NELLY WORKING ON REALITY SHOW

Rapper Nelly is the next celebrity to add a reality TV show to his belt. Word is, he inked a deal to develop a reality television series with A. Smith & Co. Productions, displaying his “day to day life”:
“I look forward to showing my fans what my world is about and bringing more attention to my non-profit organizations,” said Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes Jr., in a statement.
Nelly runs the non-profit organization 4 Sho 4 Kids. He has participated in campaigns for bone marrow registration in honor of his sister, Jackie Donahue, who died in March after a long battle with leukemia.

LIL KIM DANCING

Here are the promotional photos for Lil Kim (along with her partner Derek Hough) for the new season of Dancing With The Stars - set to premiere March 9th on ABC.
As previously reported, Kim will be competing against 12 other celebrity
contestants including comedian David Alan Grier and NFL retiree Lawrence Taylor.

HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: ANNE BRADEN

ANNE BRADEN (1924-2006) was a journalist, organizer, educator and one of the earliest and most dedicated white allies of the Civil Rights Movement

EVENTS: PRESIDENT & FIRST LADY HONOR STEVIE WONDER

President Barack Obama presented Stevie Wonder with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during a taping of the Stevie Wonder In Performance at the White House: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday (February 25th).
The event which will air on PBS next month also brought out some singers/musicians including: Paul Simon, Will.I.Am, and Tony Bennett. Check out what President Obama had to say about Stevie:
“I think it is fair to say that, had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me, we might not have married,” the President said. “The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship.”

THE GAME GETTING THE BOOT?

Word is, The CW series “The Game” may not be renewed for next season. The CW announced this week early pickup for six of their shows, which included “America’s Next Top Model” - however, the Friday night half hour Game was not mentioned.
The same rumor came across last year for the show as well - so, this could just be a case of dejavu. I certainly hope The CW does not cancel the show because the story lines have gotten interesting thus far!

MAGAZINES: BEYONCE COVERS EBONY

Beyonce graces the cover for the April 2009 issue of Ebony magazine. Inside the issue, she talks about being a wife and mention something that gets on husband Jay-Z’s nerve:
“I’m a little messy. Oh, yeah. Whenever I’m out in public, I have to be put together. When I get home, I rebel against it and I don’t want to take care of anything. I drop it. I’m relaxed. I don’t have any shoes on. No makeup. My purse is in the kitchen. I think that is most difficult thing for him. He’s very, very organized. I’m extremely organized when I’m working, and I work so much that when I get home I don’t want to think about anything.”
As for what Jay-Z does that get on her nerves: She laughs, “I won’t say.” SOURCE

WHO ROCK’D IT BETTER?: KIM OR KIELY

For this edition of ‘Who Rock’d It Better’ we have socialite Kim Kardashian and Cheetah Girl
/3LW member Kiely Williams wearing this same purple one-shoulder cocktail dress
.
Kim first wore her belted version while heading to a party in Hollywood around November. Kiely wore her dress earlier this month at the NAACP Awards. Take your pick…

ON THE SET: RAY J - “SEXY LADIES”

Earlier this week, Ray J filmed the video for his new song, “Sexy Ladies” (featuring Shorty Mack & Truth) at a private residence in California.
The single is the theme from his popular VH1 reality show, For the Love of Ray J, and serves as the lead single from his upcoming album that is accompanying the show. Listen to the full track above and peep the pics.

EXCLUSIVE: SOLANGE AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES (BACKSTAGE & PERFORMANCE PICS)

Solange is in Chicago right now and I attended Estelle and Solange’s show at the House of Blues on Wednesday night and let’s just say it was definitely the place to be. Solange opened the show playing a short set including some of the crowd favorites, “T.O.N.Y.” and “I DECIDED.” I definitely loved how she mixed Devin The Dude and The Cardigans in with some of her performance tracks. You have to see the show to find out which ones. By the way, she sounded great live and worked the stage like nobody’s business.
Backstage was cool, Solange was preparing while American Idol played in the background. Little Julez was surfing around on the internet and laughing. Popular singer D.A. Wallach from Chester French and DJ Willie Shakes were also backstage waiting on the upcoming show. Everyone was cool and down to earth. Didn’t get to meet the lovely Estelle, but maybe next time. Her set was the truth though! She does not play when it comes to performances

SPOTTED: KIMORA & THE FAM OUT AND ABOUT

Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons take her kids, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee to the Westfield Mall in Century City for some shopping fun on Wednesday night.
Both little girls seems to be vying for Hounsou’s attention, with him taking turns in carrying both of them. The newly-divorced Kimora, who officially divorced from entrepreneur Russell Simmons on January 28 this year, is expecting her first child with the Oscar-nominated Djimon this spring.

