat a lot.

Prince and The Dells have been nominated for the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame. We will find out in December if they made it. Last year no African Americans were inducted.

Queen Latifah will be teaming up with Danny Glover for a movie she co-wrote called Cookout.

Halle Berry is going to show her lighter side next month when she steps in as host of Saturday Night Live. Halle has a new movie, a thriller called Gothika opening next month.

James Ingram, Jeffrey Osborne and Peabo Bryson are getting together to do an album. The project is due next year.

Chaka Khan has an autobiography coming out next month. In the Book Through the Fire, the Grammy Award winning singer talks about her battle with drugs and alcohol and failed marriages.

Former "Disco Queen" Donna Summer is re-teaming with the man who created many of her hits, producer Giorgio Moroder. Donna will be doing two new songs with Moroder for her greatest hits CD that comes out on September 30th. The set includes 18 hits and the two new songs. On October 14th, Donna is coming out with her autobiography, Ordinary Girl.

A few weeks ago, a club bouncer attacked singer El Debarge. El went to see his brother Chico perform at a club in D.C. called Platinum and the bouncer started giving him a hard time at the door. El and the bouncer got into it and he attacked El. El is now planning to sue the club.

Patti LaBelle is going to be honored this week at the National Minority AIDS Conference. Patti is getting a "Lifetime Achievement Award." Patti also has a line of clothes coming out in November that she is selling on the Home Shopping Network.

Mariah Carey is going to play a boxer in her next movie. In Sweet Science, Mariah will spar with Laila Ali.

Erykah Badu opens up in the new issue of Heart and Soul Magazine. Erykah says there is more to her than the head wraps, candles and incense. Erykah has a new album out called Worldwide Underground. Erykah also revealed that she is no longer dating rapper Commom. They had the hit "Love Of My Life."

Angela Bassett is going to film her next movie in Philly. Angela will be starring in the movie Less Than Kind. Angela will play a woman having an affair with the boyfriend of her daughter. Rapper Foxy Brown will play her daughter. Lee Daniels is producing the movie. Lee is the West Philadelphia native who produced Monster's Ball. This is the movie that got Halle Berry her Oscar.

Tracey McGrady of the Orlando Magic opens up in the new issue of Stuff Magazine. Tracey says 5% of the NBA players are gay. Tracey says he is not talking about himself but he has witnessed "gay behavior."

Singer Maxwell has found love. Maxwell is dating blonde actress Elizabeth Rohm from the NBC show Law And Order. Elizabeth plays a district attorney, "Serena Southerly" on the show. The two came out publicly at the MTV Music Awards.

Prince's sister Tyka Nelson has turned her life around. Prince made his sister go into rehab when he realized she was on crack and into prostitution.

Janet Jackson has a new album coming out next February. Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will be doing the project.

Oscar Winner Denzel Washington turns 50 in December and in a recent interview he says he has no problems having younger women as love interest. In his new movie Out of Time, Denzel has two younger lovers-- Eva Mendes, 29 and Sanaa Lathan, 30. The movie comes out on October 3rd.