NEWS to Lead Us Into The New Year

[jitterbug13]

Whitney has found a new love! How do you get over hubby Bobby Brown? You start dating Brandy’s baby brother, Singer Ray J. Houston is 43. Ray J is 25. Now before you start saying: WHAT! Here’s the scoop. Whitney and Ray J started dating around Thanksgiving. He’s currently helping her with her latest album. Sources say Whitney is happy and very sober. The two went public as a couple over the weekend, and they were very affectionate. Ray J’s mom, Sonia, is happy about the twosome. Ray J has always been in the shadow of his sister Brandy. Now that he’s dating Whitney Houston, he is about to come into his own. Forget the thug image, sex tapes with ex-love Kim Kardashian and a struggling music career, Ray J is growing up. No more sweats and hoodies with Whitney, he is stepping up his game and wearing suits and ties. One person not happy with the new couple is Whitney’s mentor, Clive Davis. He is plotting Whitney’s comeback, and he doesn’t want her to have any distractions. He wants her to concentrate on staying clean and working on her return to the charts. Whitney has something to prove, and what better way to do it than with the ex of Bobby’s Brown’s live in girlfriend, Karrine Steffans. Steffans, a.k.a. Superhead, used to date Ray J, and she claimed in her tell all book that he was a great lover. Bobby is not happy about this. Look for him to react soon. I wanna know how Brandy feels about her long-time idol dating her baby brother.

Get ready for the Jennifer Hudson makeover! The American Idol castoff is the new toast of Hollywood with her Golden Globe Award-winning role in Dreamgirls. Andre Leon Talley of Vogue magazine is taking Hudson under his wing. Talley knows style, and he is going to give her a makeover from head to toe. No more ill fitting weaves, ashy legs and toe jam feet. Talley will be featuring Hudson in the March issue of Vogue magazine, just in time for the Oscars. Talley likes Hudson, and he wants her to look good at every major event. Talley tried to help Mariah Carey, but she refuses to give up tight clothes and spandex. If Hudson stays under Talley’s direction, you are going to see an amazing looking woman who looks fabulous for her age and size. She’s already pretty, but now with Talley, she is going to be fabulous. *applause*

The Boss is coming to American Idol. Diana Ross recently confirmed on The David Letterman Show that she will be appearing on Idol as a mentor. The 63-year old original Diva is back with a new album called I Love You. The album features covers of her favorite songs including I Want You by Marvin Gaye, Always and Forever by Heatwave, The Look of Love by Burt Bacharach and Lovely Day by Bill Withers, to name a few. Miss Ross is also scheduled to appear on the Bravo network show Inside The Actor’s Studio.

The True Story of Florence Ballard is a new book coming out this spring. Ballard was fired from The Supremes, and she died broke at the age of 32. The book will reveal how Diana Ross was always the main vocalists because Ballard’s sound wasn’t commercial. The book also brings up a rape at the age of 17, and notes her drinking problem may be linked to alcoholism in her family. Her father had a drinking problem.

Despite high ratings and a recent Golden Globe Award for Best Drama, there is still tension on the set of the ABC drama Grey’s Anatomy. At the center of the controversy are Actor Isaiah Washington and the alleged gay slur he used on Co-star T. R. Knight. During a press conference to celebrate the shows recent Golden Globe win, Washington was asked about it and he shouted, he didn’t call anyone a f**got! Cast members winced at his choice of words. Castmate Katherine Heigl, who plays “Izzie,” says Washington should not be allowed to speak in public, and he was way out of line. Castmembers are still upset with Washington because along with the alleged gay slur, he choked his castmate, Patrick Dempsey (“Dr. McDreamy”). Washington is sick of the snubs. He says enough already! He is not vile and hateful. Show Creator Shonda Rhimes is going to have her hands full keeping peace on the set of the show. Will the cast members ever forgive Washington?

Michael Misick, the Prime Minister of the Turks and Ciaos Islands, may be headed for trouble and voted out of office. Misick is up for reelection, but he faces tough competition. Residents of the islands have not been happy with Misick since his wedding to Actress Lisa Raye McCoy. Misick allegedly fathered a child with another woman. To get back into Lisa Raye’s good graces, he reported gave her some land and lots of money. Lisa Raye claims baby reports are not true, and that the honeymoon is still going on. But, island natives claim Lisa Raye is never there, and Misick may be voted out of office.


