Has Kelly Rowland Been Dropped by Record Label?

We can never be sure with British tabloids, but it seems that ex-Destineer Kelly Rowland has reportedly been 86'd by her record label, Columbia. The move is the second major shakeup in Rowland's career this year. In January she fired her manager and mentor Matthew Knowles.

Guess selling 4 million copies of two albums is not enough these days.

Rihanna Gets a New Tattoo ... Of a Gun

Everybody's reluctant spokeswoman has drafted herself a new tattoo under her arm. It's a pistol and it may be a warning of some sort. Then again, it just maybe something she's always wanted. Hard to say, it's hard to find Rihanna news these days. It's like, no one is blogging about RiRi. Hmmm.

Disrespect in a Relationship: Is There a Limit?

Say you and your significant other are arguing something terrible. Is it okay to just say anything or are there rules of engagement?
Say he goes below the belt by mentioning "Yo Mama." Do you probably say something about his "shortness" in the private area? Or do you fall back, knowing the situation will only escalate?
Or do you even care?
When two people are having it out is there a limit, a line that must not be crossed? And if so, how do you know when to back down?

Stan Lathan: The Hardest Working Man in Show Biz?

When we think about the greatest African-American contributor in cinema, people automatically jump to Spike Lee; more contemplative heads would opt for Melvin Van Peebles.
Both are impressive, but their resumes simply wilt under the force of one Stan Lathan, who's been in the business from a directorial perspective for nearly 40 years.
To ring out some of his titles is to exhaust the mind: "Hill Street Blues," "Miami Vice," "The Waltons," "Falcon Crest," "Remington Steele," "Fame," and "Roc," then the 1990s, "Martin," "Moesha," "The Parkers," "The Steve Harvey Show," "Amen," "Eve," and 'All of Us".. "Chapelle's Show", the list goes on.
He and Russell Simmons were responsible for "Def Comedy Jam" and are responsible for "Run's House."
And, yes, Sanaa is one of his five children.
These days Stan is busy molding the Simmons Lathan Media Group with mogul Russell Simmons.
Is Stan the hardest working black man in show business or what?

Interview With ATL BombChell: She Hearts Music

As I looong promised, I was going to start interviewing bloggers, and first up is the glamorous ATL BombChell of BombChell.Blogspot.com. The conversation turns musical at the drop of a hat with 'Chell, which lets you know, Sista "got style, grace, and plus a different technique."
Check the Q and A.


What would be your fave pigout food, and why?


Cheese. Because I love cheese so much that it's sad, and though i might look young and healthy my doctor warned me about my cholesterol levels. I love cheese dip, hot pockets, cheese sandwiches, you get the point =) I'm trying to cut back.



If there was one singer that made your theme music who'd it be?


Skye!!! definitely. I'm insanely in love with it her song "Love Show" I like her voice, how she brings out various emotions, and I've checked out some of her other stuff, so she seems versatile. If not I'm going with Linkin Park!





What's in your Ipod right this second?
Akon's "The Rain" (I just found my ipod so it's like a year off)





Give me some lyrics that are in the back of your head at all times.

It changes constantly depending on what i watch. like Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" and Knaan's "ABC".




What do you like most about the ATL? Least?

I love the fact that if you really look, you can find various subcultures here. Like an African club that's open till 5am; an alternative pizza joint; or a poetry cafe.

Least: our weather is crazy, she has constant mood swings, hot today, cold tomorrow, rain the next lol





Skills are important in the big city. When was the last time you had a physical fight? And did you win?

I was very young in boarding school. I thought I did, but apparently I didn’t.



Smoke or drink?

I drink a little socially.



Fave chillout spot in the ATL?
Atlantic Station!!!!!! You can shop, eat, watch a movie, bars, bowling alley, and 2 hours free parking!!





Rate the quality of dudes you're meeting in the ATL in your opinion. ON a scale of 1 to 10, which 10 being the bomb.
7.5

I've met a lot of nice guys, various races, with good heads on their shoulder. There are a lot of beautiful people here (both in and out), and I'm happy I got to meet them.



What three words describe your blog, and how long have you been bloggin'?

