BET Finally Ready to Premiere Tatyana Ali's 'Buppies'

Tatyana Ali will be getting BET's first exclusively online show this summer. The show, called "Buppies," is about the socialite daughter of a Hollywood celebrity father ("Baldwin Hills"?) who clings to her friends ("Harlem Heights"?) after his death. The show was announced last fall and has survived a torrid pace of revisings and is ready finally, BET says. It's a big move for Ali, best known for "Fresh Prince of Bel Air," but dangerous for actors that want to be considered for big-screen roles. The show premieres Sunday, June 28.
Check out some video for "Buppies," the new BET series.

10 Questions Inquiring Minds Be Wanting to Know

It's always good to get questions that we have out of the way sometimes. These are few that are bugging me and that I had to purge from my mental Rolodex:
(1.) How many of you knew Bad Boy singer Cassie's last name was "Ventura?" (Be honest).
(2.) How many of you said "Cassie Who?" when it was revealed she had some nude pics on the Web?
(3.) How many of you will agree that Susan Broyle sounds very ordinary?
(4.) Soulja Boy Tell'em
(5.) Doesn't Rihanna look like Prince?
(6.) How many of you go to the malls and be like "What recession?"
(7.) Was "Star Trek" really that good?
(8.) How many of us are waiting on Michael Vick to play again this fall?
(9.) Who said Dream could sing? Really
(10.)When will Jay-Z cut that raggedy hair?

The 'Black-Jewish' White House: Really?

An extraordinary alliance is being touted in some circles as it's been pointed out that the current makeup of the White House may usher in a long-lasting comraderie between blacks and Jews. The power-pusher has been identified as Mona Sutphen, a half-black, half-Jewish woman. And Obama's mother is Jewish, which makes him half-Jewish as well, some say. And? What of it?

Will Smith's Ex Starts Shea Butter Business

There are a host of clever business names out there, especially little cute day cares and home-based businesses that play on words and the like. Then there is Sheree Zampino-Fletcher's new shea butter business: Whoop Ash.
I didn't make that up, Whoop Ash. Sheree and obviously some ill-meaning soundboards actually thought about this and went ahead with Whoop Ash.

The product, according to the press release, contains white honey, 31% organic Shea butter, grape seed oil, organic mango butter, and organic coconut oil.
Sheree is getting her grown woman on by becoming a church lady and marrying an NFL ballplayer, Terrell Fletcher.
Meanwhile, Sheree recently got hitched and her son, who is a very good football player, and father walked her down the isle and gave her away. One thing we know: She was'nt ashy.
See wedding pics on Essence.com

Definition of Happiness: 'Resting Place'

I found this definition of happiness on the NY Times this morning. I love it. It is taken from Rousseau’s :“Reveries of a Solitary Walker”

If there is a state where the soul can find a resting-place secure enough to establish itself and concentrate its entire being there, with no need to remember the past or reach into the future, where time is nothing to it, where the present runs on indefinitely but this duration goes unnoticed, with no sign of the passing of time, and no other feeling of deprivation or enjoyment, pleasure or pain, desire or fear than the simple feeling of existence, a feeling that fills our soul entirely, as long as this state lasts, we can call ourselves happy, not with a poor, incomplete and relative happiness such as we find in the pleasures of life, but with a sufficient, complete and perfect happiness which leaves no emptiness to be filled in the soul.

I agree totally.

When is the right time to explain racism to a child?

This story is old hat, but the issue remains current. When your 7-year-old points out the label on your new couch, you know something is wrong.
"She's very curious and she started reading the labels," Moore explained. "She said, `Mommy, what is nig ... ger brown?' I went over and just couldn't believe my eyes."
The labeling on the chocolate-covered sofa set actually said nigger-brown as the color of the furniture.
"Unacceptable" in this day and age, Moore said.
Moore went on to tell her daughter about the word and it's origins, adding, "It was tough, because she really didn't understand," Moore said. "She'd never heard that word before and didn't really understand the concept of it."
This raises an interesting issue though, when do you explain racism to children? When they themselves become a victim of it, or do you take them aside and inform them/warn them when they are school-aged?