Singer Toni Braxton is suing her former manager, Barry Hankerson for $10 million. Braxton claims Hankerson put his financial interests ahead of hers and cost her millions of dollars. Hankerson tricked Braxton into leaving her longtime record home Arista Records to join his label, Blackground Records. After poor sales of subsequent albums, she was dumped from the label. Braxton is currently doing a one woman show in Las Vegas, but she feels Hankerson ruined her career. Hankerson has quite a history. He used to be married to Gladys Knight, and he almost forced her into bankruptcy. His niece was the late Singer Aaliyah. Sources say it was his tips that led police to investigate R Kelly on child pornography charges. He never forgave Kelly for marrying his niece when she was 14.

Does American Idol Judge Paula Abdul need help? What’s up with her wacky behavior? Last week during some interviews to promote season six of American Idol, Abdul appeared wacky and out of it. Spokespeople for the Fox Network say they have tremendous respect and admiration for Paula. They feel she is the consummate professional who always gives 100 percent. They claim she was experiencing technical difficulties with the affiliates that were conducting interviews. She decided to have fun with the interviews, and they didn’t get it. I have been saying this since last season: something is going on with Paula Abdul. She may need an intervention.

Queen Latifah is gearing up for her new HBO movie, Life Support, which debuts March 10th. Latifah plays an ex-crack addict who is HIV positive. A lot of people are wondering if this will be the year Queen Latifah reveals all. She does not comment on her private life, but she appears very happy with her close friend, Fitness Expert Jeannette Jenkins. Jenkins is very out and open about her sexuality. Will Latifah follow suit?

The Mel B baby controversy continues. The former Spice Girl insists that the baby she is carrying is Eddie Murphy’s, and she is willing to go on live TV to prove it once and for all. Eddie says the baby is not his. Is he willing to go on live TV to do a DNA test? Mel B says Eddie humiliated her by publicly dumping her, and now it’s time to crack his face.

The family of James Brown is planning to meet with the family of Elvis Presley. The Browns are very impressed with the Presley estate, Graceland. Graceland is Memphis, Tennessee’s biggest tourist attraction. The former home of Elvis Presley is known around the world, and now the family of James Brown wants to do the same for The Godfather of Soul. They would like his South Carolina home turned into a soul version of Graceland. The home would be a museum where fans could pay tribute. A mausoleum would also be there holding the body of Brown. The Brown family would like to continue bringing in money for the estate. The final Will and testament was revealed, and nothing was left for the 5-year old son born to Tomi Rae Hynie. The family wants a DNA to prove the child is really a Brown. Because the will was made before James II was born and he "married" Tomi! Duh!

The highest rated show in VH1’s history is I Love New York. The Flavor of Love spinoff starring Tiffany Patterson (New York), the girl who was dumped twice by Flavor Flav, scored the best rating of any show on the network. It even beat the season two premiere of Flavor of Love. The reviews for the show have been mixed as New York finds her true love, but sources says she better be careful. A few of the guys on the show are rumored to be on the down low, including the popular Chance. DUH AGAIN!

The 49th Annual Grammy Awards are happening on February 11th. Beyonce is scheduled to perform. Some of the presenters include Terrence Howard and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s going to be big night for Mary J. Blige. She’s up for eight awards.

The HBO movie Lackawanna Blues is getting ready to become a series for the network. No word on whether Halle Berry will sign on as producer, or if original stars S. Epatha Merkerson or Ruben Santiago will return.

I had a chance to talk to Actor Idris Elba. I love this man. He is not only fine, but he is a great actor. He is best known for his role in the HBO series The Wire, where he played the popular role of “Stringer Bell.” Elba hails from London, and his accent is so sexy. Elba is excited about this year. He is going to be everywhere. Next month, he’s starring in the new Tyler Perry movie Daddy’s Little Girls with Gabrielle Union. Later this year, he teams up with Oscar Winner Hillary Swank in the movie The Reaper. The Reaper comes out March 30th. Later this year, he teams up Oscar Winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe for the movie American Gangsters. He is currently filming a holiday movie, This Christmas, with Nia Long, Regina King and Chris Brown.