AWARENESS: USHER ATTENDS D.C. HEARING ON VOLUNTEERISM

Recording artist Usher Raymond IV attended a hearing on improving America’s commitment to service and volunteerism at the House Education and Labor Committee hearing room on February 25, 2009 in Washington, DC.
The singer joined New Look Foundation President Shawn Wilson and spoke with Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) and Rep George Miller (D-CA) before the hearing.
Last month, Usher led a group of 200 young volunteers in a makeover project at Simon Elementary School in Washington, DC.

Michael Phelps to return from ban at Charlotte meeting in May

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Reuters) – Record-breaking Olympic champion Michael Phelps will return from his three-month suspension at the 25th annual Charlotte UltraSwim meeting from May 14-17, organizers said on Tuesday.
The American, who captured eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, was banned earlier this month by USA Swimming amid controversy over a photograph published in a British newspaper purportedly showing him smoking marijuana.
"Michael is focused on practicing and regaining the mental and physical momentum he achieved going into the Beijing Olympics," his coach Bob Bowman said in a statement.
"He is committed to a very demanding and rigorous training schedule as he prepares for upcoming meets and the FINA world championships (in Rome from July 18-August 2)."

EVENTS: BET’S ANNUAL ‘RIP THE RUNWAY’

Actress/model Joy Bryant and actor Derek Luke host BET’s Rip the Runway 2009 at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday in New York City. The Annual show is set to premiere on Monday, March 2nd

TV BITS: KELLY ROWLAND + BRAVO REALITY SERIES / T-BOZ & OTHERS ON CELEBRITY APPRENTICE / HAMMER GETS HIS OWN SHOW

After officially leaving her management a month ago, Kelly Rowland is set to host a fashion reality television series on Bravo appropriately titled “Fashion Show”:
The cable channel has named acclaimed designer Isaac Mizrahi and former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland as co-hosts and judges, with fashion luminary Fern Mallis as a judge on “The Fashion Show.”
On “Fashion Show,” pro designers will compete in challenges that will be judged by professionals in the fashion world as well as by the studio audience. The rabble gets a say-so because the ultimate prize is having the winner’s designs sold by a major retail outlet. SOURCE
“Fashion Show” is set to air on Bravo TV later this year.

RANDOM PICS: Johnsons Body Care Cause Party hosted by Ashanti

Ashanti with sister Shia Douglas and mother Tina Douglas attend the Body Care Cause Party she hosted at Robert Verdi’s Luxe Laboratory on Tuesday in New York City.

Guess who was spotted leaving his hotel in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon?

It’s Suge Knight leaving the Four Seasons hotel. The 43-year-old former Death Row Records boss recently plead guilty to battery in the Las Vegas Justice Court as part of a plea deal that saw two drugs charges and a coercion charge dropped.
The internet was going nuts a couple weeks back when he was involved in another altercation and supposedly loss. Crazy how time changes. From CEO, to KO’d….

POLITICS: PRESIDENT OBAMA ADDRESSES A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

President Barack Obama addresses a Joint Session of Congress as Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi look on at the Capitol in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, February 24th.
In his first speech to a joint session of Congress, Obama said it’s time to act boldly not just to revive the economy, but “to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity.”

Actors Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Actors Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on Sunday in West Hollywood, California.

Halle Berry looking sexy as always...

Actress Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Sunset Tower on Sunday in West Hollywood, California.

EVENTS: PRESIDENT & FIRST LADY HOST FIRST BLACK-TIE DINNER

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama enter the East Room for entertainment after a black-tie dinner at the White House on Sunday in Washington, DC.
The Obamas gave their first formal White House dinner as hosts to the National Governors Association which has been holding their 2009 winter meeting discussing Obama’s stimulus program, health care, infrastructure and education.

MAG COVERS: FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA COVERS VOGUE

First Lady Michelle Obama covers the latest issue of Vogue Magazine. Photographed by Annie Leibovitz at the Hay-Adams Hotel
, where the Obamas stayed before the Inauguration, this is only the 2nd time a first lady has made the cover. Hilary Clinton was the first.

