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[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Did Luther Vandross have to die? According to his manager Carmen Romano….. No! Romano claims Luther did not keep appointments he was supposed to keep, and he claims it was a constant struggle to get him the attention he needed. Romano was clearly at odds with Luther's mom and his family. Why would he make these claims so soon after Luther's death? Once the dust settles, I'm sure Romano will have more to say. The music world is still in shock over Luther's death. Sources say he was having physical therapy at the time, and he was walking when he suddenly collapsed. Luther never recovered from the stroke he suffered two years ago. Friends of Luther say he was always searching for love, losing weight and then gaining it back. He may be gone, but his great music will live on forever. Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are putting together a tribute album in honor of Luther. Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion have already committed to the project. There is no word on the release date.

The music world also lost another great voice. Renaldo "Obie" Benson, who was the bass voice in The Four Tops, died late last week. Obie was a member of The Four Tops for over 50 years, and he died from lung cancer. A few weeks ago, one of his legs was amputated because of circulation problems, and he suffered a heart attack after that surgery. There are only two remaining members of The Four Tops, Levi Stubbs, who has been unable to tour because of a stroke he suffered a few years ago, and Duke Fakir. Lawrence Payton died in 1997.

Hot on the heels of Terry McMillian announcing her upcoming divorce from her young husband because he was gay, Star Jones, from the TV show The View, says she knows her husband is not gay because she asked him. And, she had a FBI check on him. Star claims this was the first thing she asked him when they met. Star's husband Al Reynolds has been the subject of rumors for a while. Why is he always the subject of rumors? Could it be the parties he used to attend on Fire Island? Or, the Halloween party when he wore a "Bam-Bam" outfit and speedo underwear? Or, the many men he hangs around with? Hmmmmmmmmmmm! Last week at the BET Awards, he and Star were given a limo for the night. After the festivities, Al dropped his wife off and went out with friends. The limo driver took him out for the night, and Al visited a lot of gay bars. How do we know? The limo driver had to make a list of all his stops and turn it in when he gave the BET network the bill for the limo use. Star says she believes her husband, but can she believe the stories he tells her? Let's hope he's not deceiving her. Is this a new trend? First Terry McMillian! Who's next!?

R Kelly is back with his latest CD, TP3-Reloaded. The CD comes with the DVD mini-movie of his hit, Trapped In The Closet, Chapters 1-5. Chapters 6-13 will be out by Christmas as the story continues. R Kelly is due back in court in a couple of weeks on those child pornography charges.

Was Actress Katie Holmes given $10 million to act like she's love with Tom Cruise? If so, give that girl an Oscar because she is giving an award winning performance. The two are currently starring in their own summer blockbusters, War of the Worlds and Batman Begins. Look for a wedding soon……

Check out Terrence Howard on the cover of the latest edition of Essence magazine. Terrence has to be the hottest actor in Hollywood these days. I fell in love with him after seeing him play bad boy "Quentin" in the Malcolm Lee movie, The Best Man. He has also had roles in Crash, Lackawanna Blues, Dead Presidents, The Jacksons TV movie, the TV show Sparks & Sparks and Glitter. On July 22nd, he stars in the John Singleton movie, Hustle & Flow. Hustle & Flow also stars Anthony Anderson and Rapper Ludacris. Everybody is raving about Terrence's portrayal in the movie of a pimp who dreams of being a rap star. Terrence is one busy guy. He will also be in the movies, Four Brothers, with Tyrese and Mark Wahlberg, and the fall release of Get Rich Or Die Trying with Rapper 50 Cent.

After their recent performance on the BET Awards, will the Fugees have a reunion tour and album? I hear it's in the works. But despite their appearance on the show, there is still tension among Lauryn, Wyclef and Pras. Lauryn and Wyclef used to be lovers, but he wouldn't leave his wife. Wyclef couldn't handle Lauryn's solo success, and Wyclef and Pras had a huge falling out when Pras topped the charts with his song, Ghetto Superstar. The group was supposed to come out and perform at the end of the show, but something went down and it didn't happen. The BET awards are set to re-air on July 12th on BET.

Alicia Keys will be releasing an MTV Unplugged album in October.

Is Beyonce the Cellulite Soldier? She is gracing the cover of the latest issue of the National Enquirer. She's wearing a thong, and it's all hanging out. Aaauuuugghh, the price of fame.