Michelle Obama likes to get "touchy"

The ever-loving First Lady Michelle Obama is mentioned in the latest Time Magazine that she likes to physically bond with children.
She gets "touchy with kids, because I think if I touch them and I hug them, that they'll see that it's real, and then they'll relax and breathe and actually kind of enjoy the time and make use of it," she said.

29 and with 20 Kids: Somethin' Wrong?

You of course have never heard of Desmond Hatchett, but he makes OctoMom look like Mary Poppins. See, Mr. Hatchett, according to the state of Tennessee, has 20 possibly 21 children. Mr. Hatchett is 29.
Other numbers? Eleven mothers, possibly more.
The kids range in age from newborn to 11.
The big number though, is that Hatchett makes minimum wage in Tennessee.
I don't even know what min wage is in Tennessee but it all adds up to P.D.M. (Pure D. Madness).
Apparently Mr. Hatchett is asking the state for assistance, as is his right, and of course the mothers all share a measure of responsibility in this .... but DAYAM.
I'm not mad at Mr. Hatchett, God made us so we could pro-cre --- wait, wait, yes, I am mad at you Mr Hatchett. I'm .. I'm kinda mad atcha.
I wonder if Mr. President Barack Obama would find it in his busy schedule to personally call Mr. Hatchett, and just talk to him. (Perhaps an administration job?) I know it sounds farfetched but sometimes, we just need a hand. We all do. Sometimes.

See
the father with a tribe right here.

Do Prince and Rihanna Look Alike?

More than a few people have said that in person Prince and RiRi have more than a striking resemblance to each other. Not to me, but to you, do they look alike, or at least like kissing cousins?

Amanda Diva spits "Hot S---t"

This is some ole retro Amanda Diva, the Columbia University-educated rapper **slash** actress.

The Prevalence of the word 'Niggas' on Twitter. Epic Fail or Reality?

I know people say it's a difference between the words "niggas" and the other N-word, but I can't help but feel a certain kind of way to know that people are tweeting about any and everything. The word is being typed into Twitter literally at least 10 times a minute. Constantly. Is that cool, or just a fact of life to be sighed at?

Is this Video Racist?

The beginning segment of a tearful black woman ("they don't want me") is absolutely tear-jerking. As far as the rest of this mess, is it true?

Face Tats: Cool or Fool?

You've seen them no doubt: People with ear lobes filled with drums or round cookie-like emblems and piercings and the like. Body modification has been around for centuries in tribal society, but it's taking on a whole new life recently in the U.S. Tats are more popular than ever these days. First women started with them on the ankle (a rose), then they moved to the chest, then private areas. Now they're on the face.
While most people do it in an unintrusive kind of way there are those that just simply go too far. Or do they? Would you ever get a face tat?

Prince's '21 Nights' PhotoEssay

Word has it that in 2007 Prince and photographer Randee St. Nicholas collaborated on a project that documented the Purple One's 21-night consecutive jam at London's 02 Arena. These are a few of the pics. My question is, does the brotha age at all?!



Prince jammin' in London, as he's been known to do for the past 30 years now (whew). Seems like just yesterday I heard "Do Me, Baby" on the radio and wondered who the chick was. Now I know.

Behind the set: The princesses get done up. Prince Rogers Nelson has rolled with a flock of chicks for some time now (including the two twins from England to the right).

Exhausted, after another show, then after-party of the show. The man has not stopped working in 30 years. Don't believe me? Check his discography.