Fun, visual, creative. I've been blogging since summer 2008.



And, finally, where would you like to be in 5 years?
Lots of people tend to have some business or occupational aspiration, but I would like to be blissfully happy with the people I love.

Spoken like a true gem. And, there you have it. Our first and hopefully not our last PopWife interview. Check out ATLBombchell at the custom-made link below. Want PopWife to interview you? Hit the email.

Does Porn Hurt or Harm a Relationship?

In the video, the woman is a doting servant: Lips perched to please, body eager to pounce on the male. All he has to do is mount up. No words, except the obligatory cuss word to symbolize their ecstacy.
Porn makes it look so easy. Too easy. And it teaches the man a lackadaisical, one-dimensional approach to lovemaking. If you can call what porn incites lovemaking.
On screen the actress moans and screams at the pain as if inviting more of it.
But in the real world, can a man imitate what is essentially an act? Unbridled, no-holds-barred sex. In an instant.
No cuddling, no foreplay. No love. Just hard, flesh-pounding sex.
If a man brings that into the bedroom. Is he hurting or harming the relationship?

Are the AKAs Still Classy?

Used to be, when i was in college, that the distinctive debutantes of sororities fit into a certain archtype: The red-wearing Delta Sigma Thetas were known as "refined" sisters that weren't so much originators of class and style, but innovators. The former distinction went to the AKAs, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the "fly" sisters whose name was synonymous with class and made a point in public to be snooty rather than promiscuous. Of course there is Zeta Phi Beta, for the more down-to-earth woman and Sigma Gamma Rho for the brainy.
But with morals continuing to decay, can we expect a Greek organization that has prided itself on class to maintain a virtuous image?
The title "Are the AKAs still classy?" is actually a metaphor for the larger issue of can we - as a people - especially with having the history that we do - remain unscathed in a society of sinking morals?

Sexual Peaks: Real or Myth?

Ii hit me a few weeks ago but i never got back around to it: When a poll released in January indicated that a woman feels most beautiful at age 32 it made me think about the age-old myth: Do women have sexual peaks? And do men?
I say age-old myth because, you and I both know that if somebody dedicated themselves to pleasing you in one session, I argue that you'd surpass any so-called peak during the performance. But we've heard it all our lives "sexual peak." What does that mean?
Does it mean that after or before that age, sex is less enjoyable? Or does it mean that the person is at the height of sexual adventure and feeling?
I beg to differ on both counts.
I know teenage rabbits, if you know what I mean.
I also know old heads that can hang with the best of them.
Aaliyah was right, Throwing down aint nothing but a thang.
Which takes me back to the aforementioned survey up top. What does it mean?
Nothing, except that most women that took the survey and said they felt beautiful were around a median age of 32.
Of course, younger women can feel beautiful, as well as older, but it's interesting because a fifth of the women surveyed said they felt most attractive at age 40.
There goes that sexual peak thing again.
So, I ask you, do you believe in sexual peaks?
By the way, men have sexual peaks, too (15 - 100 years old). LOL

Pictures From the 1950s: How We Were

The 1950s were a long time ago, but from these selected photos from Life Magazine we can grasp an idea of the times and how much things have changed - and remained the same Above: Dorothy Dandridge, 1950).


This is a photo by photographer legend Gordon Parks. It's a lounge/party/set of friends in 1950 just chillin'. Didn't you do this in college?



It's songstress supreme Lena Horne and composer Lenny Hayton in 1950 announcing to the world that they'd been married three years earlier.


Ahhh, color photo. This 1950 shot by Margaret Bourke-White shows us how they did it back in the day: Men wore hats more than they do now. The woman look like she's about to break out into a jit. LOL

In 1950, Jackie Robinson, who was right in the middle of being a bonafide baseball star, talked it up with wife Rachel and a little doe-eyed girl next to them. Who could it be? Ruby Dee!



In 1950, you had no idea what a screwface was until it had racial hostility attached to it: Here a group of girls hit the steps up to the school. Be honest, could you do this today? If you see a sister past 60 years old today, thank them.



Harlem Debutantes, 1950.

Disrespectful or Just Doing Her Thing?