The ultimate kiss and tell book is in bookstores. Karrine Steffans is a video vixen who has been around the block and on the highway! Steffans, AKA 'Superhead,' spills the beans on the men she slept with, including Shaquille O'Neal, Ja Rule, Bobby Brown, P Diddy, Vin Diesel, Ice T, Usher, and Rocker Fred Durst. The book is called Confessions Of A Video Vixen. She doesn't leave anything out, and she admits she basically prostituted herself to live a better life. Was it worth it? Steffans has given up being a Ho, and she is currently dating Comedian Bill Maher.

So, do you like the Bobby Brown reality show, Being Bobby Brown. This show is hysterical! I think Whitney is the scene-stealer. Clearly, this show should be called Being Whitney Houston. Her lines are classic. "Hell to the no!" "Just be me for one day!" "…Bobby Brown, I will kick your ***!" Six more episodes are scheduled to air on the Bravo network.

Singer Kelly Price recently auditioned for the role of "Effie" in the movie version of Dreamgirls. This was the role made famous by Jennifer Holiday on Broadway. I think Kelly would be perfect for the role. She says she's just waiting for the phone to ring. Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy are already on board for the project. The movie is scheduled to be released in late 2006.

The VH1 Hip-Hop Honors are taking place on September 26th. LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, the late Notorious B.I.G., Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Salt N' Pepa will be honored. John Singleton's groundbreaking 1991 movie Boyz In The Hood, with Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut, will also be honored.

Comedienne and Actress Monique is going to have a full plate during the next few months. She's four months pregnant with twins, and she's planning her wedding to her sweetheart Sidney Hicks. Monique is on top of the world. She says she will be able to handle the babies, her teenage son and her new man. She says she looks forward to the births and her upcoming wedding. And after some time off for marriage and motherhood, she will be back.

India Arie is currently topping the charts with her latest hit, Purify Me. This song is from the soundtrack to Diary Of A Mad Black Woman. India is also hard at work on a new album due out this fall. The two CD set is called India's Song, and it will focus on life, relationships, love and politics. Speaking of Diary Of A Mad Black Woman, the Tyler Perry movie took in $2 million in DVD sales.

Frankie Beverly graces the cover of Jet magazine, and he talks about his 30-year career with Maze. He's currently living in San Francisco with his family. He says he loves being a grandfather, and he also opens up about the love of his life, Pam Moore, a TV anchorwoman. Frankie Beverly & Maze will be releasing a new album, Anticipation, next year.

Civil Rights Icon Coretta Scott King is ill. The 78 year-old widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was hospitalized briefly in April with a heart condition. She attended Oprah Winfrey's Legend's Ball, but she has been ordered by doctors to scale down her schedule and not travel.

CT4: this is TOO MUCH INFO FOR ME TO DIGEST (not shouting) ! LOL

1. Is Carmen male or female? Family at odds? Was he MORE than Lu's manager?
2. Why would Star just come out and say he's not gay? Did the segment talk about Terry and her soon to be ex? Ummmmm Soror, jes becauh you ax someone something DOES NOT (shouting) mean he or she will tell you the TRUTH. C'mon, you know dat, you's a lawya!
3. So Lauryn likes married men? I thought when she and clef were together, he was NOT married.
4. Coretta, get you some rest. Take.care.of.YOU!

[skeeliteful]

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920


NEW YORK — Rapper Lil' Kim was sentenced to 18 months in prison by Judge Gerard Lynch at Manhattan's U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon. The rapper was also fined $50,000, and must turn herself in to authorities on September 19.

Hip-hop's Queen Bee — a nickname bestowed on the diminutive rapper by her ex-boyfriend, the late Notorious B.I.G. — was facing up to 20 years in prison, but as expected, Lynch's sentence was less severe (see "Lil' Kim Won't Get Maximum Sentence, Expert Predicts"). Kim reportedly wept and clutched a Bible before the judge read her sentence.

Kim (born Kimberly Jones) was convicted on March 17 of perjury and conspiracy for lying to investigators and a federal grand jury about her involvement in a shooting four years ago at New York hip-hop station Hot 97. During her criminal trial, Jones claimed she had no knowledge of what caused the February 25, 2001, gunfight in which one man was shot in the back (see "Lil' Kim Pleads Not Guilty, Released On $500,000 Bail" 1486382). Kim's assistant, Monique Dopwell, was also convicted on perjury charges.