COUPLED UP: EVA & LANCE IN ROLLING OUT MAGAZINE

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, newly engaged couple Lance Gross and Eva Marcille Pigford (who looked great at the NAACP awards Thursday night) grace the latest cover of Rolling Out Magazine. Peep a few snippets from their interview:

Chris Brown Breaks His Silence About Rihanna Incident

Chris Brown says he is seeking counseling from loved ones and family members, one week after an alleged attack against his girlfriend, singer Rihanna.
"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person."
The 19-year-old R&B singer issued a brief statement today through publicist Michael Sitrick. In it, Brown also says many of the reports about the incident are incorrect, although he doesn't provide further details.
"Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writings under my name are frauds."
Screengrabs of a fake Facebook page circulated online late last week, but was quickly determined to be a hoax.
Brown turned himself in on Feb. 8 and was booked on suspicion of making a criminal treath, but no charges have been filed yet. He is free on $50,000 bail while the case is being investigated.
On Friday, Brown's father said his son is at home and "very remorseful" over what happened. Rihanna is now at home in Barbados recuperating.

TERRENCE HOWARD REVEALED

Standing at 6-foot-1 with a lean stature of 180 pounds, Terrence Howard is not afraid to speak his mind. It’s for that reason that fans won’t see the recently turned 40 year old in Iron Man 2. Howard said after talking with his close friend and career adviser, Will Smith, he decided to opt out of the film. “I was simply on the wrong path with that movie,” he said. In fact, this April Howard will star in Fighting, a movie in which he plays a scam artist with street fighting skills. He said the movie is a great opportunity for good acting, and there is much more to him than meets the eye—from his passion for carpentry, acting, music, and studying to be a devout Jehovah’s Witness. That’s why he is sometimes misunderstood.
But not when it comes to dating. Talk to most women and they’ll definitely agree that Terrence Howard is fine, debonair, talented and not to mention very sexy. Divorced for the past six years, Howard said that soon he will be ready to marry “a really good woman.”

R&B ARTIST CHRIS BROWN ASSAULT ON GIRLFRIEND RIHANNA

Chris Brown has been charged with a felony after an alleged violent incident on Saturday night, Access Hollywood has learned. Earlier on Sunday, the LAPD was investigating Brown for assault following an alleged domestic violence felony battery against a woman reported to be the singer’s girlfriend, Rihanna, at 12:30 AM on Sunday in Los Angeles.

OPRAH SPEAKS ON WEIGHT ISSUE IN "O" MAGAZINE

Oprah Winfrey speaks on on her new weight issues in the Januaray issue of O magazine. According to the article, she is now 200lbs, a 40 pound weight gain from just 3 years ago.

SHARPTON & KENNEDY HAVE LUNCH

Al Sharpton, left, and Caroline Kennedy have lunch at famed soul food restaurant Sylvia’s in Harlem, New York, Thursday Dec. 18, 2008. The late President John F. Kennedy’s daughter acknowledged Thursday that she is seeking to be appointed to the U.S. Senate seat held by Hillary Rodham Clinton, who has been nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to be secretary of state.

RAP GROUP DIPSET MAKES XXL

Jim jones, Jeulz Santana and Frekey Zekey make cover of XXL Magazine. This rap group are on the success train. They been in the industry for a while and are still making hits.

THE NEW WHITE HOUSE MOM

The new white house mom and the girls, make the cover of US Weekly. "Hey what happen to Barack lol".... " I think the girls took over".

KEYSHIA COLE & MOM MAKE COVER OF VIBE

R&B star keyshia cole and her mom makes the cover of the vibe magazine with a moment of ove. She had a hard relationship like no other. She shows how she grew up and her life on the sitcom of her show.

KING JAMES MAKES COVER AFTER COVER ONCE AGAIN

Lebron James makes cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, off and on the court he remains king. He is playing basketball in the NBA for the Cavaliers as the second best player ever to play now. His style of basketball is legenday and dominant, he still remains king of the court.

TYRA BANKS SLAMS "CRITICS"

Tyra Banks makes cover of people magazine and slams "critics" saing iam still hot, and iam not fat.."

KOBE BRYANT MAKES ESPN MAGAZINE

The cover boy for the issue is Kobe Bryant; while you probably knew Steve Nash was a soccer fan, you might not know that Kobe's a big FC Barcelona backer. But he's not the only pro that doubles as a superfan.