Brrr...It's Winter 2K5-2K6 News

[Confucius]

Get your cup of coffee and enjoy......


Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of February 20th, 2006:


The Announcer proclaimed “The Queen” is back! As Whitney Houston took to the stage at the Winter Olympics, she was dressed in all white, and the audience waited anxiously as she stepped forward. When she started to sing, she started coughing and sniffling. She tried to laugh it off, but her voice wasn’t there. She waved her hands wildly proclaiming she doesn’t sing well outdoors. She struggled through her hits, The Greatest Love of All and I Will Always Love You. Bobby was there cheering her on. But, as she struggled to sing, you could see she was having a hard time. A lot of people didn’t think she would show up, but she is determined to get her career back on track. But, can she do it? Can she find her voice again, or has drugs ruined it?


In his forthcoming tell-all book, Producer Jermaine Dupri talks about Bow Wow and described him as a brat. It appears Jermaine was telling the truth. A few weeks ago, Bow Wow caught flak when he dissed Rapper/Actor Will Smith. Now Bow Wow is taking on Mr. Biggs. At a recent industry event, Bow Wow took it upon himself to taunt Ron Isley of The Isley Brothers, asking him how many hit songs did he have. I’m surprised Ron didn’t take his cane and bash him in the head. He probably wanted to, but Jermaine Dupri stepped in and pulled Bow Wow away. What’s up with young-in? How dare you compare your career with Ronald Isley? Can someone give Bow Wow a chill pill? I love him, but he appears to be out of control. Maybe he should take a music history course and learn how the old schoolers paved the way for him.


Is Eve dating a dictator’s son? The Philly born Rapper/Actress has a super rich boyfriend. Teodorin Nguema Obiang is 35 years-old, and his father is a dictator from West Africa. His dad is one of the top 10 dictators in the world. Teo showers Eve with money, jewelry and clothes. They have been dating for two years, and I hear he cheats on her regularly with Russian beauties. Sources say despite friends warnings, she looks the other way. I guess it’s all about the Benjamins.


Get well wishes go out to Singer Teddy Pendergrass, who has been ill, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who recently underwent partial knee replacement surgery.


What’s up with Terrence Howard and Queen Latifah? Absolutely nothing. She’s his manager, and she’s cheering him on in his bid for an Oscar. The Academy Awards are March 5th, and Howard has been nominated for Best Actor for his role in Hustle & Flow. A movie based on the life of Rick James is being talked about, and Howard may be offered the role.


Couples news!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Laila Ali has found love with Football Player Curtis Conway of the Chicago Bears. The boxer and the wide receiver have been dating since her divorce from Johnny McClain.


Lenny Kravitz and Tracey Edmonds? Lenny was spotted cuddling up to Babyface’s ex-wife despite the fact that she already has a man. Lenny could care less. If he wants you, he’s going to get you.


The Whispers are coming to town. They are touring in support of their new independent release, For Your Ears Only, and they will be at the Liacouras Center on April 15th.


Deborah King Lee, the daughter of Boxing Promoter Don King, has pleaded not guilty to drug possession. Deborah was recently arrested in Ohio and found with crack cocaine, plus pipes for smoking marijuana and crack. Deborah was also cited for driving without a valid license in her Cadillac Escalade.


Dave Chappelle’s new movie, Block Party, opens in theatres on March 3rd. Tickets are now on sale for Dave Chappelle at the Tower Theatre on Monday, February 27th.




The NAACP Image Awards air March 3rd on Fox. Susan Taylor from Essence magazine will be getting the President’s Award. Billy Dee Williams will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and Carlos Santana will be inducted into The Hall of Fame. Cuba Gooding, Jr. is hosting the festivities.


Steve Harvey will be hosting BET’s Celebration of Gospel. The show airs on the 23rd, and features performances by Kirk Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Ty Tribbett, Mary Mary, Tyrese, Anthony Hamilton, Shirley Caesar and Dr. Bobby Jones. Speaking of Steve Harvey, his new movie, Don’t Trip.... He Ain’t Through With Me Yet, opens in theatres on March 17th.


