Days before her expected Super Bowl National Anthem performance this Sunday, Jennifer Hudson went back to work to film the music video for her second single, If This Isn't Love, off her self-titled album. According to RAP-UP, the video drops on February 9th.



Next up for Jennifer is the Grammys and the NAACP Image Awards. Below is Jennifer's stunning performance of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" at Patti Labelle's TV tribute...where Fantasia also performed.



JHud's back!

Labels: Jennifer Hudson, Music Hoopla, Patti LaBelle, TV Hoopla

Fantasia kindly reminded us why she won that coveted American Idol title when she tore it down (in a good way) for the recent Patti Labelle Tribute TV special for "Evening Of Stars." (Thanks Necole!) Don't believe me? Check out Patti's reaction via Tha Feedback...

Labels: Fantasia, Music Hoopla, Patti LaBelle, TV Hoopla

Siblings Brandy and Ray J attended the Official Sugar Shane Mosley Fight After-Party. I'm looking forward to their upcoming joint music project R&B. Anyone going to support Ray J's new VH1 Bachelor-type reality series?



Letoya Luckett paid tribute to Patti LaBelle via a soulful rendition of "Talk About Love" at "An Evening of Stars" TV special which honored Patti's music career. (The special was taped back in September but it recently air on TV.) Letoya nailed it completely. (Thanks Necole & LetoyaOnline!)



Keyshia Cole looked fab in a black and white dress at the 2009 Trumpet Awards in Atlanta, Georgia. In case you missed it, check out Keyshia's new video, "You Complete Me" here.



Here's a face off between sporty champions Lisa Leslie and Venus Williams.


Venus first worn this strapless Carolina Herrera dress to The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Costume Institute Annual Gala back in May while new mom Lisa rock the same look at the 17th Annual Trumpet Awards. Both are camera/event ready but I think Lisa pulled it off. Which look is on lock?

Labels: Brandy, Keyshia Cole, LeToya Luckett, Look on Lock, Patti LaBelle, Ray J, TV Hoopla, Venus Williams

Tyler Perry held a huge celebration for the historic opening of his independent Film & TV studio in Atlanta, Georgia. Tyler made history because his studio is the first ever African-American owned. In attendance were Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, Star Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Stedman Graham, Nicole Ari Parker, Boris Kodjoe, Lynn Whitfield, Eva Pigford, Lance Gross, John Legend, Tracey Edmonds, Holly Robinson Peete, Tasha Smith, Star Jones and Patti LaBelle. Clearly the dress code was black while the man of the moment rock a white suit.



According to Tyler, there are five sound stages after named Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Cicely Tyson. The fifth sound stage has yet to be named.

Labels: black star power, Boris Kodjoe, Box Office Hoopla, Eva Pigford, Lance Gross, Lynn Whitfield, Nicole Ari Parker, Oprah, Patti LaBelle, Will Smith

Patti Labelle (in a fierce pair of Christian Louboutin Donjon boots) performed "If You Don't Know Me By Now" yesterday morning on the CBS program, "The Early Show".

Patti also belt out "Over The Rainbow" and "Lady Marmalade" for the show's Summer Concert Series - "Early With The Stars". Patti also talked about her two on-going musical projects*. [CLICK OUT THE INTERVIEW HERE]


In related news, Patti has not one but *TWO albums out now called, "Patti LaBelle: Live in Washington, D.C" and "The Essential".

"Live" to me is a celebration of Patti's raw vocal prowess and uncanny connection with her audience while "Essentials" reminds the listeners how they fell in love with Patti via her group LaBelle.

Fans and non-fans should definitely included "Essential" into their music collection.

Labels: Music Hoopla, Patti LaBelle, TV Hoopla

Erykah Badu performed with The Roots at the Fox Theater in Detroit, Michigan. Check out those Christian Louboutin's - FIERCE!



Iman (in a red D&G gown) pose with her husband David Bowie at the Costume Institute Gala at the MET last night. "People" magazine honored Iman for her ageless beauty in their 100 Most Beautiful List.