Regina Hall: Laughing at Hollyweird

Actress Regina Hall is doing just fine, thank you.
Ever since her memorable debut as a stripper named Candy in "The Best Man," the D.C. native has steadily built a following on the small screen ("Ally McBeal") and big screen.
While black actors struggle to find roles on television, Hall has successfully made the jump to the big screen, with a slew of projects on the horizon, including another installment of the "Scary Movie" franchise and the teen comedy "Mardi Gras" this summer.
Critics say the roles are shallow or, worse, stereotypical, but Hall, who has a master's degree in journalism, knows how to steal a scene with the best of them.

Handpicked by Gina-Princebythewood for two of her projects, Hall has the chops to cross over in the industry and is biding her time by making her name in comedy flicks.
Is the drama coming? Sure, but in the meantime, laugh with her.

Smiling: A Sign of Being Healthy, Happy

Nobody smiles more, and looks happier in the music world than singer Jill Scott. Even though she's had her share of heartache and pain, I don't know what it is about her smile in particular, but it is absolutely heartwarming. Studies show that smiling is not only healthy, but it makes other people happy.
Interesting, people can be having the worst days but when they see a small child often times they'll smile. Not only does this calm the child and reinforce a state of happiness for them, but the adult feels better just gazing upon the youthfulness of the child as well. Being human is truly amazing.

Paula Patton: Channeling Her Inner 'Fame'?

Actress Paula Patton aka Mrs. Robin Thicke does her best impression of a "Fame" photoshoot for Esquire Magazine.

Rihanna: The Stage Play (You knew this was coming)

Can the soap opera-like saga we all know as Chrihanna (or Chrianna, depending on what part of the country you're in) translate to the stage? We'll see. But who will play the role of Jay-Z?

Lamborghini Shoes: Would You Rock These?

For the sports car enthusiasts, nothing says "fast car," like these babys. Would you rock 'em?

100 Days of Fun (With Barack Obama)

Make no mistake about it: The man has been working his tail off. But don't think - for a moment - the Obamas haven't been having a good time.
As evidenced by the White House's release, on Flickr no less, of pics of the president's first 100 days in office, the Obamas are having the time of their lives.
They've partied with Stevie Wonder, broke bread with Oprah, had a Poetry Night at the White House, had comic books drawn of them, had churches openly court them for membership, had a national dog-shopping adventure, and Obama's slightly faded head has nary an added gray hair (I think.)

Michelle's toned arms have flailed in the wind, her smile has caressed the screens and magazine covers of countless people. And while her hair hasn't always kept up, she has remained inexhaustible, ever-approachable, lovable.

Celebrity Fangs: Chicks That Could Bite Cha

Some celebrities have prominent features that make them all the more recognizable. A great number of them have pretty teeth, but not too many of them have fangs, yes, fangs. These are just a few that, if they ever bit down on you, it'd be curtains.



Lauren London is cute, but she also looks like she could easily take a pint of blood with those incisors in her mouth.


The worst chomp would probably come from Kirsten Dunst, who played MaryJane in the "Spider-Man" movies. If the films were true to life, she'd have no problem gnawing through one of Spidey's extra-strength webs. Those molars look like they could perform surgery.
Dunst looks like she can drankdrink you like a Caprisun with those little stakes. And no wonder, a tween Dunst played alongside Brad Pitt in "Interview With a Vampire" as a little vampirella if you recall. Life imitating art?

Have You Seen The 'New Look'?

If you've been under a rock the past 5 years then you probably have yet to notice the curious stylee that has sweeped across the land.
No, not the saggy pants-one-hand-holding-up-the-britches look, but the straight leg, tight pants look that the male species is rocking these days.
Kanye West and his crew were recently seen groomed out in the look, which is one-part UK Rude boy, one-part dandy gentleman.
Is it from the punk scene? Actually the Europeans (and many in Africa) have been styling like this for years, especially with the loud, florescent colors and what not.
Now, the style is prominent here in the States. But, the bigger question for all of humanity is ... is it cool?

Women Who Pump: Cool or No?