It never fails: Wifey and I are chillin' in a public place, perhaps just watching the stars and a half-dressed woman appears out of nowhere. Either her clothes are skin-tight or her clothes are not covering the essentials, either way it's a crazy look. My wife sometimes feels disrespected, but i suspect that's the jealously in her. More importantly, I feel disrespected, as if I would be lured by such a cheap bait. But, shouldn't the girl feel disrepected? Her whole outfit is dictating the treatment she will receive. Is that fair? To her? I don't know, but it is a conscious choice. I think. What do you think?

'Obama Sisterhood' Representing in Washington

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If You've Just Got to Be in Somebody's Arms

For some, having a shoulder to lean on, cry on and sleep on means the world. For those people, the Europeans have come out with the perfect remedy: The Hug Me Pillow. This text If your man is tripping you can still feel a trusty arm at night, and a silent partner during sex. That last part was a joke. I think. LOL

Female Alcoholics, Introducing the Wine Rack

Want to look hot and get your buzz on? The cleverly and appropriately named Wine Rack is the bra for you. Now you can get "to up from the flo up" and nobody even know. Only problem is, your rack will get smaller and smaller with each sip - but you will increasingly not care. This would be absolute genius for Piedmont Park on a spring weekend day!

Have a Roaring Time with these Opal Agilas

If by chance you are the rare creature that shares a fancy for cool cars and cooler shoes, you'll love the Opel Agila high heels. Start your engines! Would you Rock these?

Looks Like Rihanna's Over it. Are We?

Perhaps we have a picture of Rihanna being just covered in blood, bruised and battered accordindly, by a demon-man named Christopher Brown. Perhaps because when we see RiRi, we think of our sister, our mother.
Whatever the case, it's becoming clear that Rihanna is so over it.
The punditry, the speculation, the gossip, the straight lies.
Can we blame her?
Girl is trying to get this past her as best she can and as best as she knows how.
Or do we want her to get past it? Or do we want to hold up a flag-sized picture of the infamous TMZ photo and push her face inches from it so she can grovel about how she needs to 'get back' at him? Is she over it? Should she be? Should we be?

Upskirting: A Growing Trend

With the rise in camera phones a growing phenom has taken off with it: Upskirting.
Wikipedia calls it "a term referring to up skirt photography, images of the view up a woman's skirt (as seen from underneath), including shots of a woman's underwear or crotch, or exposing her vulva or buttocks." (The pic above is not upskirting, btw, but it's used to illustrate the point.)
It has received more attention lately as media outlets such as Huffington Post have even chimed in on the subject.
Now, although there is ta law against i but I don't think perpetrators realize it. And proving that you've just been upskirted? Forget about it. So, the question is, what would you do if you caught someone upskirting you?

Would You Rock These?

Explore every contour of the earth with these foot-fitting shoes from Vibram. These FiveFinger joints come in not only women's, but men as well.

The average size of a U.S. woman: 14

The media's refusal to acknowledge the invisible woman is crazy. Who is the invisible woman? In America, she's a size 14 and 162 pounds, on average (The L.A. Times article says the average U.S. male is 189 pounds). The first inclination is to say, whoa, somebody's been eatin', but on deeper inspection you have to remember: The average American woman today is a multicolored, multiethnic hodgepodge of the world's greatest people, most notably, African-American, European-American, Asian-American, Mexican-American, and so on. All these different people have, historically and culturally, different eating patterns, metabolisms and what not. Of course, we can't underestimate the power of McDonalds as well.

Will Jordin Sparks Make Her Move Now?

Those folks that paid attention before Chrihanna was on every TV channel and web site would remember that "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks had initially expressed an interest in Chris Breezy right before he and Rihanna started dating.
At the time, Sparks was quoted as saying: "Chris is so hot. I had a crush on him for a couple of years and, well, I still do," she said.
But a particular girl was prowling the scene.
"Rihanna came to the video shoot. I didn't know they were dating - they were doing the 'just good friends' thing in the media - and I thought 'Oooh, maybe I have a chance'."


