The on-going beef between Rick Ross and 50 Cent took an unexpected turn when 50 invited Rick's baby mama Tia Kemp on his online blog community THISIS50.COM. (Oh my damn, 50!) Apparently Tia (who has a son with Rick) has a tell-all expose in the works called, Tia's Diary: Deeper Than Rap, out March 2009.



50 took a step further with a new cartoon series called "Locked Up: Officer Ricky." WATCH THE RICK ROSS CARTOON DISS HERE. Was it really necessary to bring in Rick's baby mama into this whole situation??? (Co-sign Miss Info's WOW!)

Labels: 50 Cent, Music Hoopla, things that make me go hmm

Keyshia Cole can be seen on the Style (March 2009) issue of VIBE magazine. This particular colorful edition hits newsstands on February 17th. FYI: Keyshia has been on the cover THREE times...so far!



On the flip side, Keyshia may or may not had a nose job as posted up by Necole. What do you think of this new rumor - nose job gone right or a good make-up job done right?

Labels: Keyshia Cole, Newsstand Snapshots, things that make me go hmm

Jessica Simpson (and her favorite Marni boots) made her first public appearance post weight gain hoopla last night in Virgina. Blogs went crazy when Jessica stepped out with a new curvier figure. No wonder these known folks go the plastic surgery route! (Things that make me go hmm...)



Kelly Rowland is in the news again but this time for foreclosure on her Miami Beach property. Her Miami house is on the market for $500,000 less its original price ($1.9 million). It's no secret Miami (and its beach) has become her second home with London being her first.



Kelly has since address her home mortgage woes via this MySpace blog:

Reports that Kelly Rowland's Miami home is in foreclosure are entirely false. Kelly has put her home up for sale because she is working and living in Europe.

WOW!

Labels: Jessica Simpson, Kelly Rowland, Out and About, things that make me go hmm

Lil' Kim recently did a live (and quite interesting) remake of Rihanna's song, "Disturbia" in Amsterdam. (Somewhere Rihanna will be amazed.) Kim flipped her hair in full blatant confidence all over the stage but do you think she pulled it off?



Kim collaborated with Jamie Foxx on his new song, "Cover Girl" - a iTunes bonus track lifted from his new album, "Intuition." Loves it...



With these two latest developments from the Notorious K.I.M. and the upcoming Biggie film, will you be looking out for her in 2009?

Labels: Jamie Foxx, Lil' Kim, Music Hoopla, New Music, Rihanna, things that make me go hmm

Jamie Foxx has been on TV and radio promoting his new album, "Intuition" out on December 16th. He kicked things off with a performance of his lead single, "Just Like Me" (without T.I. unfortunately) on "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and a interview.



Jamie decided to add some humor during his radio interview with Big Boy's Neighborhood by targeting fellow actor-turned-singer Terrence Howard's music project. Jamie even went as far as imitating Terrence's voice and saying: "His album went plastic."



In better late than never news, check out Jamie's new leaked single called, "Digital Girl" featuring Kanye West and The Dream which I think has potential despites the heavy auto-tone use:

Labels: Jamie Foxx, Kanye West, Music Hoopla, New Music, Terrence Howard, The Dream, things that make me go hmm

Kanye West got his anger under control (technically) via a diss at a fan who threw a penny at him during his concert in Australia. "Eat Sh*T & Die" - Kanye. (Thanks Perez!)



Will Smith appeared on Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008 list. His movies worldwide made $5 billion dollars! He credited his success to his ruthless hard work ethnic. (Was anyone else not surprised that President-Elect Barack Obama was Barbara's #1 pick on her list?! Obama 2008!)

Labels: Kanye West, Music Hoopla, things that make me go hmm, TV Hoopla, Will Smith

Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut picked up 4 Grammy nominations and for that recognition she's grateful and "humbled."

“It’s been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive 4 Grammy nominations is truly a blessing. I’m extremely honored and humbled by the nominations."[AP]

Here are the categories that Jennifer's album was recognized in: Best R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for “Spotlight,” and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “I’m His Only Woman” with label mate Fantasia. (2 American Idols on a Grammy-nominated song?! Congrats to Miss Hudson and Miss Barrino!) Rumor has it that the video for her second single, "If This Isn't Love" will premiere in January. UPDATE: Jennifer WILL go on to film her second solo music video for "If This Isn't Love" with director Syndrome according to Video Static.



On this Monday's episode of "The Tyra Banks Show", Brandy talked candidly about her brother Ray J's sex tape, her fake marriage to Robert Smith, and she capped off her appearance with a performance. Tyra claimed she watched 20 seconds of Ray J's infamous tape for "research purposes." (Tyra - Things that make me go hmm...)