Juanita gets half! After 17 years of marriage, three kids, excessive gambling and lots of cheating, the Jordan marriage is over. Michael and Juanita threw in the towel. He was never going to change, and she wanted to move on with her life. After all was said and done, Juanita got $200 million. Now, it’s time to get a new man.

The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin wants to resume her acting career. Years ago, she was featured in The Blues Brothers movie, but now The Queen wants more. She’s reaching out to Denzel Washington to help her. Aretha has a new album coming out this year. Later this month, she’s going to be honored during the UNCF Evening of Stars telethon. The show will air on FOX 29 and BET the weekend of the January 27th-28th.

The 79th Annual Academy Awards will air at the end of February. Oprah Winfrey will be hosting an Oscar special that will air the Thursday before The Academy Awards. The show will feature top stars interviewing their favorite celebrities. Julia Roberts will interview George Clooney, Nicole Kidman will interview Russell Crowe and Jamie Foxx will interview Sidney Poitier.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell has pleaded guilty to assault charges. Naomi admits she beat one of her assistants with her Blackberry after accusing the assistant of stealing a pair of her jeans. Campbell, who has a history of beating her assistants, has been sentenced to five days of community service, two days of anger management classes and she will have to pay the assistant’s medical bills.

The Essence Music Festival is returning to New Orleans July 5th-7th. This year’s lineup includes Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Lionel Richie. Check out the new issue of Essence magazine featuring the beautiful Actress Nia Long. She’s being shy about her love life. In the interview, she denies knowing Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints. He was her rumored boyfriend last year. This year, her rumored boyfriend is Basketball Star Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets. He’s the 7’6 center for the team. Long is notoriously private about her personal life, but she does admit in the interview that her new love is involved in sports.

Congrats to Tina Campbell of the group Mary Mary. Tina and her husband, Teddy, are expecting baby number two this summer. They also have a three-year old daughter. In other baby news, Singer Faith Evans has been put on bed rest. She is expecting her fourth child.

Check out the latest issue of People magazine. Boris Kodjoe, his wife, Actress Nicole Ari Parker, and their two young babies are featured.

Actor/Director Keenen Ivory Wayans is finding love after his recent divorce. He’s currently dating Actress Brittany Daniel. The blonde beauty was featured in his last movie ‘Little Man’ and co-stars in the Girlfriends spinoff, The Game, on the CW network.

UPCOMING MOVIES:

January 26th- Smoking Aces – Ben Affleck, Alicia Keys and Common.

February 9th- Norbit – Eddie Murphy.

February 13th- Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls- Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Tracee Ellis Ross.

March 2nd- Wild Hogs- John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and Tim Allen.

March 16th- I Think I Love My Wife- Chris Rock, Gina Torres and Kerry Washington.

Also coming in March- Pride – Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac.

April 6th- Are We Done Yet? Ice Cube and Nia Long.

The new Gerald Levert CD, In My Songs, arrives in stores February 13th. The first single is the tile track, In My Songs.

Prince is the halftime performer at this year’s Superbowl. The big game is February 4th. Prince is scheduled to a tribute to James Brown during the show. Pop Star Billy Joel will be singing the national anthem.

The latest David E. Talbert stage musical, Love In The Nick of Tyme. The musical stars Morris Chestnut, Singer Trenyce (American Idol) and Singer Avant. Singer Vivian Green is doing the music.

My Brother Marvin is the life story of Marvin Gaye. The stage musical was written by Marvin’s sister, Zeola Gaye. The musical stars Keith Washington, Clifton Powell, Marvin’s daughter Nona Gaye, Tony Grant and John Canada Terrell.


BET’s Celebration of Gospel will air on January 28th. Steve Harvey will be hosting with special guests Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Faith Evans and Smokie Norful.

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

This R&B Diva recently turned 50-years old. She is having a hard time adjusting to getting older. She has an amazing voice with a string of hits, but in concert, she is prone to temper tantrums. When she doesn’t like the sound, she stops the music and leaves the stage. Over the weekend, she angered many of her fans after a concert in Atlantic City. Anita?

