[CrimsonTide4]

KELIS: This Just In…: No sooner than I reported that Kelis was the latest singer to join J. Lo’s fired manager Benny Medina’s House of Divas, as I call his Handprint firm, I received a call telling me that things have apparently changed. Apparently Benny, who is reportedly already representing Mya, Brandy and supposedly Mariah Carey, nixed plans to manage Kelis after getting a call from a really bad boy. That’s right, my sources say that Kelis’ former manager Sean “P. Diddy” Combs called Benny and whatever he told Benny, who also used to manage Diddy, made him change his mind about Kelis. So poor lil’ Kelis is looking for representation once again.

In other Kelis news… I hear there may be a little “tension” between her and her record label Star Trak Entertainment/Arista, which happens to be The Neptunes’ label. I’m told that none of the Star Trak staff attended the video shoot for Kelis’ single “Milkshake” because of this “tension.” I hear that video director Paul Hunter originally shot the video, and everyone liked it except Arista president L.A. Reid, who requested that David LaChapelle re-shoot the video. Additionally, I hear that a lot of the “tension” going on with Kelis and her label stems from her current relationship with rapper Nas. Most don’t know that Kelis used to date Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes and, apparently, Pharrell has a problem with Kelis having another leading man in her life. This situation could get very, very interesting. I’ll keep you posted.


VIVICA: Flip The Script: Don’t look for her majesty Queen Latifah to star in the upcoming “Barbershop” spin-off, “Beauty Shop.” The Queen has been replaced with current-hotter-than-fire actress Vivica A. Fox. Production on the film begins in Baltimore on October 19. The shop and its characters will be introduced in the upcoming “Barbershop” sequel. “Beauty Shop” will be under the direction of Mark Brown, who also wrote "Barbershop." Mark also worked with Vivica on "Two Can Play That Game."

Up for consideration for one of the prominent roles in the film is former “Real World: Hawaii” housemate Teck Money. Unlike many “Real World” alumni, Teck has attained serious work as a Hollywood actor, having scored guest roles on shows like “Friends,” “One on One,” “The Parkers” and “Taina.” Additionally, the former MTV veejay starred in the comedy “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder” opposite Tara Reid and Ryan Reynolds, the dramatic thriller “Final Breakdown” with Regina King and Blair Underwood, and the romantic MTV television feature film “Love Song” with Monica.


Aretha Franklin's BET Special:
Dear BET: I am writing you this letter today because you are honoring one of the most incredible singers of all time on Tuesday, Oct. 28. She’s not just an entertainer; she’s actually royalty. Of course I am talking about the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin.

See Queen Re-Re is a legend of our time. She epitomizes a diva. I mean, who else could get Oprah Winfrey to turn off the air conditioning in her television studio, or command “respect” by showing up with Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, and others on the original VH-1 “Divas” special? We’re all so damn happy that Aretha released her new album, “So Damn Happy,” and she’s still in great voice.

So, I guess the reason I pen this lil’ note to you is to ask that you honor our Queen in royal fashion. You’re definitely off to a great start booking Teena Marie, Ron Isley, Eddie Levert, Alicia Keys, Ruben Studdard, Mary J. Blige, Wilson Pickett, Yolanda Adams and Seal for the festive occasion. I guess my concern is that you’ll try to capture the younger crowd by booking folks like Lumidee and Ashanti for the affair. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great new generation singers out there like Beyonce Knowles, Syleena Johnson, Kelly Price, Lil’ Mo, Faith Evans and Jill Scott who could probably do Aretha’s music some justice. Shoot, I wouldn’t even be mad if you booked “American Idol” hopefuls like Tamyra Gray and Trenyce, since both of the girls can really squall too. Also, let’s not forget the singer who I believe is the heir to Aretha, the incomparable Ann Nesby.

I know I don’t book your talent, nor pick your programming -- heck if it was up to me, BET shows like “Next” with Malonda, “Heart & Soul” with Dr. Ro & Mocha Lee, and “NYLA” with Laz Alonzo would still be on the air. I’m just a measly celebrity journalist who may cover this particular event and just would like to see Aretha honored in a spectacular way. Furthermore, it makes me itch to hear people sing off key, flat and sharp, especially certain singers who combine all of those negative elements into one song.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read my letter and hopefully the “9th Annual Walk of Fame” will be your best broadcast yet.

P.S.: Can you please honor Gladys Knight in two years? I know that next year you are honoring a man, but in 2005 let’s acknowledge Gladys. She’s always so overlooked and deserves a star on your “Walk of Fame.” Whatchu think? Oops, there I go again trying to book your programming.

Mary J. Blige: Things That Make You Say Hmmm!?!: Liza Minnelli can rap, says Mary J. Blige. The Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter asked the R&B star what she thinks of Minnelli’s version of her song, “Family Affair.” “Great,” Mary replied. “She can perform any music style. She can even rap. We’re very good friends. I invited her to my home for Thanksgiving last year. People are always surprised when I tell them that we’re friends. ‘Aha, do you have white friends?’ they ask, like I only hang around with rappers because I’m black.”


Can't Say Names: Can’t Say Names: What Hollywood actress apparently went on a date for a phat paycheck? Sources say a certain Hollywood hottie was paid a whopping $10,000 to go out on a date with a foreign prince. Let’s just say, said actress got her money, probably paid her tithes, and went on a shopping spree at Fred Segal! * Hide the alcohol, especially if the star of a particular mid-season replacement series is around. Sources say a certain TV actor acted a fool at a post-Emmy party after having one too many drinks and being rejected by the two girls he was hitting on. While he yelled at the girls for trying to get in his head, they wondered if he acted like this when at home with his wife and kids. ~~~