Four African Men Speak On "Hollywood" Stereotypes

BeHiNd ThE sCeNeS lOoK aT wHiTnEy HoUsToN iN tHe FiLm 'SpArKlE'

I must say, it sure feels good to see Whitney in action again -- and at her best nonetheless. We get to see her beautiful face on screen one last time. I can not wait! 

Sparkle due out this summer August 17th. Look out for it!

LeGeNdArY sInGeR wHiTnEy HoUsToN dEaD aT 48

Seeing the breaking news on CNN yesterday about Whitney, I felt like I was in a time warp. The news didn't seem real and at first I thought it was a mistake. I changed the channel and learned the story had broke on other news outlets as well.

I broke into tears and covered my mouth thinking, "No! She's to young! She has a baby! I love her!"

Growing up I felt like Whitney was a family member, that's how often her voice was present in my home. I grew up singing Whitney's songs in musicals, plays, chorus, gospel choir, church and in the shower! Most talent shows I sang her songs, and was always so proud I could hit every note!

I'm devastated beyond belief. Waking up today knowing she's really gone, still isn't sitting well with me. Although she's gone from the physical world, I'm sure she's shining brightly in heaven.

God bless you Whitney, for sharing your powerful vocal cords and beauty with us all. I pray her daughter Bobbi Kristina, doesn't let this moment in time cripple her for all her life, and I pray it makes her stronger. 

My condolences to the Houston family and friends.

2012 LA

WHITNEY HOUSTON SINGING "THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER"

MvP kObE bRyAnT lOsEs BiG iN dIvOrCe CoUrT

Allegedly, Kobe Bryant (seen above-r) has lost three mansions and a sum of 75 million dollars to wife Vanessa Bryant (seen above-l),n their divorce settlement.

The basketball couple didn't have a prenuptial agreement in place, during their time of marriage in 2003. So as a result Vanessa Bryant, is rightfully entitled to half of Kobe's assets!

It's been reported Kobe Bryant, gave his wife what she asked for in the divorce settlement, so she wouldn't air the NBA player's dirty laundry about their ten year marriage.

Can you imagine how many publishers would absolutely LOVE, to pay Vanessa Bryant to write a book on their ten year marriage?! If there isn't a clause put in place that requires his wife to not speak about their marriage, then it leaves the gate open to a lot of problems.

In 2001, before Kobe married his soon-to-be ex-wife Vanessa, his parents were totally against it. Allegedly, Kobe's parent's felt he was to young for marriage just out of high school, and wanted him to wait awhile. 

Kobe obviously didn't listen to his parents, and as a result they didn't attend their son's wedding. If Kobe would have waited to marry Vanessa, would he have considered a prenuptial agreement? 

When singer/actress Christina Milian divorced her producer husband 'The Dream', Milian was humble -- asking one million for each year they were married and like Vanessa Bryant, Milian divorced her husband due to infidelity. They were married four years and Milian received four million in alimony. 

So should Vanessa Bryant only receive ten million, for being married to Kobe for ten years?

As the famous rapper Kanye West said in his infamous song, "Gold Digga": "Holley we want prenup...its something that you need to have, cause when she leave yo #$%$ she gon leave with half."

MARRIAGE UPDATE: Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa Bryant, are giving their marriage a second chance! Good job guys and congrats!

EtTa JaMeS "tHe DuChEsS oF bLuEs" DiEs Of LeUkEmIa

Etta James had been suffering from dementia, kidney problems and was battling leukemia. In December 2011, her physician announced that her leukemia was terminal, and asked for prayers for the singer. And now Ms. Etta James has passed.

The 73 year old rhythm and blues singer, broke racial boundaries with her extraordinary talent. The color of her skin didn't matter, but it was her raw and passionate singing ability that caught people's attention.

"Etta James was a pioneer. Her ever-changing sound has influenced rock and roll, rhythm and blues, pop, soul and jazz artists, marking her place as one of the most important female artists of our time," said Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Terry Stewart.

Upon hearing of her death Beyonce, released a statement on her website that read: "This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime."

"Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed."

Beyonce also played the late great star in a film titled, "Cadillac Records" in which she sung Etta James' songs with emotion, power and soul.

James was inducted into the Rock Hall in 1993, captured a Grammy in 2003 for best contemporary blues album for "Let's Roll", one in 2004 for best traditional blues album for "Blues to the Bone", and one for best jazz vocal performance for 1994's "Mystery Lady": Songs of Billie Holiday. 

She was also awarded a special Grammy in 2003 for lifetime achievement, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In memory of the fabulous blues singer, below is a video of her infamous song "At Last."

Rest in peace Ms. Etta James. 

2012 LA

ThE vMa'S 2011 hAd A lOt BrEwInG iN tHe PoT tHiS yEaR!

Among the many faces that stood out at the VMA 2011 awards (Video Music Awards), Beyonce's face seemed to stick out the most. Or maybe it was just her belly! Beyoncé (seen above) and hubby Jay-Z are having a baby! This news has been much anticipated for years now! Congrats to the elated couple!