Kim maintained throughout the trial that Damion Butler, one of her co-managers at the time of the incident, was not by her side when shots rang out in front of the radio station; security-camera footage later proved he was — a direct contradiction of what she'd told a federal grand jury (see " Lil' Kim Found Guilty Of Lying To Grand Jury, Investigators"). She also told the court she was unable to positively identify a photo of another man who was believed to be involved in the shooting; both that man — Suif "Gutta" Jackson, a member of her former group Junior M.A.F.I.A. — and Butler later confessed to firing on rap group Capone-N-Noreaga, and pleaded guilty to gun charges as part of a plea bargain (see "Lil' Kim's Bodyguard Sentenced To 12 Years For His Role In Shootout").

Other members of Junior M.A.F.I.A., including Antoine "Banger" Spain and James "Lil' Cease" Lloyd, took the stand during the trial, and testified for the prosecution that they, too, has witnessed Butler and Jackson with Jones at the time of the shooting (see "Lil' Cease Says He's No Snitch For Testifying Against Kim").

Now how is she gonna keep herself up in jail? How's she gonna maintain the collagen in her cheeks and the silicone valley? And ya'll know she gon get shanked for her wig collection.

[Lady of Pearl]

Originally posted by skeeliteful
Now how is she gonna keep herself up in jail? How's she gonna maintain the collagen in her cheeks and the silicone valley? And ya'll know she gon get shanked for her wig collection.

ROTFLMAO

[NUPE4LIFE]

They had a discussion on one the radio stations here about likely it would be for Lil' Kim to be turned out in jail (lesbian). They were like she's only 4'11 so she wouldn't be able to defend herself that well from Big Bertha! I was LMAO!

[DC_Zeta1920]

Four London Blasts Kill 40, Injure 390

By JANE WARDELL, Associated Press Writer


LONDON - Four blasts rocked the London subway and tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday, sending bloodied victims fleeing in the worst attack on London since World War II. At least 40 people were killed, U.S. officials said, and more than 390 wounded in the terror attacks.

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A clearly shaken Prime Minister Tony Blair called the coordinated attacks "barbaric" and said they were designed to coincide with the G-8 summit opening in Gleneagles, Scotland. They also came a day after London won the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. A group calling itself "The Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe" claimed responsibility.

The four blasts went off within an hour, beginning at 8:51 a.m. (3:51 a.m. EDT), and hit three subway stations and the double-decker bus. Authorities immediately shut down the subway and bus lines that log 8.4 million passenger trips every weekday.

The bus explosion seemed to go off at the back of the vehicle, said bystander Raj Mattoo, 35. "The roof flew off and went up about 10 meters (30 feet). It then floated back down," he said. "There were obviously people badly injured. A parking attendant said he thought a piece of human flesh had landed on his arm."

Doctors from the nearby British Medical Association rushed into the street to treat the wounded from the bus. "The front of BMA house was completely splattered with blood and not much of the bus was left," said Dr. Laurence Buckman.

"It was chaos," said Gary Lewis, 32, evacuated from a subway train at King's Cross station. "The one haunting image was someone whose face was totally black and pouring with blood."

As the city's transportation system ground to a near-halt, buses were used as ambulances and an emergency medical station was set up at a hotel. Rescue workers, police and ordinary citizens streamed into the streets to help.

Some central London streets emptied of traffic. Groups of commuters who had been on their way to work gathered around corner shops with televisions, watching in silence. The mood was somber and subdued.

At the request of Queen Elizabeth II, the Union Jack flag flying over Buckingham Palace was lowered to half staff.

Blair, flanked by fellow G-8 leaders, including President Bush, read a statement from the leaders. "We shall prevail and they shall not," he said.

"Whatever they do, it is our determination that they will never succeed in destroying what we hold dear in this country and in other civilized nations throughout the world," he said earlier.

Returning to London, he promised an intense police hunt for those responsible. He said he knew most Muslims worldwide "deplore this act of terrorism."

"They are trying to use the slaughter of innocent people to cow us," he said. "They should know they will not succeed."