This Film Producer is beautiful and rich. She used to be married to a famous Singer/Songwriter. After their divorce, she got very rich. She loves power and fame, and she recently started dating a big Hollywood star. Despite his impending fatherhood, high profile divorce and rumors of being on the down low, she decided to go out with the star. He is super hot right now, and every week he is in a different magazine. The Film Producer thought it would be good for her career, if she became his trophy date for award shows. Well, the bloom is off the rose. She feels used and unappreciated. She realizes after getting dissed on TV (she went to kiss him and he turned away) that he is only using her for her looks. Their next date is Hollywood’s biggest awards night. Will she continue with the charade? Tracey Edmonds

[BabyBlue91]

Originally Posted by jitterbug13

This R&B Diva recently turned 50-years old. She is having a hard time adjusting to getting older. She has an amazing voice with a string of hits, but in concert, she is prone to temper tantrums. When she doesn’t like the sound, she stops the music and leaves the stage. Over the weekend, she angered many of her fans after a concert in Atlantic City. Anita?

I read on another board that it may be Stephanie Mills, but according to IMDB she won't be 50 until March 22. She was at the Tropicana with The Whispers last weekend.

[pinkies up]

This Film Producer is beautiful and rich. She used to be married to a famous Singer/Songwriter. After their divorce, she got very rich. She loves power and fame, and she recently started dating a big Hollywood star. Despite his impending fatherhood, high profile divorce and rumors of being on the down low, she decided to go out with the star. He is super hot right now, and every week he is in a different magazine. The Film Producer thought it would be good for her career, if she became his trophy date for award shows. Well, the bloom is off the rose. She feels used and unappreciated. She realizes after getting dissed on TV (she went to kiss him and he turned away) that he is only using her for her looks. Their next date is Hollywood’s biggest awards night. Will she continue with the charade? Tracey Edmonds[/QUOTE]

That would be because "Jimmy likes steak"!

[lilbay77]

Originally Posted by pinkies up

That would be because "Jimmy likes steak"!

HA!

[OOhsoflyDELTA#9]

Originally Posted by pinkies up

This Film Producer is beautiful and rich. She used to be married to a famous Singer/Songwriter. After their divorce, she got very rich. She loves power and fame, and she recently started dating a big Hollywood star. Despite his impending fatherhood, high profile divorce and rumors of being on the down low, she decided to go out with the star. He is super hot right now, and every week he is in a different magazine. The Film Producer thought it would be good for her career, if she became his trophy date for award shows. Well, the bloom is off the rose. She feels used and unappreciated. She realizes after getting dissed on TV (she went to kiss him and he turned away) that he is only using her for her looks. Their next date is Hollywood’s biggest awards night. Will she continue with the charade? Tracey Edmonds

That would be because "Jimmy likes steak"! [/QUOTE]

Too funny....LMAO!!

[BlessedOne04]

I want whitney to have some alone time before she jumps in another whatever she is jumping into!! She needs to revive her career and most importantly take care of little bobbie christina.

Idris Elba-This man is so fine!!

[NUPE4LIFE]

Dreamgirls was not nominated for Best Picture. Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson were both nominated for their supporting roles. A full list of nominations to come unless Obsession beats me to it .

[Obsession8]

Originally Posted by NUPE4LIFE

Dreamgirls was not nominated for Best Picture. Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson were both nominated for their supporting roles. A full list of nominations to come unless Obsession beats me to it .

LOL! I'm on it, babe!

Furthermore, Dreamgirls leads all nominees with 8 nods. I'm still getting over my semi-shock that it wasn't nominated for BP, but I'll have more about that later (on Facebook...maybe here, too).

ETA: http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movi...ons/index.html

[AKA2D '91]

I guess Brandy really isn't fretting over Ray and Whit. She has other issues:


http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070124/people_nm/brandy_dc

[Conskeeted7]

I wonder if Brandy will be charged for the accident. That is such a tragedy.

[delph998]

That is really sad. I'm so happy that drugs and alcohol weren't involved.

[ljkelly]

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

I guess Brandy really isn't fretting over Ray and Whit. She has other issues:


http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070124/people_nm/brandy_dc

I feel so badly about Brandy too... They have the the 911 call of that night on TMZ http://www.tmz.com/2007/01/24/brandy-the-911-calls/

[Honeykiss1974]

That is a sad story - both For Brandy and for the victims family (2 kids lost their mother). I know in Kansas, if you rear end someone, you are automatically considered the party at fault unless you can prove otherwise (and I do mean prove).