Brown, after wrapping the video for the "No Air" duet with Sparks said the two just didn't fit. “When we did that video, I didn’t feel that chemistry. I didn’t feel that," he said.
But he might feel that now that Rihanna is out of the picture.
Brown wouldn't dare act up with Sparks, whose father is an former National League Football player. He'd have the whole New York Giants organization at his mom's house in Virginia.
Sparks, who has been linked to "American Idol" runnerup Blake Lewis, has denied being involved with the singer-beat-boxer.
But should she go after him, baggage and all?

All the Rage: UV Ray Tattoos (Glow in the Dark)

The latest fad to hit human civilization is the glow-in-the-dark tattoo.
A story on Tattooique says:
UV or Blacklight tattoos are tattoos made with a special ink that is only visible under a blacklight. Once a tattoo is healed it won’t be seen at all unless you use Ultraviolet. Here are some pros and cons for you to know:
Would you get one?

The Evolution of Fantasia Barrino

She came to our attention vying for the grand prize on "American Idol" almost half-a-decade ago. She was the first girl from the 'hood that Simon Cowell felt attached to. Randy Johnson said "That was hot, baby," several times. And Paula Abdul thought she could supplant Whitney Houston, Lena Horne and Patti LaBelle from Day 1 (But then again Paula likes everybody).
But those days are long gone, and so is the image of Fantasia as some single-mother with a voice-but-makes-bad-choices role model that the media tried to pin onto her. Today, Fantasia is looking good. She's got her braces out. In a longterm relationship with rapper Young Dro (Hey, it's workin') and is about to take the music world by storm like she should have done when she debuted a few years ago.
Recent rumors about her being in financial trouble and "American Idol's" Simon Cowell having to bail her out are false, she says. But the one about her re-enrolling into high school is true, she's confirmed. She's basically getting her groove on.
Girl is looking good, and has come a long way from humble beginnings in North Carolina.

Now, BeBe? WTF

With the stunning revelations that gospel singer BeBe Winans was arrested on domestic assault, one has to wonder WTF is happening?
Is there something in the water?
People are putting their hands on black women in heinous ways these days.
BeBe, 46, was arrested Wednesday for allegedly pushing his ex-wife to the ground during a "verbal altercation" over "custody issues dealing with their children."
ex-wife Debra’s Nashville home, where he had gone to pick up his children.
The news follows recent domestic violence issues involving Rihanna and Chris Brown, and a shocking videotape last month of police officers attacking a 15-year-old black girl in a jail cell.
This follows popular retailer Amazon selling a rape game online (which they've since pulled).
But what's going on, seriously? Now that the sharks are in the water capitalizing on the recent spate of domestic violence, where are we going with all this? When did communication between man and woman get to the point where one wants to physically hurt the other person?

Amidst Recession, The Most Spoiled Girl in the World

There used to be a hit song "She Got It From Her Mama." In this case, she gets it from both her Mama and her Daddy. Sigh.

The Return of 'Dressing Up'

When was the last time you and a friend actually "dressed up," to go out? I've blogged about this before, but it's paramount that we start looking good, people. Church doesn't count. I mean, dressed up to go to a nice place. It could be a free place, but you looked nice. No baggy jeans. No hat pulled sideways across the face. Women: No bellie button peaking out from under your shirt. No thong crest in view. And are there places to go in the city where people can look nice?

The Itty Bitty ... Committee: Why It's Okay

So a bra to you feels like a catcher's mitt? Take heed, being an honorary member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee is not anything to be worried about. Why? Because most guys believe it or not, or not concerned about your chest. Real talk. More importantly, because it's healthier, first of all. Having all that pulling on your back is ,a pain according to women with double Ds and up.
Evidently, breast reduction surgery is quite popular, allowing women to feel "greatly relieved that they were more able to engage in healthful activities such as running or playing sports."
More importantly, it's beneficial mentally to be happy with what God gave you. Don't let society or popular culture dictate your self esteem.

'Musician in Bear Costume Dates Ex-Stripper'

That would be the headline if Kanye West's travails with Amber Rose were done in a straight-news format.
Today people, and organizations, juice things up a bit for sensation, but it's a simple black-and-white story in the end.
It would probably begin like this:
A 30-year-old rapper that entered the rap profession dressed as a bear with college-themed albums has been photographed lately with a former Philadelphia stripper, according to some reports.