In Scotland, Bush warned Americans to be "extra vigilant," and his administration raised the terror alert for mass transit a notch to code orange. Security also was stepped up in the U.S. Capitol and in train and bus stations around the country.

Much of Europe also went on alert. Italy's airports raised alert levels to a maximum. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, the Netherlands, France and Spain also announced beefed-up security at shopping centers, airports, railways and subways.

The U.N. Security Council was expected to pass a resolution condemning the blasts later Thursday, an official said.

A group calling itself "The Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe" posted a claim of responsibility, saying the blasts were in retaliation for Britain's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The statement also threatened attacks in Italy and Denmark, both of which have troops in Iraq. It was published on a Web site popular with Islamic militants, and the text was republished on Elaph, a secular Arabic-language news Web site, and Berlin's Der Spiegel magazine.

The statement's authenticity could not be immediately confirmed, but terrorism experts said the blasts had the trademarks of the al-Qaida network.

"This is clearly an al-Qaida style attack. It was well-coordinated, it was timed for a political event and it was a multiple attack on a transportation system at rush hour," said Lawrence Freedman, professor of war studies at King's College in London.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick said there had been no arrests, and it was unclear whether suicide bombers were involved.

Asked about the claim of responsibility, Paddick said: "We will be looking at that ... at the moment we don't know if that's a legitimate claim or not." He added British officials had received no prior warning or advance intelligence that the attacks would occur.

European stocks dropped sharply after the blasts, with exchanges in London, Paris and Germany all down about 2 percent. Insurance and travel-related stocks were hit hard, and the British pound also fell. Gold, traditionally seen as a safe haven, rose.

The explosions also unnerved traders on Wall Street, sending stocks down sharply.

Three U.S. law enforcement officials said at least 40 people were killed. They spoke on condition of anonymity and said they learned of the number from their British counterparts.

In London, Paddick said at least 33 people killed in the subway system alone. He confirmed other fatalities on the bus but gave no figures.

Buckman, the London doctor, said ambulance staff told him about 10 people died in the bus blast. BMA doctors treated about nine seriously wounded people in the building's courtyard, two of whom later died, he said.

Officials at seven major hospitals surveyed by The Associated Press reported at least 393 people wounded. Among them, at least 45 were in serious or critical condition, including amputations, fractures and burns, officials said.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said the blasts were "mass murder" carried out by terrorists bent on "indiscriminate ... slaughter."

"This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty or the powerful ... it was aimed at ordinary working-class Londoners," said Livingstone, in Singapore where he supported London's Olympic bid. Giselle Davies, an International Olympic Committee spokeswoman, said the committee still had "full confidence" in London.

Jay Kumar, a business owner near the site of the bus blast, said he ran out of his shop when he heard a loud explosion. The bus's top deck collapsed, sending people tumbling to the floor, he said. Bloodied people ran from the scene.

"A big blast, a big bomb," he told The Associated Press. "People were running this way panicked. They knew it was a bomb. Debris flying all over, mostly glass."

"I was on the bus in front and heard an incredible bang, I turned round and half the double decker bus was in the air," Belinda Seabrook told Press Association, the British news agency.

Traces of explosives were found at two explosion sites, a senior police official said.

Explosions were reported at the Aldgate station near the Liverpool Street railway terminal, Edgware Road and King's Cross in north London, Old Street in the financial district and Russell Square, near the British Museum.

"I saw lots of people coming out covered in blood and soot. Black smoke was coming from the station. I saw several people laid out on sheets," office worker Kibir Chibber, 24, said at the Aldgate subway station.

Simon Corvett, 26, on an eastbound train from Edgware Road station, described "this massive huge bang ... It was absolutely deafening and all the windows shattered."

"You could see the carriage opposite was completely gutted," he said. "There were some people in real trouble."

On March 11, 2004, terrorist bombs on four commuter trains in Madrid killed 191 people.

___

AP reporters Jill Lawless, Barry Renfrew, Emily Rotberg, Sarah Blaskovich, Emma Ross and Nick Mead contributed to this report

[Steeltrap]

Joy Bryant is a pretty girl. What on earth would possess her to hook up with Fiddy?

Hot on the Cent
of his co-star


Word is 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' stars 50 Cent (above) and Joy Bryant (below) are hooking up, but the rapper may have a rival.