[lovelyivy84]

Originally Posted by Honeykiss1974

That is a sad story - both For Brandy and for the victims family (2 kids lost their mother). I know in Kansas, if you rear end someone, you are automatically considered the party at fault unless you can prove otherwise (and I do mean prove).

Like Delph, I'm just happy no drugs or alchohol were involved, given the nature of most celebrity car accidents. It's a terrible shame. IT sounds like it was just an accident with no malicious intent or reckless behavior involved, just plain ol' not paying attention. It's a huge illustration of why I am so afraid of driving- it's too easy to fatally mess up when you are directing half a ton of metal.

[jitterbug13]

It will be one of the most diverse Oscar nights in history with Dreamgirls looking at more gold. The Oscar nominations have come down, and both Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy were nominated for the roles that just won them both Golden Globe Awards. Dreamgirls leads the pack with a total of eight nominations, including Costume Designer Sharon Davis, who I recently had a chance an interview. Her work is great. Dreamgirls was overlooked for best picture though, and that’s left fans wondering. Meantime, Golden Globe Winner Forest Whitaker and Philly’s own Will Smith are both up for Best Actor, Smith for The Pursuit of Happyness and Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland. Djimon Hounsou from Blood Diamond is up for Supporting Actor along with Eddie Murphy. The Academy Awards air February 25th on ABC.

Will Isaiah Washington be fired from the ABC show Grey's Anatomy? The fallout continues following his outburst of gay slurs against a cast member. Washington lied about the incident, and now he has apologized for his actions. Washington says he cannot defend or explain his behavior. He says he needs help. He has already met with representatives from the gay and lesbian organization GLADD. Washington has already fired his publicist, and he is aligning himself with a new team. The team of Allan Mayer and Kerry Mullens has been known for their work repairing the images of R Kelly and Rocker Tommy Lee. Is it too late for Washington? His firing could come at any time. Although ratings have only taken a slight dip, there are Ad dollars at stake. Washington could be fired under Disney’s corporate anti-discrimination policy. Many people have vowed to boycott the show. There are a number of organized viewers, however, that support keeping Washington. While they don’t condone his actions, they feel he should not be removed from the top-rated show. Grey’s Creator Shonda Rhimes is under pressure from ABC to manage her talent and keep them in line. ABC is furious at this turn of events. Everyone thought this issue was settled last year after the choking incident with Patrick Dempsey and the gay slur against T.R. Knight. But, Washington brought it all out in the open at a press conference celebrating the Golden Globe win of Grey’s Anatomy. Washington’s repeated used of the f-word (it rhymes with maggot) caused a chain reaction that exposed him as a liar. If he is fired, will it upset the balance of the show? How will Rhimes deal with this? Does Washington have anger management issues? Years ago, he got into a scuffle with Nicole Ari Parker and Tracey Edmonds on the set of Soul Food.

Author Terry McMillan’s worst nightmare is coming true. Her gay ex-husband is ready to tell all. Jonathan Plummer has just signed a deal with publishing house Simon and Shuster to write about his life with McMillan. Plummer was 23 years younger than McMillan when he met her in his native Jamaica. The pairing was hot and exciting, and McMillan wrote about it in the bestseller How Stella Got Her Groove Back. McMillan and Plummer married, and they moved to the United States. She gave him the money to start a dog grooming business, and they settled into domestic bliss. Well, the honeymoon didn’t last long. Plummer needed to be true to himself, and he decided to explore his sexuality. Plummer realized he was gay and when McMillan found out, all hell broke loose. McMillan’s antics following the breakup made headlines, and she had to pay him thousands of dollars. McMillan was humiliated and betrayed. She claims Plummer only married her for her money and to gain U.S. Citizenship. Plummer now works as a hairstylist and his book, Balancing Act, is due out later this year. Plummer says he wants to help other black men come out of the closet. McMillan is also planning to write a book, which is due out next year. She says she will reveal how the court system let her down and let her ex pimp her. McMillan has admitted to friends she fears for her life as Plummer continues to bleed her for money.