Brandy also dropped by the "Today" show to perform her lead single, "Right Here (Departed)" and "Long Distance" off her album, "Human" (due out December 9th). I think she did a great job...




Preview Brandy's new album over at MTV's The Leak. Standout tracks are "The Definition", "Piano Man", "Human", and "1st & Love."

Labels: Brandy, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Music Hoopla, things that make me go hmm, TV Hoopla

Essence magazine caught up with Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas who talked about her ex Usher, her brief relationship with CNN reporter T.J Holmes and Left Eye.

On whether she communicates with Usher & Tameka: I don't have any contact with her. I have not spoken to her in years. There's no relationship at all between us. I haven't spoken to Usher, either. When people ask whether or not I think she is the reason we broke up, I have no clue what Usher was doing outside of our relationship. When we broke up, it was because it wasn't working out. I later found out there was some infidelity, but he never said who that woman or who those women were, because I'm sure it was more than one. Again, I heard things, but Tameka never crossed my mind. The first time I strolled across that [infamous] beach photo I thought somebody photoshopped that. I didn't believe it. I did wonder if she was one of the girls, but again, I never asked. My memory of her was that she was the stylist, because she dressed Usher and I for an event one time. Honestly, those are questions I never asked him, and I've distanced myself so much from him. We aren't communicating at all. We broke up, had conversation a few times maybe two years after we broke up, and it was a wrap. I think what keeps it alive at all is these [blogs] speculating whether we'd get back together. [ESSENCE]

Chilli went on to deny a claim that she caused T.J's recent divorce by saying and I quote: "No, let's clear this up right now. T.J. Holmes was divorced and had been divorced. It wasn't a situation where he was going through a divorce and still married. I would never date a man that is legally separated or tied to another woman. We dated, but it was brief."

Chilli also commented on Destiny's Child not being the biggest selling female group and she talked about her new gig as a spokesmodel for Chamomix. Check out the full interview over at ESSENCE.COM.

Labels: Chilli, Music Hoopla, Newsstand Snapshots, things that make me go hmm, Usher

Dave Chappelle alongside his wife Elaine and their two sons Sulayman and Ibrahim were spotted in New York's SoHo neighborhood. Dave and his boys both carried a skateboard on their way to a skateboard store. Doesn't the taller son look just like Dave?!




Ne-Yo spoke about Chris Brown's poor breath and his on-going beef with Young Berg to Power 106. Maybe this tell-all expose has something to do with his release of his latest single, "Mad" off his current album, "Year of The Gentleman" or maybe Ne-Yo's simply telling the truth. Who knows for sure anyway. Give it a listen...





Apparently Young Berg didn't like the comments Ne-Yo had to say about him so he took a personal swipe at the R&B singer. Is it just me or does it seem weird when there's conflict in the R&B world. I say this because of the musical content is all about love. (Thanks Story!) Check it out...




In a recent interview, Bow Wow slammed down rumors of him dating Angela Simmons (who by the way as Black Voices Blog reported has her own "Run's House" spin-off in production) and he also talked about those consistent Superhead pregnancy/engagement rumors and his ex, Ciara. Visit World Star Hip-Hop for a clip of Bow's second cameo appearance on "Entourage."

Labels: Bow Wow, Celeb Offspring, Dave Chappelle, Music Hoopla, Ne-Yo, things that make me go hmm, Video Hoopla

Funkmaster Flex of the popular NYC-based radio station Hot 97 went off on R. Kelly. Apparently Flex did not like Kelly's teenage talk as Miss Info pointed out on her blog.



The rant was in response to R. Kelly's recent BET interview which he discuss his sex trail for the first and last time. Kelly swiftly denied all the charges but this quote raised a eyebrow or two: When asked if he liked teenage girls, Kelly replied: "When you say teenage, how -- how old are we talkin' ... 19?" "I have some 19-year-old friends," he added. "But I don't like anybody illegal, if that's what we're talking about, underage." [quote from CNN] Many questions were answered and left unanswered.




Solange Knowles showed off her support for Barack Obama in a grey Urban Outfitters "Obey Vintage Obama" tee just like her older sister Beyonce at the Rock The Vote event in Philadelphia. You gotta love Solange's Chloe strappy sandals! Dawn Richard and Heidi Montag also wore these fun shoes before. Anyhow, Solange performed "I Decided" which you can check out below...


Speaking of Dawn Richard, buzz of her going solo just like her Danity Kane member Aubrey O'Day escalated when these new Mike Quain photoshoot and those fly Givenchy booties popped up on her official myspace page. I guess Dawn really is going solo...