Also at the fashion-forward event was Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet's daughter Zoe Kravitz. And I can't help but notice Janet Jackson and her fab Versace dress out in the background. I do love Zoe's mint green suede dress...and her role in Jay-Z's "I Know" music video.



Fergie (who took a brief from recording her sophomore solo effort with Polow Da Don in ATL) was seen at the MET in a black Calvin Klein number. On the red carpet Fergie pose with Hilary Duff (in Elie Saab) and Molly Simms (in Versace).



Eva Mendes (the new face of Calvin Klein) wore a light blue look from CK (Duh!) and Sergio Rossi heels. Eva pose with a CK-wearing Liv Tyler at the event. CK was on a roll at the event, huh?


Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, and Gladys Knight all had top billing at "Divas With Heart" Benefit Concert over at Radio City Music Hall. You simply gotta love these one-name only divas!

Labels: Diana Ross, Erykah Badu, Eva Mendes, Fergie, Hilary Duff, Iman, Out and About, Patti LaBelle, Zoe Kravitz

"Mama I Want to Sing" has all star cast featuring Ciara, Lynn Whitfield, Patti LaBelle, Juanita Bynum, Hill Harper, Ben Vereen, Billy Zane, Kim Porter, Ralph Tresvant, Ross Francis, and Shonda Farr.

Here's what to expect from "Mama I Want To Sing": ...Tells the story of a preacher's daughter, who rises from the church choir to international pop superstardom. The character is loosely based on Vy Higginsen's sister, Doris Troy, best known for the 1963 pop hit "Just One Look." Higginsen and her husband Ken Wydro wrote, produced, directed, financed, and marketed the play, which was originally rejected by every major producer in New York. None believed that the story was worth telling or that an audience could be found for a gospel based production. [credit: blackfilm.com]

Visit here for the official trailer.

"Mama I Want to Sing" hits theatres Spring 2008.

Labels: Box Office Thursday, Ciara, Patti LaBelle

At New York City's Soho Grand, Mary J Blige held her album release party for her 8th studio effort, "Growing Pains". Celebrity guests like Patti LaBelle, Chingy, Tank, Melyssa Ford, and J. Holiday came out to support Geffen Records reigning R&B/soul songbird. Kendu Isaacs, Mary J Blige's husband and manager, was on hand.

While shopping for Christmas cards and stamps, I listened to Mary J Blige's new record and I'm impressed by how much she grown vocally and lyrically since "The Breakthrough". "Grown Woman", "Work That", "Just Fine", "Shakedown" and "Roses" all have meaningful thoughts in delivery and lyrics thanks in part to the production team- The Neptunes, Bryan-Michael Cox, The Dream & Tricky Stewart, Jazze Pha and Stargate. If I had to pick a favorite, it'll be a tie behind "Just Fine" and "Grown Woman". Target currently has the album and a bonus DVD which I recommend you getting.

Photos: wireimage, whatsthe411.net

[urban-hoopla]

Labels: J.Holiday, Melyssa Ford, MJB, Out and About, Patti LaBelle

At NBC's "Clash of the Choirs" Rehearsals, Kelly Rowland, Nick Lachey, and Patti LaBelle appear alongside their respective hometown-made choir.

"Clash of the Choirs" aims to see how much an established artist that put together a choir on weekly basis. Below is a clip featuring Kelly Rowland who is screening talents in Houston.



Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted at the Nets vs Cavaliers game over the weekend. At the point, Beyonce is overseas launch the Emporio Armani scent 'Diamonds' at Rinascente's flagship in Piazza Duomo, Italy.

Keri Hilson was seen backstage at Z100 Jingle Ball supporting Timbaland.

Speaking of which, Keri is also on the new Timbaland song, "Scream" featuring Nicole Scherzinger. You can check out the song via the youtube clip below:

Timbaland's fourth single, "Scream" will have its video premiere tomorrow via Yahoo! Music.

Photos: wireimage, beyonceworld

[urban-hoopla]

Labels: Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland, Keri Hilson, New Music, Nicole Scherzinger, Out and About, Patti LaBelle