I have a friend that is obsessed with her body. She wants to have the Michelle Obama arms and then some. Recently she's started lifting iron, I mean, pumping it. I told her I don't know about it, but she's intent and says she "feels good now" since she's been eating right and pumping. She also thinks it will make her look (and feel) more attractive. Should I tell her to chill before she becomes the Incredible Bulk?

They're Stockpiling Diamonds. And No One's Buying

The demand for diamonds has all but dried up worldwide, according to a New York Times story . But that hasn't stopped the Russian-owned company from stockpiling them monthly and putting them in a vault. A woman that handles them says: “I’m not a robot. I sometimes think to myself ‘wow, what a pretty diamond. I would like that one.’ They are all so beautiful.”
But diamonds are so 2006, don't you think? People are realizing that a quartz rock can't pay a light bill, or give me a job. Are diamonds still a girl's best friend?

Ashanti Preps for the Wiz

You know your career is at a crossroads when the announcement that the dog, Toto, the dog, that will play alongside you, is bigger than the initial announcement last week that reported that you sign on to the project.
Sigh, Ashanti Douglas.
Last week's news that Ashanti signed on to play "The Wiz," must have been too much for Irv Gotti though. The label head of The Inc. Records (formerly Murder Inc.) says the two aren't really speaking so it's time to cut her loose.
"We don't really speak or talk and it's sad, but in another way it's like it's all good. I don't think she could win - she needs some guidance, but she's not thinking that and honestly, I'm going to drop her," .he recently said
Ashanti has already been Alice in Wonderland, thrust down a rabbit hole of uncertainty and turmoil when her label, the infamous Murder Inc., was brought to its knees by the feds in a corruption trial. After a couple years of drifting down the charts, Ashanti has taken to the theater and will star as Dorothy in a stage production of "The Wizard of Oz."

Jayne Kennedy: The First Celebrity Sex Tape

With the rash of celebrity sex tapes popping up these days, it is good to remember that Jayne Kennedy was the first celebrity sex tape. Husband Leon Isaac Kennedy (shown in the picture with boxer Muhammad Ali) released the tape after the two had divorced in 1982. While Leon managed to break into black film, it was his wife that catapulted the couple into the American lexicon.
Jayne Kennedy was big at the time, positioned as an "Oprah" before Oprah, but with the looks of Tyra Banks. In addition to being a model and actress (breaking many barriers for African American women in the process) she was the first woman to break into the NFL as a broadcaster.
The sex tape devastated the careers of both of them. Leon is a reverend now.
While Jayne has been active in various charities and Christian causes.

What would you do if an ex-lover emerged with a sex tape of you?

With the recent sex tape revelations of Hoopz, Vivica Fox, Buckeye, Eve, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and the purported one of Rihanna, the sexual escapades of you and your lover may one day end up on store shelves. Hoopz has said that it is was a blackmail attempt and that an ex-boyfriend was supposed to have destroyed the tape.
What would you do if an old boyfriend came forward with a sex tape?

Kanye West Disses Twitter 'Farce'

On his blog, the Mighty One disses Twitter some good, due to a heinous imposter that has a gazillion followers. Ye says the heads of Twitter know good and well he doesn't have an account. In part, he says:
WHY WOULD I USE TWITTER??? I ONLY BLOG 5 PERCENT OF WHAT I'M UP TO IN THE FIRST PLACE. I'M ACTUALLY SLOW DELIVERING CONTENT BECAUSE I'M TOO BUSY ACTUALLY BUSY BEING CREATIVE MOST OF THE TIME AND IF I'M NOT AND I'M JUST LAYING ON A BEACH I WOULDN'T TELL THE WORLD. EVERYTHING THAT TWITTER OFFERS I NEED LESS OF.
Ouch, Kanye. And the top dogs at Twitter? They've taken the Kanye Twitter account down.
"Mosey along now. Nothing to see here."

