News, News, and More News

[jitterbug13]

Family Affair

The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina really struck a chord with über-music producer Rodney Jerkins. The sought-after hitmaker was on vacation with his wife, former pop singer Joy Enriquez, in Cancun when the natural disaster barreled into the Gulf Coast.

"We're watching TV and we're like, 'That could be here right now,'" he recalled, while we dined at the Washington, D.C. restaurant Zola. "It's crazy, sometimes when you think about it, like what if it came to New Jersey? You just don't know how God has things planned. It definitely struck a nerve to see all those people out there without any forms of food, transportation. Come on, it was taking five, six, seven days to get to the people out of there. It was crazy!"

When Jerkins returned home, he received a call from Sherman Brown who asked him about producing a song for Katrina victims. "I said, 'Tell me more about it.' He said we would partner up with the Points of Light Foundation, which was founded by George Bush, Sr. back in the '80s. So I said, 'Cool,'" explained the producer, who is also vice president of A&R for Island Def Jam Records.

It was decided that they'd remake the Sister Sledge song "We Are Family," though Jerkins wasn't necessarily in love with the concept initially. "Of course me, I'm a creative guy, and I would have loved to create a song from scratch. But they wanted to do a remake of 'We Are Family' by Sister Sledge because they felt that song was really perfect for the cause," said Jerkins.

The producer then rallied support from a bevy of his music industry friends including Patti LaBelle, Chris Brown, Ciara, Brian McKnight, Mary Mary, Christina Milian, Branford Marsalis, BeBe Winans, George Clinton, Lyfe Jennings, Bishop Paul Morton, Ray J and others. "It's a good blend of past generation and this generation," Jerkins said of the singers on the record. Sister Sledge even sings background on the new version.

"We Are Family" is the lead single from a full-length CD of the same name that will drop Nov. 14, on Bungalo/Universal Music Group. Proceeds from the CD/DVD sales will go toward helping more than 200,000 families that were displaced by the hurricane.

In addition to producing "We Are Family," Jerkins has two hit singles currently riding high on the charts-Beyonce's "Déjà Vu" featuring Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige's "Enough Cryin'." The producer, now more than 100 pounds slimmer, also produced the first single for newcomer Shareefa ("I Need A Boss") and Bobby Valentino ("Turn the Page").

Though Jerkins has worked with everyone from Whitney Houston to Michael Jackson and Madonna, he told me that he'd still love to make music with Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. The 29-year-old talent said he would also enjoy overseeing Michael Jackson's comeback project. "Only if he listens to me. I'm not talking about music, I'm talking about everything. If he said, 'Rodney just take my career,'" he offered.

And what type of transformation would he work on M.J.? "First thing I'd do is take the high-waters off. Get rid of the white socks. Get him in some jeans. He could still be fly with the jackets and the things right here (points to his shoulders), but it would just be the fly way of doing it. He don't have to be so glittery. His hair, he needs a nice cut. There's only but so much you can do with him, but it's just to make him more current," he answered, before adding, "I could do it for Mase too!"

In Control

As part of the media set-up for her forthcoming album, '20 Yo,' Janet Jackson has graced the covers of FHM, Us Weekly, Vibe, W Magazine and Ebony. If that wasn't enough, Jackson is now featured on the October/November cover of the newly revamped Giant magazine.

In the revealing interview with writer Scott Poulson-Bryant, Jackson talks candidly about the speculation that she had a daughter by ex-husband James DeBarge that she hid from the public. "It upsets me people just seem to want me to have this baby that I've never told anyone about. But I think James's mother believes there's a baby, as well. Him and I have actually talked about it. He said to me that his mother had mentioned it to him so much, he had to ask me about it! Like, 'You wouldn't do that, would you?' And I had to tell him, if I'd had a baby, he would know. I would never keep a child from her father," Jackson said.

Jackson also lets loose about her brother, Michael Jackson ("He thought my butt was too big. Maybe he wasn't completely happy with himself, so he put it on me?"); her father, Joe Jackson ("I never really wanted to sing. I wanted to go to college and study business law and just be an actress and support my way through school doing that. But my father always said you can make more money as a singer."); and her low self-esteem ("For a long time, I had a difficult time finding things I liked about myself physically. I never used to look in the mirror... 'cause I didn't really like what I saw.").