Is there more action taking place behind the scenes of 50 Cent's new movie than in front of the cameras?

He certainly seems to be taken with his beautiful "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" co-star, Joy Bryant.

"Joy has a history of hooking up with her leading men," a snitch says of the actress, who was linked with Usher after the two appeared in a 20-minute musical short. "But her and 50 are keeping this quiet. They avoid each other on the set, but there is a lot of sneaking into each other's hotel rooms."

Some have even suggested Mr. Cent might have a rival for her affections in a certain former male model among the cast.

"50 isn't a fan of competition in business or pleasure," the insider says. Luckily, it seems he may not know about his romantic rival. (Oops!)

"I have no idea and I don't really comment on her personal life," Bryant's rep told us.

[lostnfound117]

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920


NEW YORK — Rapper Lil' Kim was sentenced to 18 months in prison by Judge Gerard Lynch at Manhattan's U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon. The rapper was also fined $50,000, and must turn herself in to authorities on September 19.

Hip-hop's Queen Bee — a nickname bestowed on the diminutive rapper by her ex-boyfriend, the late Notorious B.I.G. — was facing up to 20 years in prison, but as expected, Lynch's sentence was less severe (see "Lil' Kim Won't Get Maximum Sentence, Expert Predicts"). Kim reportedly wept and clutched a Bible before the judge read her sentence.

Kim (born Kimberly Jones) was convicted on March 17 of perjury and conspiracy for lying to investigators and a federal grand jury about her involvement in a shooting four years ago at New York hip-hop station Hot 97. During her criminal trial, Jones claimed she had no knowledge of what caused the February 25, 2001, gunfight in which one man was shot in the back (see "Lil' Kim Pleads Not Guilty, Released On $500,000 Bail" 1486382). Kim's assistant, Monique Dopwell, was also convicted on perjury charges.

Kim maintained throughout the trial that Damion Butler, one of her co-managers at the time of the incident, was not by her side when shots rang out in front of the radio station; security-camera footage later proved he was — a direct contradiction of what she'd told a federal grand jury (see " Lil' Kim Found Guilty Of Lying To Grand Jury, Investigators"). She also told the court she was unable to positively identify a photo of another man who was believed to be involved in the shooting; both that man — Suif "Gutta" Jackson, a member of her former group Junior M.A.F.I.A. — and Butler later confessed to firing on rap group Capone-N-Noreaga, and pleaded guilty to gun charges as part of a plea bargain (see "Lil' Kim's Bodyguard Sentenced To 12 Years For His Role In Shootout").

Other members of Junior M.A.F.I.A., including Antoine "Banger" Spain and James "Lil' Cease" Lloyd, took the stand during the trial, and testified for the prosecution that they, too, has witnessed Butler and Jackson with Jones at the time of the shooting (see "Lil' Cease Says He's No Snitch For Testifying Against Kim").

GASP!!
I didn't expect her to do any time!

[Eclipse]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
CT4: this is TOO MUCH INFO FOR ME TO DIGEST (not shouting) ! LOL

1. Is Carmen male or female? Family at odds? Was he MORE than Lu's manager?

Carmen is a man. Based on the article CT Fo' posted "Why would he make these claims so soon after Luther's death?"

Now, regarding your last question....who knows...

[#1 Leading Lady]

Cam'ron was arrested in New York City yesterday for driving with a suspended license. The rapper's blue Lamborghini was pulled over in Harlem as part of a routine stop, but authorities realized his paperwork was not up to date. So off to the clink went Killa. Bail was not set, but Cam was expected to be released after seeing a judge.

While Mariah Carey's got the number one song on Billboard's Hot 100 for a second week in a row her sister is busy going to jail…for prostitution. Alison, Mariah’s older sister was arrested in NY for allegedly offering to give it to a cop for $250 bucks and just a few months ago she was busted for the same thing. She’s 43-year-old, H-I-V positive, and could get three months in prison if convicted.

You knew this was coming, the day after LIL KIM was sentenced, she released a new track called "Shut Up Chick". The track has like whispers of haters on the chorus saying stuff like "Biggie wrote her [hits]," and "I heard she going to jail." Kim responds by telling all her critics to close their mouths. She even smacks Star Jones by saying “Star Jones don't like me, she cheap and I like the best/ It must feel good to Payless!" No word on whether the track will be the first official single from Kim's forthcoming album, scheduled for released in August.