Labels: Danity Kane, Fashion Hoopla, Music Hoopla, Out and About, Political Hoopla, Solange, things that make me go hmm

Right along the announcement of his "One Night Stand" (ladies only) tour, news of Usher separating from his wife Tameka Foster made its way onto the urban blogosphere. This tidbit has got to be 100% foul (re: publicity stunt!) Usher recorded "Here I Stand" just for Tameka and he proclaimed his love for her and their son "Cinco" in EVERY interview. This rumor needs more people! On top of all of that, Usher and Tameka are expecting their second child together.

JUST IN: R&B singer Usher reportedly has separated from his much older wife, Tameka Foster, who reportedly is expecting their second child in December.” [CHICAGO SUNTIMES]

Solange's "Sol-Angel & Hadley Street Dreams" album sales are in! Solange sold 46,000 units which landed her sophomore effort at the #9 spot on the Billboard charts. Not bad at all...that's if you compared it to the estimated 10k that was rumored to be her first week sales. Solange already has another single waiting to be released and it's "T.O.N.Y." Something tells me the numbers wouldn't mean a thing to Solange...


Speaking of Solange, I do know I'm late on posting this tidbit up but FOX News fought back Solange's remarks. The FOX reporters called Solange "a little brat" among other things.



You already know Solange fought back via this recent MySpace Blog:

I Do Have an Apology to Make

It is not my job to make u like me.
You see, my occupation is an ART-ist.
It is not my job to rub your back, kiss your backside or keep my mouth shut.
It is not my job to make u like how I look – that's called a model.
It is not my job to sell you on my "personality" or "like-ability"
It is my job to share with you my music and my music alone.

If you're looking to listen to a musician's music based on interviews and photos,
then spending two years of pouring my existence into a record
will give YOU no fulfillment. (I recommend Disney.com ..... its a
fave of my 3 year old son) [CONTINUE READING...]

Oh the drama!

Photo credits: ESSENCE.COM/Guiliano Bekor

Labels: Breakup, Music Hoopla, Solange, Tameka Foster, things that make me go hmm, Usher

Check out these newly released snaspshots taken from Robin Thicke's "Something Else" album photo session. His album wouldn't be out until September 30th (the day after my 25th b'day!)



In related news, Danyel Smith responded back to Robin's "VIBE" cover magazine remark. Robin felt he should get the cover but evidently that coveted position was handed over to Ciara:

“We have a great deal of respect for Robin Thicke and his music, and we remain flattered by his desire to be on a VIBE cover. A VIBE cover is a huge milestone in any artist’s career—recent cover stars include Young Jeezy, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Usher, Senator Barack Obama, Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Robert De Niro, to say nothing of our 15-year history. We wish Thicke the best, and we’re glad he discusses his thoughts on race and R&B in the new October 2008 issue of VIBE.”-- Danyel Smith, Vice President & Editorial Director, Vibe Media Group / Editor-in-Chief, Vibe Magazine

In other words until Robin's on the status of the aforementioned artists, he will not get a "VIBE" magazine cover gig. Things that make me go hmm...

Labels: Newsstand Snapshots, Robin Thicke, things that make me go hmm

Diddy recently posted up this brief video blog about his move from private jet to commerical flights. WHY? I got two words for you - GAS PRICES! He can't stand it...and to that I say join the crew, lol!



To be fair, Diddy added the following disclaimer to the video: Attention all media and hate bloggers. This blog is just me making a joke about gas prices. Loosen up. (Things that make me go hmm...)

Labels: Diddy, Music Hoopla, things that make me go hmm

Solange Knowles has been busy promoting her current record, "Sol-Angel & the Hadley Street Dreams" heavily...so maybe the Fox News Las Vegas reporter and staff caught her in a bad moment. Apparently Solange wanted the focus of her interview to be on her and not her famous older sister and confirmed brother in law. In her heated remark, Solange finally slipped up about her sister's nupitals. "I have to say that was not a very professional introduction before. Please don't tie me into family and my brother-in-law's establishment."



The whole fiasco occurred moments prior to live time...so was Solange wrong to stand up for herself or she should have it ride?

Thanks to Swagger Style and Dime Wars for the video!

Labels: Solange, things that make me go hmm, TV Hoopla

Cassie finally confirmed what you and I most likely suspected - she's not dating Diddy anymore. -Long pause!- So when did Cassie confirmed she WAS dating Diddy??!? Apparently Cassie didn't have a problem with Diddy 'dating' Tracey Edmonds, Cameron Diaz, Kim Porter, and Sienna Miller either. (Things that make me go hmm....) Here's the Cassie-Diddy break up hoopla...

Diddy and singer Cassie are no longer dating, she tells Usmagazine.com -- but that didn't stop them from leaving a NYC party together Wednesday night.