Giant magazine is now under the direction of former America magazine editor-in-chief Smokey D. Fontaine, who has landed Beyoncé Knowles and Pharrell Williams as cover subjects since being at the helm. The glossy has taken on many of America magazine's signature features, most noticeably the black and white covers.

Buzzworthy

R&B singer Rihanna is brushing off rumors of a feud with Beyoncé Knowles, who of course is dating Rihanna's label president Sean "Jay-Z" Carter. Music industry types and online blogs speculate that Knowles' alarming second single "Ring the Alarm" is actually about Rihanna, with the track accusing a woman of wanting to take Knowles' man. But Rihanna makes light of the rumors in the new issue of Trace magazine. ""I have always looked up to [Beyoncé]," she told the glossy, before adding: "I don't see why people wouldn't compare me to [Beyoncé]. I must be doing something right."

Angie Winans of the legendary Winans family has released a heartfelt book about the loss of her brother, Ronald Winans. In the tome, 'What Manner of Love is This?,' Winans shares how she coped with the loss of her brother and how God can sustain you in time of bereavement. She wrote: "After my loss, I felt that my Love for my brother had betrayed me; you see, I figured if Love wasn't involved, the pain wouldn't be as severe. Little did I know it would be because of Love I would be able to recover with such enormous speed. We know that death is inevitable; it is a part of life that we cannot avoid. It is something that we must face. So here's the revelation; Love is the antidote for death." For more information on this powerful book, visit www.angiewinans.net.

Natalie Cole will headline actress Sheryl Lee Ralph's 16th Annual "Divas...Simply Singing!" HIV/AIDS benefit concert. Among the others slated to perform are Stephanie Mills, Broadway diva Frenchie Davis, 'American Idol' finalist Paris Bennett, gospel singer Tramaine Hawkins, Vivian Green and actress Loretta Devine. Soul singer Rahsaan Patterson and jazz musician Jimmy Sommers will also appear. "Divas...Simply Singing!" will take place Saturday Oct. 7, at Los Angeles' Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

Where's Jacque Reid? That's the question that's flooding my email box. Well, here's what I can tell. Reid is gone from the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show. Harvey's former Los Angeles sidekick Shirley Strawberry is his new co-host. Was the parting of Reid and Harvey amicable? Not from what I hear. But nonetheless, Reid is a great talent who'll likely be back on a television or radio network you know and love before you know it!

Playwright and director Mark E. Swinton is readying the launch of his musical 'You Don't Know Me,' a revamped version of his previous play 'Ephraim's Song.' The play exclusively features the music of the defunct R&B group City High, though none of them are involved in the production. The show kicks off with previews on Sept. 21, at the LA Scottish Rite Auditorium. Opening night is Sept. 30.

Frankly Speaking

"I don't do God jokes, because I don't want God to do Damon jokes." - Damon Wayans on why he doesn't do jokes about God in his standup comedy routines or on his new Showtime series 'The Underground.'

Can't Say Names...

I hear that a certain R&B singer is pregnant, but she doesn't want the cat out of the bag yet. Said singer is already married, so there's no scandal there, but she just wants to make the announcement when she's ready. So in good faith, I'll stay mum for now. Amarie, Mary, Faith, Tamara Gray or Claudette Ortiz (from City High)

BV Scene

Singer-actress Christina Milian spotted looking nervous as she left the Hotel Gansevoort in New York's Soho district as she ran into actor Eric West. The two made headlines when Milian posted a MySpace blog saying she "[have] no idea who Eric West is" despite having co-hosted an event for Elton John's AIDS foundation in August 2005, and being photographed with West at the last New York Fashion Week. My mole said she kept apologizing to West during the chance encounter... Crooner Eric Benet seen having breakfast at Vivian's Café in Studio City, Calif... Gospel singer Edwin Hawkins having dinner with friends at Clydes at Gallery Place in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown district... Actor Keith Robinson was among those who attended 'Dreamgirls' star Jennifer Hudson's birthday bash at Holly's West in Santa Monica, Calif... Prince was among those at singer Vikter Duplaix's album listening party at the M.J. Higgins Gallery in downtown Los Angeles... Diana Ross strolled through Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

[AKA2D '91]

Is Amerie married?

My pick is MJB.

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

My pick is MJB.

Mine too. Amerie isn't married. I'm not sure if Claudette is married to Toby or not, but they already have kids, so there is nothing juicy there. Neither is a Faith Evans pregnancy. Therefore, my money is on Mary.