The performances I most enjoyed:

1)  Beyoncé delivered an exhilarating performance! Hitting every note on key and still partaking in a little booty shaking. I was nervous for her the whole time in those heels. In pregnant women the equilibrium could be off a bit, so I was hoping she wouldn't hurt herself.

2) You always expect Lady Gaga to come out with an original outfit every time, and this night she definitely did. Her performance was the true work of an artist. She is very talented.

3) Adele's voice was angelic and strong. I love listening to her sing, and even though she doesn't move around on stage a lot, you still feel her obvious passion and emotion with every verse.

4) I enjoyed watching Kanye West and Jay-Z's incredible energy on the stage. Especially with them sampling one of my favorite Otis Redding songs!

5) Last but not least, I enjoyed watching the little kids perform for Britney Spears' 'Michael Jackson Vanguard' award moment. I had almost forgotten the many songs Britney sang over the years, and I thoroughly enjoyed being reminded of them. Britney is an excellent performer who gives 100% to her craft. I'm glad to see her back on the right track.

BUT! We do have to give it up for rapper Nicki Minaj, (seen above) who took home the moon man award for 'Best Hip Hop Video'! Minaj went on to say this after winning:

"Oh my god!" Minaj screamed. "Southside Jamaica, Queens, underground female rapper, Young Money, Cash Money ... I want to thank God. I want to thank my family. I want to thank Sanaa [Hamri] for directing an amazing video.

"And the Barbz. I love you, Barbz. I love you so much. And MTV, I thank you."

In the category for 'Best Hip Hop Video' Nicki Minaj won over:

Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now" (featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes)

Kanye West's "All of the Lights" (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi)

Lil Wayne's "6 Foot, 7 Foot

Lupe Fiasco's "The Show Goes On"

Actor Russell Brand delivered a heartfelt tribute to singer Amy Winehouse (seen above), and spoke of her in such a way that you knew he personally related to what she had gone through. He sincerely felt the young singer's pain and at the same time praised her artistry, and compared her 'old soul' voice to the likes of Blues singers Billie Holiday and Etta James. This is an enormous compliment, and Amy Winehouse will go down in history as being uniquely known for her bluesy, jazzy and soulful voice. R.I.P AW.

Overall, the VMA's were exciting this year! I did miss Alicia Keys and Pink (both of whom recently had babies, congrats guys!), but maybe they'll make a cameo next year.

VMA 2012 let's go!

2011 LA

'The Help' CoTiNuEs To RaCk In MiLlIoNs!

Going to see "The Help", the most talked about film since its debut August 10th, I felt in the back of my mind that I'd already be familiar with the concept of the movie although I hadn't seen it. I figured it would be like the 'Rosa Parks' story, or another civil rights film that would yet again reveal the ugly past of American history.

I was correct with the concept of the film, however, I didn't expect a strong-minded, young and Caucasian writer would give a voice to the voiceless African American maids in the deep South of Jackson, Mississippi! That was definitely a great way to shake things up and cause A LOT of drama!

In the 1960's, the state of Mississippi was one state you absolutely didn't want to visit or live in if you were Black. Of course you can't change the color of your skin, but during this period of time African Americans were being treated as if they should have been able to change their skin color, and because they couldn't they were treated like second class citizens -- worse than dogs. 

Things haven't changed much in Jackson, Mississippi, with the latest news just this month of a hate crime against an African American man named James Craig Anderson, who was murdered by the hands of a young, Caucasian teenager named, Deryl Dedmon.

In the film, listening to those maids tell the young writer EXACTLY how they felt; it felt like a release for me. Which actually surprised me; then I realized I equated my personal experiences of racism and discrimination, to those maids personal stories. When the maids expressed their anger and rage of how their employers treated them, it felt like I was venting my rage against those employers that discriminated against myself as well. It felt good.

All in all "The Help" starring Emma Stone (Skeeter), Viola Davis (Abilene) and Octavia Spencer (Minny) was funny, emotional, deep and painted a vivid picture of the mistreatment of African Americans by the hands of White people during the 1960's in the South. Although the mistreatment was much worse than the film depicted, it still displayed the root of the problem. 

I would see this film again and when it comes out on DVD, it will find a place on my movie shelf next to the other classics.

2011 LA

"The Help" gets five stars from me! Check out the trailer below.

ThE lAtE gReAt NiCk AsHfOrD dIeS

Another great Motown legend passes on the torch. I remember growing up in a home, that played Ashford and Simpson music faithfully! 

Who can forget such amazing songs as, "Is it still good to you" and "Solid as a rock"!

Ashford and Simpson was one African-American group that helped to break the mold, when being black seemed harder then making a record.

I take my hat off to such great artist's as this. Ashford and Simpson, we love you and your music will forever live in us.

Check out a tribute and blast from the past below. 

2011 LA