Omarion who is in London is asking fans to pray for his safe return and Snoop, who is supposed to do a show in London on Monday might not be able to.

After about five years of silence, Lauryn Hill is discussing all-things-Fugee in Trace magazine's "Black Girl's Rule" issue. In the exclusive, L Boogie gets candid while talking about the group's beginnings, their breakup and her relationship with Wyclef Jean and Pras. She says, "I took a lot of abuse and had become used to improper dynamics, where people would transfer their hatred on someone else, thereby making a beautiful person ugly. She goes on to say The Fugees was a conspiracy to control, to manipulate, and to encourage dependence." EVEn still all three members of the Fugees are said to be working on a reunion album. A source tells New York's Daily News, "There's no negativity as far as they're concerned. There's a glimmer of hope that this band that was so important is trying to get back together. If they do, it will be a new Fugees, not the old Fugees."

Destiny's Child might be broken up, but they’re not finished yet. They’re gonna lend their image to a new debit card being launched in conjunction with the Destiny Fulfilled...and Lovin' It tour. And little bony Michelle Williams will help to encourage fans to take the card to the Gap when she starts doing commercials for the Gap later this year. Michelle also recorded a solo version of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" for the Gap campaign.

50 Cent is reportedly getting more than a little close to his Get Rich or Die Tryin' co-star Joy Bryant. Reports are that Joy and 50 are trying to keep it on the downlow. Reports are that they avoid each other on the set, but there is a lot of sneaking into each other's hotel rooms." She has a history of of hooking up with her leading men -- she was linked to Usher after they did that 20-minute musical short. But the word coming from the Get Rich set is that 50 may have a rival for Bryant's affections. The source adds, "50 isn't a fan of competition in business or pleasure."

[Honeykiss1974]

(A) I didn't Lil Kim and Star Jones has "beef"?

(B) What the hades is Destiny Child doing fronting debit cards?

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
[B](A) I didn't Lil Kim and Star Jones has "beef"?

Star is sometimes out there ("bridezilla" (which I don't agree with...if you want something, you want it! ", hubby could be gay, etc), but Lil Kim needs (lol) not to go there with Starra. Kim TAIN'T even on de same level, not even the same plane. LOL Kim had a few hits and shops here and there, but she needs to set down. She can cat fight with Eve, Foxy Brown, etc, but she's in a different league with Star....Kimberly (whatever her name is) can't hang!

[jitterbug13]

It was just five years ago, June of 2000 to be exact, that rumors of Luther Vandross' death surfaced days before he was scheduled to appear at the ESSENCE Music Festival in New Orleans. Vandross then showed up at the festival and poked fun at the rumors. "I sound real good for somebody who's dead," he laughed then.

Because of that, attendees at this year's Coca-Cola presents the ESSENCE Music Festival were leery of believing the news that the singer had passed on the festival's July 1 opening day.

But the reports of Vandross, 54, passing became more believable as 'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard kicked off the sold-out three-day festival with a medley of Vandross hits. "I'm still sad right now. Luther was a big influence on me. I'm blessed to be able to have seen him do his thing and have him influence me musically. He will be truly missed," said Studdard to the crowd.


Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Lionel Richie and numerous others also paid homage to the late crooner, who died at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, N.J. after his two-year battle to recover from a stroke. "He was the funniest man I knew, and he will surely be missed," said Keys.

More Festival Notes

There was a wardrobe malfunction at the Coca-Cola presents the ESSENCE Music Festival courtesy of Destiny's Child. During the dance introduction to their song 'Soldier,' a male dancer performed a stripper-like routine that ended with him dropping his pants and pouring water down his bare chest. The 50,000-plus who had packed into the New Orleans Superdome gasped in shock as the dancer appeared on jumbo monitors throughout the arena not realizing his penis was exposed through his white boxer-briefs.