[jitterbug13]

Claudette is married. I don't know if it is Mary because last week they were claiming that her husband was cheating on her. And she's on tour. Maybe I can ask my friend because he saw her in concert in Atlanta.

For some reason I want to say it's Tamara. If so, there will be a poodle-haired child around.

[pinkies up]

LMAO at Rhianna thinking that people were "comparing" her to Beyonce.
No Rhi-Rhi, people are saying you're trying to jump Hova's bones, not "Rhinna, you're a fabulous singer and sound just like Beyonce".

[lovelyivy84]

I'm surprised people even still think about Claudette Ortiz- it's been how long since she had a single again?????

[Gina1201]

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

Is Amerie married?

My pick is MJB.

Nope, Amerie is not married. If it is Mary congrats. I know she's talked about having children for a while.

[mulattogyrl]

I think it's MJB too.

[Confucius]

Patty's 411 Celebrity Report for 09/18/06



Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of September 18th, 2006

I Will Always Love You…NOT! Whitney Houston has seen the light of day, and she is divorcing her bad boy hubby Bobby Brown. Earlier this year, her drug use was exposed to the world when Bobby and his sister Tina sold pictures of Whitney’s drug den to the tabloids. Whitney has had a severe drug problem for years and if affected every aspect of her life, including her famed voice. At one point, she was losing the teeth in her mouth. An intervention was staged after the photos came out. Her Mentor Clive Davis was determined to save her life. He enrolled her in a rehab program where she stayed for months and got help. Rocker Courtney Love, who has had her fair share of drug problems, helped Clive get Whitney straight. Clive Davis is one of the most influential men in the music business. He knows that if he can engineer Whitney’s comeback, it will be his greatest success story. He discovered Whitney when she was a teenager and made her into a star. Her voice was like magic, and she sold millions of albums. Whitney’s descent into drugs started small, but then it escaladed into a living hell for her and her family. Clive and Whitney’s family are determined to keep Bobby Brown away. They feel he is a negative influence on Whitney, and he didn’t help matters with his very public fooling around. First, there was Tiffany Richardson from America’s Next Top Model. He met her on a celebrity cruise. Then there’s video vixen Karrine Steffans. Bobby turned to Steffans for help. Bobby and the Brown family are devastated with news about a divorce. The Brown family has mooched off of Whitney for years, and now they will have to get jobs. Bobby has nothing. He is currently living out of a suitcase. The Bravo network said no to a second season of Being Bobby Brown. They wanted Whitney. And, the BET network felt Bobby wanted too much money for a show that would only feature his family and no Whitney. What will Bobby do? Will he write a tell-all book on Whitney and reveal the real Whitney Houston? He needs the money, and Whitney may have to pay him off to keep him quiet. In the meantime, Bobby can lean on his band mates in New Edition. They are planning to do some tour dates with Bobby so he can make some money.

There is another figure being talked about regarding Whitney Houston. Friends are concerned about a married Minister who was brought in to counsel Whitney. Allegedly, his spiritual counseling led to weekend retreats with the superstar. The Minister’s wife says she is aware of the situation, but she and her kids are not going anywhere. She will wait it out as her husband deals with his infatuation……..Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Kendu Isaacs, the husband of Mary J. Blige, has come out swinging. He is responding to charges that he has been unfaithful to his wife. Kendu says the talk is garbage. He says he has been a good husband to Mary. He also lashed out about stories regarding his children, ages 20, 8 and 7. He says he was not dating Mary when his children were born. He met Mary when the youngest was a toddler. Let’s hope everything is cool in the Isaacs household. Mary credits her husband for turning her life around, and we don’t want to see any setbacks for her.

Hot on the heels of her upcoming album, 20 Y.O., Janet Jackson graces the cover of GIANT magazine. She looks hot, but she is getting a lot of criticism for her lack of clothes. In her new video for the new song, So Excited, Janet is topless. In her GIANT magazine interview, Janet dishes on the men in her life: brother Michael, Dad Joe, ex-husband James Debarge and current love Jermaine Dupri. Next week, Janet will be everywhere. On the 26th, she will be on Oprah. And, on the 29th, she is performing on the Today Show.