Stephanie Mills is starring in the stage production, If This Hat Could Talk, based on the life of Civil Rights Pioneer Dr. Dorothy Height. The musical play kicks off March 7th at the Merriam Theatre.


The New Jacks will be in town Mother’s Day Weekend. It’s Guy, Blackstreet, Toni, Tone, Toni and After 7 on Saturday, May 13th at the Liacouras Center.


At the movies, Tyler Perry returns as “Madea” in Madea’s Family Reunion. The movie also stars Boris Kodjoe, Blair Underwood, Lynne Whitfield, Cicely Tyson and Maya Angelou. Tyler not only appears as “Madea,” but as “Uncle Joe” and “Cousin Brian.” This movie marks his big screen directorial debut.


After his surprise appearance at the Grammys, where is Sly Stone? He’s back home in Beverly Hills with his girlfriend and three kids. He is currently writing and recording songs for a new album.


Chilli from TLC wants everyone to know she was not stopped by cops and arrested for drugs in Atlanta. Usher’s ex says a false story was going around proclaiming this and it is not true. She has never been arrested.


Smokey Robinson is coming to Broadway for the musical Chicago. He will play the part of the lawyer “Billy Flynn.”


What do Martin Lawrence, John Travolta and Tim Allen have in common? They will be starring in the new comedy movie, Wild Hogs, about middle-aged bikers.


Was the marriage and children between Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe an arranged deal? According to a judge, it was. And now, he is siding with Rowe in her bid to get her children back from Michael Jackson. When Rowe signed away her rights, did she understand what was happening? A judge has ruled there should be an independent investigation into what is in the best interests of the children, Prince and Paris. The kids are with their father out of the country, and being raised by their nanny, Grace. Rowe, who is Jewish, is afraid of Jackson’s involvement with Islamic culture.


Diana Ross has another Superstar in the making. First there was Rhonda, then Tracee. Now, get ready for Evan Ross. Evan’s dad is Diana’s late husband Arne Naess. Evan is set to make his big screen debut later this year in the movie ATL, with Rapper T.I.


What’s up with Rapper/Actor Mos Def. He has been ordered to pay his ex-wife $10 thousand a month for their daughters, ages 7 and 8. He is already behind in his payments, plus he has other kids to take care of. Despite the Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe nominations, he says he is having business problems. Mos Def’s new movie with Bruce Willis, 16 Blocks, opens in theatres soon.


Here’s a correction about last week’s Prince story. His new protégé is not related to Singer Toni Braxton. Ta’Mar appeared with Prince a few weeks ago on Saturday Night Live, and she was all that. Her real name is Ashley Tamar Davis, and she was recently signed to Universal/Motown. Her new album, Beautiful, Loved and Blessed, is coming out on May 2nd. She is also in the group Angaza. Special shout out to my West Coast readers for the correct info. I appreciate it, and I hope I get to interview her soon. Ta’Mar will be in Philadelphia with Prince on Wednesday, March 1st as he features her in concert at the Electric Factory Concert Hall.


The Senator’s wife is coming to the ER! Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, who recently married State Senator Vincent Hughes, is getting ready to film a two-episode storyline for NBC’s ER. Ernie Hudson will be joining her.


WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Oscar winning Actor can’t stop cheating on his wife. The wife is not very attractive, and all she does is stay home and watch the kids. He has been struggling with his career ever since he won his Academy Award. He has been in a number of flops. He’s a very talented guy, and his family is talented too. His brother acts and his father is a world renowned singer. How did he lose his “mojo,” and why can’t he stop cheating on his wife?


This Gospel Legend is getting no respect from her record label. Despite marrying into a gospel music dynasty and topping the charts with gospel classics, her record label treats her like she’s a has-been. She is seeing her career being eclipsed by younger female artists who have crossed over with their music and their talents. These women are having the career she wanted: the crossover hits, the acting roles, sold out concerts. Is it too late for her? Will her record company stand behind her and help her revive her career? She is one of the best known and loved Female Gospel Entertainers in the country.