Coca-Cola pulled out all of the punches for its exhibit booth at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. 'Girlfriends' stars Golden Brooks and Jill Marie Jones returned by popular demand to host the interactive game show 'How Well Do You Know Your Girls?' at the booth. Coca-Cola also emphasized empowerment during its Coca-Cola Youth Day, which featured an appearance by Bad Boy Entertainment newcomers B5. "Everything we do in support of the Coca-Cola Presents the 2005 ESSENCE Music Festival is about real connections -- with each other, with youth and with the community," said Ingrid Saunders Jones, senior vice president of The Coca-Cola Company.

Chevrolet showcased a local New Orleans model named Zuyapa in its campaign capturing the ideal ESSENCE woman at this year's festival. The campaign was shot by popular photographer Keith Major, who has also photographed everyone from supermodel Iman to Kim Catrall of 'Sex in the City' and jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. The campaign was used to kick off Chevy's new mini-truck, the Chevrolet HHR.

In an effort to attract a younger demographic, ESSENCE organizers booked hip-hoppers Kanye West and the Black Eyed Peas to perform on its main stage. While younger singers such as Fantasia, Destiny's Child, John Legend and Ruben Studdard went over well with the audience, neither West nor the Peas were able to fully connect with the crowd. At one point, West's frustrations with the audience's lack of interest in his performance showed. "I'm up here performing new material for ya'll, and ya'll aint getting with me," he griped to the crowd.

Among the others spotted over the course of the three-day festival were Chico Benymon ('Half & Half'), Kym Whitley, Darrin Dewitt Henson ('Soul Food'), fitness guru A.J. Johnson, playwright David E. Talbert with wife Lyn, comedienne Myra J, Mel Jackson ('Deliver Us From Eva'), Laurence Fishburne, Rosie Perez, Sinbad, Tavis Smiley, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Micah Stampley, Jonathan Slocumb, Babyface, author Dr. Ro, Michael Eric Dyson, Kevin Edmonds of After 7, author Kevin Powell, Luther "Luke" Campbell, Eva Pigford ('America's Next Top Model'), Shaun Robinson ('Access Hollywood'), Magic Johnson and wife Cookie, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Karen Clark-Sheard, Terrence Dashon Howard ('Hustle & Flow'), comic Roland Powell, Lamman Rucker ('All My Children'), author Farrah Gray, Jacque Reid ('BET Nightly News'), Keith Robinson ('Fat Albert'), screenwriter Michael Elliott and Detroit Piston Richard Hamilton.

Kinky Business
Newlyweds Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Parker Kodjoe are the new spokespersons for Chevrolet trucks. The duo represents the auto makers in upcoming print, radio and television spots, offering their seal of approval on the Chevy brand.

Kodjoe, who stars opposite Idris Elba and Nona Gaye in the upcoming film 'The Gospel,' says the Tahoe is one of his favorite vehicles by Chevy, especially since the company gave the couple a fully-loaded one.

"They pimped it out," laughed Kodjoe. "Well, they didn't pimp it out. They tricked it out!"

The former 'Soul Food' and 'Second Time Around' stars used their Tahoe DVD player to screen a pilot that their manager sent over for Parker Kodjoe to consider. "We watched the DVD of the pilot in the backseats," shared Kodjoe. "Then we, well, uh... I'll just say that the Tahoe has great backseats. They're great!"


Brand New
Seagram's Gin & Juice unveiled its hot new look and sleek design with a star-studded party in partnership with TVT Records, the Ying Yang Twins and Smooth magazine following the BET Awards in Los Angeles. The party was one of the go-to post bashes following the awards, and celebrities including director Penny Marshall, Petey Pablo, Kym Whitley, actress-singer Mayte Garcia, singer Nicci Gilbert, Brian J. White ('Second Time Around'), Corey Clark, singer Monifah, Dorian Gregory ('Soul Train'), rapper Won-G, Demetria McKinney ('Meet The Browns'), Jacksonville Jaguar linebacker Akin Ayodele, R&B group 4-Mula 1 and Bishop Don "Magic" Juan.

"I love Seagram's Gin & Juice. Some folks would say maybe I love it a little too much," joked Kym Whitley. "Actually, since I am sweet like Seagram's Gin & Juice, maybe they should hire me as their spokesperson. They need a new pink colored Seagram's since that's my favorite color, and let me be in all of the print ads. Oops, did I just ask Seagram's for a job? I guess I did!"