Now that she is about to become Mrs. Eddie Murphy, the skeletons are starting to rattle in the closet of Melanie Brown. Melanie was “Mel B” in the pop group The Spice Girls, and now a London Lap Dancer is spilling the beans about a steamy encounter she had with Melanie. Dawn McIntosh is an exotic dancer from London, and she says she seduced Melanie in a bathroom stall. She described Melanie as very passionate and curious. Melanie is the mother of a 7-year old daughter, and for the past five months, she has been dating Eddie Murphy. Friends of Eddie have warned him to slow down and get to know this woman, but Eddie likes to be married and wants to be married. Expect a wedding before his latest movie, Dreamgirls with Jamie Foxx, Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson, hits theatres. Eddie needs a stepmother for his six children.

Producer Quincy Jones wants to set the record straight. He is not dating a 19-year old Arab girl. Jones says the girl is a long time family friend and people misread the published photo of the two. “Q” is 74, and he assures us he has not lost his mind.

Usher is enjoying a great run on Broadway with his role in Chicago. His run in the musical has been extended, and he has been busy with 8 shows a week. Despite all of this, his love life has been Hot! Hot! Hot! Usher is juggling three women in his life. There’s his former stylist Tameka Foster. She’s the 39-year old mother of three children, and she is in the process of divorcing her husband. She wants Usher to marry her once her divorce is final. Usher is also involved with the beautiful daughter of Ben Vereen. 29-year old Karen Vereen is a stunning beauty, and she started seeing Usher when her dad was mentoring him. Then there’s the old stand by, 24-year old Model Eisha Brightwell. I always thought she was a photo prop, but Usher also makes time for her. How does he do it with 8 shows a week? Aaaahhhhhhh the joys of youth!

Maxwell is back, and he’s sporting a new look. No more wild crazy hair, Maxwell is sporting a low fade. His new album, Black Summer Nights, is due out in February 2007.

The season finale of the hit VH1 Flavor of Love is scheduled for October 15th, but the cat may be already out of the bag. Word has it Krazy is going to win the competition. Krazy is a 23-year old brunette, whose real name is Neveah Crawford. She is currently shopping a record deal. She only appeared on the show claiming she was in love with Flavor Flav to get a record deal. So what’s up with New York, the one true woman who really loves Flav? Don’t worry about New York. This woman was made for TV. She’s outrageous, loud and funny! Look for her to star in the VH1 spin-off, The Flavorette. After getting dissed by Flav, she is off to find a love of her own. The new show will air next year. Don’t be surprised if Flav comes crawling back to her to win her love. No, I don’t work for the show. My mind just works overtime (smile). I hope I didn’t spoil it for you.

The VH1 Hip Hop Honors takes place on October 17th on VH1. This year’s honorees include Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons, Ice Cube, MC Lyte, The Wu Tang Clan, Afrika Bambattaa, Rakim and the Late Eazy-E.

The American Music Awards are taking place on November 21st. Beyonce will be opening the show. Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige are up for awards.

The 38th Annual NAACP Image Awards are set for Friday, March 2nd. The show will air on Fox.

In couples news, congrats to Basketball Star Tracey McGrady of the Houston Rockets. He recently married his girlfriend of 10 years Clerenda Harris. They are the parents of a 3-year old daughter and nine-month old son.

I hear wedding bells are ringing for Singer/Actress Nona Gaye and Singer Chico Debarge. She is the daughter of the legendary Marvin Gaye, and he hails from the Debarge family.

LaLa Vasquez, the MTV VeeJay, and Carmello Anthony of the Denver Nuggets are expecting their first child. The two have been engaged for the past two years. Friends of Anthony feel that Vasquez was tired of waiting for her wedding, so she got pregnant on purpose. Well, it takes two to tango. Word has it they will tie the knot after the baby is born.

Tyler Perry has unveiled his new film studio in Atlanta. The studio had two soundstages, an acting school and a theatre company. The Tyler Perry Studios will serve as the main production facilities for his film, theatre and TV projects. Tyler’s new movie, Daddy’s Little Girl, opens in February of 2007. The movie stars Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba. Tyler’s TV show, House of Payne starring Allen Payne, debuts in the fall of 2007.

The creator of the CSI franchise is creating a new CBS show for Rapper/Actor LL Cool J. The show, called The Man, will star LL as a cop with a busy domestic life. At night, he’s an undercover cop and during the day, he’s raising three adopted kids.

Singer Gerald Levert has pushed back the release date of his new album. He may be going on tour with his Dad Eddie Levert for a Father/Son tour next year to coincide with the release of his new album.

Run DMC is being sued for a song they recorded 20 years ago. In 1986, they had the hit song It’s Tricky. The 80’s Pop Group The Knack claims Run DMC sampled their song My Sharonna without permission. Did they just realize there song was being sampled? Isn’t it 20 years too late?