Erykah Badu to design art for Kiehl's body lotion

The "Amerikkka"-singing soulstress Erykah Badu has signed on to create art on the label of Kiehl's body lotion as part of "4 socially conscious celebrity influencers" for the skin care company.
Can you imagine rubbing on body lotion called "Mama's Gun"? It'd probably smell like sulpher and honey.
Bust the ad copy: Rich and creamy—and smelling scrumptiously of oranges and eucalyptus—the epidermal thirst-quencher gets its hydration power punch from fairly traded, organic argan oil, the beauty industry's miracle du jour, along with squalane, an olive-derived ingredient trumpeted for its enhanced absorption of antioxidants. Dewy? Supple? Yes and yes. The skin on my winter-chapped hands positively glowed.

Just Sayin': Inquiring Minds Be Wanting to Know

Tyra Banks' Stalker Won't Get Jailtime

While the movie "Obsession" plays nationwide featuring a married couple with a third-wheel woman who gets too close, talk show host Tyra Banks was living the scene in a surreal reality.
A judge convicted Brady Green of having an "unhealthy obsession" with the former supermodel and banned the Georgia man from New York City.
"Put Mr. Green in a location where he can thrive," the judge said to the defendant's lawyer. "And that is not likely to be the city of New York."
Word is Green also has a jones for Montel Williams, Geraldo Rivera and Oprah Winfrey. That's scary.
Hah, and y'all thought Twitter was harmless. (speaking of harmless, peep A.J. formerly of "106 & Park" in the background.

Will You Buy His Album?

In 1996, this man could do no wrong: cast within a trilogy (he, D'angelo and to a lesser extent Erykah Badu) of earthy-sounding new music (they dubbed it 'Neosoul,' despite the artists' frustrations with the term), the future of the music world seemed so bright.
Then, as quickly as it started, the lights began to flicker. Maxwell's two subsequent releases got lukewarm responses at best. Badu's eccentric ways got her labeled as "quirky" ("I'm an artist," was her only defense.)

And D'angelo? Drugs, not unlike Marvin and Donnie before him, did the Prince idol in.
Years have passed and now Maxwell is set to re-emerge this summer with his first album in nearly a decade. I don't usually do this ... but peep the first single here.

Nick Cannon: Twitter imposter sending Tweets to Mariah

While everybody's talking about how Eminem's blatant lyrics have riled up Mr. Mariah Carey's Hubby ("Not only has his music not evolved, but also homeboy is still obsessed with my wife."), I wonder if this fis a beef that's been in the works for a while now. Nick Cannon just last week revealed that somebody had been using his name on his Twitter account and even sending Tweets to wifey.
Could it be the dastardly Eminem?

Beyonce: It's Time For A Break

After a month of post-marital bliss, prepping a "Fierce" alter ego and calling out to "Single Ladies," everywhere, Bey needs a timeout.
Megastar Beyonce says she's taking a much-needed break. "My priorities are slowly changing," Beyonce said in a recent interview.
"After this [summer] tour I might take two years off. I've worked hard enough to be able to do that, We (Jay-Z) try to sync our calendars. I started working on my tour a year ago to make sure I had time at home."
Word is that hubby Jay-Z is longing for a Jay-Junior. Or will it be a Lil Destiny Chile? LOL

Fashion Industry Holds onto Michelle Obama. For Life

With the recession-depression hitting the world in the wallet, few industries have been unscathed. One hit particularly hard has been the fashion industry, both in the United States and abroad. But seemingly heaven-sent with chiseled arms on display and a svelte figure born for nice dresses, First Lady Michelle Obama has emerged (fashionably late) single-handedly picked up the fashion mantle for the U.S.: Anything she touches (or wears) turns to retail gold. Now the industry is falling over backward to be Michelle-related any way it can. Time Magazine has an interesting article on the phenomenom.

Introducing ... The Man Chair

This, haha, almost, haha, defies explanation. I understand that in Scotland (where men where kilts) this is big. Will you be getting your man a Man Chair?