Tomi Rae Hynie says she deserves a portion of The James Brown Estate. Hynie claims she was married to James Brown, but the marriage was found not legal when it was discovered she was already married to another man. Hynie says she sacrificed her life to be perfect for Brown. Hynie says you had to look a certain way if you wanted to be his woman. Fat, sloppy, unattractive women didn’t stand a chance with the Godfather. Hynie admits to various plastic surgery procedures including work on her breasts, lips, lipo, chin rebuilt, a brow lift and new teeth. The various procedures left her hooked on painkillers. Brown’s third wife, Adrienne, died after getting liposuction surgery. The contents of The James Brown Will have been revealed. Hynie and her five-year old son, James Brown, Jr., were left out. At press time, no monetary figures were released, but family members will divide furniture, appliances, pictures, silverware, China, glass, books, jewelry, boats, clothes and cars. At this point, I think Tomi and James II are the least of worries. His other kids are already contesting the will.

Mary J. Blige has a message for the haters: Mind Your Own Business, We Got This! Late last year, there were reports of marital strife between Mary and her husband Kendu Isaacs. Blige has been married to Isaacs for four years, and she says the stories came from disgruntled former employees. She admits there was a tense period in her marriage to Isaacs, but they love each other and whatever problems they may have they are going to work it out.

Director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) is looking to put together a who’s who of top black talent for his next movie project, a black version of Ocean’s Eleven. Word has it Ratner is in talks with Chris Tucker, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington, Martin Lawrence and Sidney Poitier for a movie.

Randy Jackson of The Jacksons is resting comfortably after suffering a heart attack in Switzerland. The past few years have been rough on the youngest Jackson brother. He’s 46-years old, and he’s been suffering from exhaustion and stress. Last year, Randy was fired as the advisor and manager of big brother Michael. With no career, money or job prospects, Randy needs help. He has numerous children and girlfriends, and he has no way to take care of them.

Another Jackson making headlines is Jermaine Jackson. He’s currently starring in the UK version of Celebrity Big Brother. In 1989, Jermaine converted to Islam, and he says the decision changed his life forever. He felt born again after turning his back on the Jehovah’s Witness religion. Jermaine's nine children are all Muslim, as well as his wife, Haleema Rashid. Jermaine is 52-years old, and his Islamic name is Muhammad Abdul Aziz. Jermaine admits his family was not happy with his decision, but they have accepted it.

Alicia Keys a lesbian? Yes she is in her new movie. In Smokin' Aces with Ben Affleck, Jeremy Piven, and Common, Keys plays a lesbian hit woman. Why a lesbian? Keys says she wanted to do something different. Even though she enjoys acting, she will not be giving up her singing career. New music is expected later this year from Alicia.

Season number three of Dancing With The Stars is set for March 19th. Boxer Laila Ali will be joining the celebrity dancers.

A group of California contractors found out the hard way that if Oscar Winner Halle Berry hires you to do a job, don’t speak to her! The workers were hired to stain some wood cabinets for the beauty. The job costs $57 thousand. When the contractors started work, they were told immediately not to approach or speak to Halle. You can speak to her if she speaks to you.

Actress Nia Long’s mystery man has been revealed. It’s not Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets or Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints. The mystery sports guy in her life is 6’4 Guard Cuttino Mobley of the Los Angeles Clippers. Mobley grew up in Philly, and he’s an 8-year vet. Mobley is 32-years old, and he recently signed a $42 million deal with the Clippers. Is he the one who beat up the babydaddy at the mall?

Samuel L. Jackson will be teaming up with Kerry Washington for the thriller Lake View Terrace. Jackson will play a police officer trying to force out an interracial couple that moves next door to him. Washington plays half of the couple.

Musiq Soulchild is back. Musiq’s new album, Luvanmusiq, comes out next month on the 13th.

Hats off to the staff at Sister2Sister magazine, the February issue features a fabulous tribute to the Late Gerald Levert. Jamie Foster Brown, Calvin Terrell and the staff outdid themselves with this tribute. If you are a Gerald Levert fan, this is a must. The 48 page keepsake has everything dedicated to Gerald Levert: the words, the wit, the wisdom from his dad, his kids, family members, musicians and friends.

Despite her wacky antics, Simon Cowell is standing behind Paula Abdul. Over the past year, Paula’s on air antics have been the talk of the town. The loopy behavior, slurred words, disheveled hair, disoriented comments. Cowell says he won’t do American Idol without her, and that he doesn’t want to work with boring people. Paula swears she doesn’t drink or do recreational drugs. Could it be prescription drugs because she appears totally out of it? Later this year, look for Paula’s new reality TV show on the Bravo network entitled Hey Paula!