Corey Clark, the American Idol Contestant from season number two, is making headlines again. Clark was arrested for trespassing in his in-laws house in Arizona. Clark is best known for claiming he had an affair with American Idol Judge Paula Abdul.

A second tribute album is being planned for Luther Vandross. Forever, For Always, For Luther: Volume 2 is due out in November. Artists scheduled to appear include Patti Austin, Johnathan Butler, Gerald Albright, Maysa and Will Downing. Proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.


Is Singer Johnny Gill the father of an infant? Word has it he may have a baby in his hometown of Washington, D.C.

Now speaking of Washington D.C., Marion Barry, the former Mayor of Chocolate City, was pulled over for running a red light and officers smelled alcohol on his breathe. The 70-year old former mayor says he is the victim of racial profiling. Barry is currently on probation for a tax related conviction. Last November, he tested positive for marijuana and cocaine.

Oscar Winner Denzel Washington recently gave $1 million to the Save The Children organization. Save The Children is a charity that cares for children in Africa. Denzel’s new movie, Déjà Vu, opens in theatres on November. He is currently on location in New York filming the movie American Gangster with Russell Crowe and Rappers T.I. and Common.

Bernadette Stanis (“Thelma Evans” from Good Times) is the author of a new book about relationships called Situations 101: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. The book gives a bird’s eye view of what so many people are dealing with in relationships.

74 members of Florida’s A&M University Marching Band could be facing suspension. The marching band members have been accused of stealing hotel merchandise including Sheets, Pillows, Irons, and Comforters. They were attending the Detroit Football Classic. If they are found guilty, they will be banned from performing in the Florida Classic.

Former Ohio State Football Star Maurice Clarett has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon. He also has to serve five years probation. The 22-year former football star has been involved with run ins with the law since leaving college after his first year.

New Orleans Saints Running Back Reggie Bush is facing charges that he and his family accepted over a $100,000 in gifts, money and benefits while he was a student with USC. Bush is the rumored boyfriend of Actress Nia Long. If he is found guilty, he could lose his college eligibility and his Heisman Trophy. These charges will not affect his NFL career. A Marketing Agency Investor blew the whistle on Bush when he refused to sign with his agency. The Investor claims he showered Bush and his family with his gifts, and then Bush turned his back on him.

Robert Earl Jones, the father of Actor James Earl Jones has died. The Senior Jones was also an actor. He was 96 years old.

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

Hot on the heels of a new album, this male singer is in desperate need of public approval. His new album has been delayed a couple of times due to his recurring scandals. A lot of people feel he should just be honest about his private life. He feels he can’t be honest about his life. He doesn’t want to lose any fans. He would rather hide behind a made up scandal that he is dependant on drugs. Don’t believe the hype! Drugs are not his problem. He refuses to acknowledge that he’s gay.

Who is the Underground Buzz Is it Donnell Jones or Maxwell?

[Gina1201]

I think it's Donnell. I read about him and his drug problems in Sister2Sister a couple of months ago.

[CrimsonTide4]

Rappers Three 6 Mafia get reality show
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Having won Oscars earlier this year, the members of rap group Three 6 Mafia are heading next to Emmy domain - television.
MTV announced Wednesday that the rap group will star in a new reality comedy series called "Adventures in Hollywood."
The series, which will begin in 2007, will follow the group's main members, Juicy J and DJ Paul, and their entourage as they make their way from Memphis to Los Angeles.
Three 6 Mafia won an Oscar in March for their song "Its Hard out Here for a Pimp" from the movie "Hustle & Flow."

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlot...t/15566586.htm

[Sophist08edLady]

The underground buzz is def Maxwell....sorry ladies, but he has been rumored to be gay for a looong time.

It could also be American Idol finalist Clay Aiken, who has been on the news talking about taking anti-depressants....maybe this is a cover for the tabloid rumors of him being gay.

[delph998]

If it's Maxwell, I'm still going to buy his music! The man's got skillz!

[neosoul]

why 3 Six Mafia? or is it Three 6 Mafia? ...w/e...

I was jes downloading Maxwell songs yesterday... can he bring out a new album pwease?

[AKA2D '91]

Originally Posted by delph998

If it's Maxwell, I'm still going to buy his music! The man's got skillz!

Say that! Say that!

A great entertainer!