"I will confirm that rumor," the 21-year-old told reporters who asked her to confirm split rumors at DJ Cassidy's birthday at Cipriani 23rd Street.

Though Cassie tells Us she's not seeing anyone special "right now," a party source spotted Diddy and Cassie "slipping out" together after the soiree ended.[OMG & US WEEKLY]

The quote Cassie gave to the press apparently forced Us Weekly to delete their report from their site. Oh the drama! In honor of that quick line Cassie gave to a partygoer, I made a photo collage of Cassie & Diddy during their good times together. I guess the photos doesn't lie about their then platonic relationship.

UPDATE: Diddy commented on the whole situation by elevating the b!tcha**ness level to orange. Sit back and 'press play.'



Photos: WIREIMAGE. GSTYLE

Labels: Breakup, Cassie, Diddy, things that make me go hmm

During his performance set for Yahoo Music Live set, Ne-Yo made a comment about Rihanna's infamous forehead. Now before I get into the drama, let's examine Ne-Yo and Rihanna's musical friendship. Ne-Yo penned Rihanna's hits, "Unfaithful" and "Take A Bow." Rihanna in turn attended his birthday celebration last year. Anyhow, Ne-Yo jokingly called her "Bighead." “Everybody know Rihanna got a big ol’ forehead, stop frontin’. (Hmm...) A joke is a joke, right?



In related news, Ne-Yo's single, "Closer" landed at the #1 spot on the Billboard charts and the song became his second UK #1. ("So Sick" was his first UK #1.) Ne-Yo teamed up with fellow songwriter Solange for VH1 Summer of Soul Concert.

Labels: Music Hoopla, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, things that make me go hmm

Michelle Williams dropped by "TRL" to unveil the premiere of her single, "We Break The Dawn." During the interview Damon Fahey (TRL VJ/host) asked her a few of unexpected things about her personally. (I thought the interview showed a different side of Michelle as she came across very playful and not shy.) Michelle also said why she named her album, "Unexpected", why her album has only two slow ballads, and why she cut her hair.



Check out her hosting gig with "BET Now" that air earlier today:



Indicentially, BET refused to play Michelle's "We Break The Dawn" music video as they explained the concept/sound is not 'urban enough'. Things that make me go hmmm...

Labels: Michelle Williams, Music Hoopla, things that make me go hmm, TV Hoopla

Diddy Sean Combs, P.Diddy, Puffy finally decided to talk about rumors on his sudden name change to Puff Daddy in a new YouTube blog...



In a recent interview with "Cosmopolitan" magazine, Usher admitted he made a visible effort to remain a happily married man even though women throw themselves at him on a daily basis...



“I’m good at making love, but I’m not good at being in love. It’s a conscious decision every day to love the person you’re with.”

As posted up on his official blog USHERNOW.COM, check out this clip of Usher producing his "Here I Stand" album ....


Usher and Diddy, things that make me go hmmm.....

Labels: Diddy, Music Hoopla, Newsstand Snapshots, things that make me go hmm, Usher

• 50 Cent's Baby Mama goes house on fire!
  
  
• Erykah Badu doesn't want Gwen Stefani stealing her material.
  
  
• Nas releases the cover artwork for his upcoming disc.
  
  
• Michelle Williams is tired of all those weight comments.
  
  
• Chris Brown and Rihanna lavish one another with gifts.
  
  
• Enoy this throwback video from Nas.
  
  
• The Game spends time with his son.
  
  
• Beware fellas: Don't mess with Ashanti!

Labels: Michelle Williams, Must-Read Hoopla, things that make me go hmm

On last night's season finale of "Dancing With The Stars", Usher performed two of his chart-topping hits, "Love In This Club" and "Yeah"...



Usher remixed "Yeah" for the "DWTS" season finale. This performance reminded me of his role as Billy Flynn on the Broadway play, "Chicago".


UPDATE: Usher's taped "DWTS" performance caused some drama behind the scenes....

Usher’s pre-taped, edited performance for tonight’s Dancing with the Stars finale may look seamless, but what happened behind the scenes at the singer’s May 13 taping left host Tom Bergeron and company scratching their heads–and scrambling to set up for the live show.

First, the 29-year-old singer arrived late, throwing the entire production behind schedule. Then, while appearing to lip-synch two songs—”Yeah!” and “Love in This Club”—he fell out of step with his choreography, turning the wrong way once and losing his mic a second time. With each mistake he walked offstage.

The performance then went further off-course when the singer took a long break to get a drink. “He was ridiculous,” a source tells PEOPLE. “Such a diva.” [CONTINUE READING...]

Labels: things that make me go hmm, TV Hoopla, Usher