The new couple have been seen in Paris at fashion shows and at fancy restaurants in the States. Kanye, 30, was born in Atlanta, Ga., but raised in Chicago, Ill. He dropped out of college at Chicago State University. He once famously rapped that he needed "one of Russell's [Simmons] nieces" to be happy.
Russell's nieces, before moving to Los Angeles, lived in Saddle River, New Jersey.
Amber Rose is reportedly pimped by a 39-year-old woman named Chyna, who lives in the Bronx, New York. Saddle River is approximately 15 miles from the Bronx.
Russell has two nieces. Neither of which have been to China, but they have most certainly been to the Bronx. But they've never walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to buy cheesecake. Kanye West has a song called ""Jesus Walks.

How's Your 'Toe Game'?

With the weather getting down right summery in the ATL, the women of culture are flocking to the nail salons to get done up. And few things say "sunshine" like 10 glowing, brightly-colored toes. Is it time for the "Toe Game" to begin?

'Sexting' Can Be Fun, But Perilous

It was with awe, sorrow, astonishment and, honestly, periodic mischievous glee that I read some of the newly-released text messages from the 'sexting scandal involving former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and ex-Chief of Staff Christine Beatty.
I've wrote about the perils of sexting before (which is some of the reason why I'm not a big Twitterer/Tweeter), but some things stood out to me about the new texts.

The fact that both of them were already married just thickened the plot to an already boiling cauldron of politics, corruption and controversy.
But as i read them I couldn't help but notice an air of danger, excitement, dare I say it, love, dangerous love, (or was it lust?) that the two seemed to truthfully share.
Their exchange went from the romantic:
Beatty: "One thing that is sticking with me from Saturday was when I asked you why it felt so good, and you told me because I was your lady, that for whatever reason, was something that stayed with me real strong! Crazy huh?"
Mayor: LOL. Surer huh? I hope you feel that way for a long time. In case you haven't noticed, I am madly in love with you too! More and more everyday! I can't believe how much more it grows. Is there a limit?"

To the unbelievable.
Beatty: "Not til death do us part."
Mayor: "I'll buy that."

To the downright freaky:
"I really wanted to give you some good head this morning and I didn't know how to ask you to let me do it. I have wanted to since Friday night when you asked me at the club."
His reply: Damn. I just got out the shower and saw my two-way. Next time just tell me to SIT DOWN, SHUT UP and do your thing!"
I can't defend their actions, but it made me think if I text my wife with such feel-good, reassuring notes. I mean this was his mistress. With the weather warming up, especially, why do we always think the grass is greener on the other side?

Get some Detroit sext in your life right here.

Andre 3000's Clothing Line 'Surviving'

Favorite ATLien Andre Benjamin, one-half of the successful duo Outkast, is quoted in The New York Observer as saying he'll leave The A if his clothing line takes off. He said the line is not necessarily troubled, but is "surviving." Personally I like the Benjamin Bixby line, especially the fall collection. The first thing you notice about the Benjamin Bixby line is the warm inner lining. Everything is well insolated. It's a prep-school look, for sure though.
As of now, no word on a women's line though.

For Rihanna, They're Using the N-Word

As if speculation hadn't reached feverpitch by now, some folks are throwing around the N-word more and more frequent as it relates to Rihanna: Nicole Brown Simpson.
I think we may be stretching things a bit myself.
The O.J. case and this one is vastly different.
First of all, nobody died. I know, I know, he could kill her if they got back together.
Secondly, it was never legally proven that O.J. Simpson murdered his ex-wife. I know, I know.

But Chris Brown has a decidedly stronger case than O.J. believe it or not.
There are no gloves, proverbial or physical, for him to try on. There is no A.C. Cowlings in this case. No Ron Goldman. No Johnnie Cochran. No Lance Ito.
No sideshows. This is simply a case of Rihanna's beaten face (plastered over the Web courtesy of TMZ and the LAPD) and whatever words Chris Brown can use to defend himself. But to equate her to Nicole Brown Simpson (rest in peace), is a bit of a stretch. I think. What do you think?