In support of the re-launch, Seagram's Gin & Juice will also set the summer season off with a nationwide promotional campaign called Seagram's Gin & Juice Barbecue Blast-Off, where consumers across the country will have an opportunity to win barbecue-themed prizes. Among the giveaways are a custom cooler bag with built-in sound system, oversized drinking tumblers and limited edition, commemorative playing cards, all designed to add the perfect accent to year-round entertaining. For more details, visit www.SeagramsGin.com.

Can't Say Names
... What actor was on the verge of heading to a New Orleans jail courtesy of a showboating Big Easy cop during the Coca-Cola presents the ESSENCE Music Festival. Apparently said actor and the disgruntled officer exchanged words at the W Hotel, and the cop cuffed the actor in the hotel's lobby in front of exiting partygoers. Sources say an actress passing by intervened, the cop recognized his wrongdoing and let the actor go. Could a lawsuit now be in the works?

Buzzworthy
... BV Buzz scooped everyone by learning that The Fugees would be the special guest on the 2005 BET Awards. While many didn't pick up on the clue -- "check back next week and see if we're ready or not" -- BET's Executive Vice President for Music and Entertainment Programming, Stephen Hill, sure did and cornered me in the radio room the day before the show to make sure I hadn't "officially" announced it. Because Hill is such a good guy, BV Buzz didn't "announce" it, well at least not all of the way. But those with a knack for figuring out blind items knew what to expect all along.

... Overbrook Entertainment, Trace magazine and XM Radio presented a pre-BET party in celebration of Amerie. The sexy soiree was held at the Beverly Hills hotspot Four Twenty Four on Beverly Blvd., a new Indian-inspired underground nightspot in the heart of the swank shopping district. Seems as though only male celebrities attended Amerie's bash and among them were Malik Yoba, Brian J. White, Henry Simmons ('N.Y.P.D. Blue'), comic Tommy Davidson, Fonzworth Bentley, Rashaan Nall ('Cuts'), comic Earthquake and veteran actor T.K. Carter. Even Prince showed up and hung out for a little while.

... Lil' Mo, Common, Shanice, Trina, singer Goapele, Norm Nixon, actor Delroy Lindo, producer Jazze Pha and Outkast's Big Boi were among those who attended a private party for Universal-Motown president Sylvia Rhone at the Vine Street Lounge following the BET Awards. Stevie Wonder performed during the party, veering off track from singing a few of his hit songs and opting, instead, to sing the 'Happy Song'-- a polka-flavored made-up tune he created on the spot. "The more champagne I drink the happier I am/happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy," he sang. Some guests were chatting as Wonder sang and Rhone turned around, grabbed the wrist of Cash Money rapper Lil' Wayne, yelled at him and told him to stop talking. Unfortunately, Wayne, who stood with a lollipop in his mouth, had never uttered a word. He was angry about the mishap and left.

... Also worth mentioning is that Violator Entertainment's Mona Scott was at the Rhone shindig as well. Scott is apparently still not-too-happy with the finale spoiler BV Buzz ran on the God-awful UPN reality series, 'The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott. "How do you sleep at night doing things like that," Scott asked yours truly. I replied: "Very well!" Anyone who knows me can second that notion! Maybe I should have asked Scott how she was able to sleep knowing that her "reality" show attempted to fool the few viewers who decided to watch the show, by selecting an artist who Missy Elliott had worked with before and act as though Elliott was "discovering" her. But I didn't. I was more concerned with getting back to my room at the Beverly Hills Hotel so that I could, well, uh, go to sleep!

...Special thanks to all who attended the intimate party by America Online's Black Voices at the Vine Street Lounge the night before the BET Awards. Mad Linx, new host of BET's 'Rap City,' hosted the shindig.

[RedefinedDiva]

Britney's Having Twins

NEW YORK -- Britney Spears will be seeing double when she gives birth, according to a new report.

The New York Daily News reports Spears is expecting twins. The paper claims Spears just received the news and is now getting ready for two little additions.

Spears is set to give birth this fall. Her representatives have not confirmed the reports of twins.

[abaici]

Please let the Brittney thing be a lie!!! Not two babies!!

And, I agree with 2D. Kim WISHES she was in the same league with Soror Star.

[BabyBlue91]

Originally posted by NinjaPoodle
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...AGTQDF4S01.DTL

She will be appearing tonight on the Tavis Smiley show.