Terrence Howard’s new movie, Pride, opens in theatres next month. In Pride, Howard plays “Jim Ellis,” a swim coach from Philadelphia who led a championship team of swimmers to excellence. Bernie Mac and Kimberly Elise also star. Howard is a very busy man. There’s also talk that he will be playing Rick James in the upcoming movie about his life.

Talk Show Host Tavis Smiley is still a single man. There were published reports about Smiley dating CNN News Anchor Fredricka Whitfield. Whitfield is happily married to John Glenn of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and they are the proud parents of a baby boy.

Actress Regina King is enjoying her role in the Fox show 24. She plays the President’s sister. King recently ended her marriage citing irreconcilable differences.

Usher has to answer to the law. Usher has been ordered to pay a fine for speeding after being found guilty of speeding in his Range Rover. He will pay a $200 fine, and perform 20 hours of community service.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is coming to ABC’s Ugly Betty. Campbell is going to play a crazy fashionista who loves to shop and can’t find a man.

The 49th Annual Grammy Awards air February 11th on CBS. Beyonce is one of the scheduled performers. Mary J. Blige is up for eight awards.


Former Heavyweight Champ Mike Tyson has a February 26th court date. A few weeks ago, he was arrested and charged with drug possession and driving under the influence. At the time of his arrest, he pleaded guilty, but now he has changed his mind. If found guilty, Tyson could face 7 1/2 years in prison.

Upcoming Movies:

January 26th- Smoking Aces – Ben Affleck, Alicia Keys and Common.

February 9th- Norbit – Eddie Murphy.

February 13th- Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls- Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Tracee Ellis Ross.

March 2nd- Wild Hogs- John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and Tim Allen.

March 16th- I Think I Love My Wife- Chris Rock, Gina Torres and Kerry Washington.

Also coming in March- Pride – Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac.

April 6th- Are We Done Yet? Ice Cube and Nia Long.

The new Gerald Levert CD, In My Songs, arrives in stores February 13th. The first single is the tile track, In My Songs.

Prince is the halftime performer at this year’s Superbowl. The big game is February 4th. Prince is scheduled to a tribute to James Brown during the show. Pop Star Billy Joel will be singing the national anthem. Superbowl 41 will feature the Colts vs. The Bears, and is already one for the record books. This will mark the first time both Superbowl contenders will be head coached by African Americans, Tony Dungy (The Colts) and Lovie Smith (The Bears).

The latest David E. Talbert stage musical, Love In The Nick of Tyme, is coming to Trenton, New Jersey. The musical stars Morris Chestnut, Singer Trenyce (American Idol) and Singer Avant. The musical is happening January 30-31st at the Patriots Theatre War Memorial. Singer Vivian Green is doing the music.

My Brother Marvin is the life story of Marvin Gaye. The stage musical was written by Marvin’s sister, Zeola Gaye. My Brother Marvin will be at the Merriam Theatre, February 14th-18th. The musical stars Keith Washington, Clifton Powell, Marvin’s daughter Nona Gaye, Tony Grant and John Canada Terrell.

Men, Money & Golddiggers is also coming to Philly at the Merriam Theatre, February 27th- March 4th. The play stars Robin Givens, Carl Payne, Miguel Nunez, Jr., Chico Benymon and Essence Atkins.

BET’s Celebration of Gospel will air on January 28th. WDAS morning man Steve Harvey will be hosting with special guests Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, and Smokie Norful.

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

This Media Personality travels around the country with his show. He has women in every city. He loves Groupies, but they don’t love him. Word has it he is quite boring. All he does is talk about himself, and he has bad breath. The women also claim he has no bedroom skills. This media figure calls himself the bad boy, but the only bad thing about him is his bedroom antics. Shut it down, shut it down!!!!

This Oscar Winner is having a secret relationship with a Playboy Lingerie Model. The Oscar Winner has a strong fan base, and he knows his fans won’t like it when they find he is dating someone outside of his race. The Playboy beauty is tired of being hidden. She figures it’s 2007, and we need to let the world know about our love. He strongly disagrees. He may have to dump her, or pay her off to keep his secret. Dear Jamie, We all know you like whyte girls. Please stop trying to hide it. And I may see you in Columbia in March.