Laz Alonso. Many of you may remember him from his roles in movies like G, Stomp the Yard, This Christmas (I hated him in that movie! But that's a good thing though!) or Miracle at St. Anna. I remember him from my days as a morning news producer here in Tallahassee and in Jacksonville. When my co-workers has the televisions on their desks tuned in to CNN or MSNBC, mine would be tuned in to B.E.T.'s morning show A.M. @ B.E.T. I needed my early morning eye candy and he fit the bill and then some. At the time, I had no idea he was a Howard graduate and held a lucrative position as an investment banker at Merill Lynch on Wall Street; and I definitely didn't think I'd ever see him years later in hit movies.

Since this is BlackCelebrityMen.blogspot.com and since Laz is without a doubt a BlackCelebrityMan, I had to look out for my readers and get the goods on his personal life and what he looks in a potential wifey, right? Well, ladies, although he isn't married, he is in a relationship right now according to his updated Myspace page. Last fall in his Jewel magazine interview he spoke about marriage and said, 'I'm definitely looking to be married. I don't really have a time frame, but I'd like to do it fairly soon so I'm not that old dude who always gets complimented on his grandson.' Bless his heart. He's also an only child who 'grew up surrounded by strong women' including his mother, grandmother and aunts, he says. 'So that's the type I'm usually attracted to. She has to be self-confident and hold her head high. You feel her energy when she walks in the room, and when she opens her mouth, she's got something to say.' Now, as I perused his Myspace page, I came across a blog entry of his where he lists his personal Top 10 Traits of a Great Girlfriend which I found to be a very entertaining read.

Below are scans from a photo shoot the actor posed for in Jewel magazine. I had to dig waaaaaaaaaaay deep in my old magazine collection for these. Click on each picture to see its full image. Hope you Laz fans enjoy them.



AFTER THE JUMP, READ LAZ' TOP 10 TRAITS OF A GOOD GIRLFRIEND.

Top 10: Traits Of A Great Girlfriend: I must admit that playing the field is a whole lot of fun, but so is being in a serious relationship -- provided that it's with the right woman. But how do you know if she really is the right woman for you? If she possesses the following 10 traits, you better hold on to her for dear life or, before you know it, a guy who already knows where it's at will get his hands on your "goods."

10. SHE'S INDEPENDENT

No one wants a girlfriend they have to baby-sit. Once in a while, like if she's had a rough day at work, it's great to be her shoulder to cry on, but if she can't seem to function without you and is constantly after you, she will eventually make you feel like you're suffocating, which is a surefire way to get you running out the nearest exit. On the other hand, if she has her very own personality and opinions, can stand on her own two feet, both financially and emotionally, and is able to enjoy time away from you -- while still missing you, of course -- then she must be a great girlfriend.

9. SHE'S INTELLIGENT

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the bimbo routine gets real old, real fast. A woman who can meet you at an intellectual level is a total turn-on. Instead of being the one in total control, you'll find yourself trying to figure out what she's really thinking behind those glazed eyes of hers -- or if she's actually thinking at all. An intelligent woman will constantly surprise you and keep you on your toes. She won't let you get bored of her. Besides, it's nice to have something to talk about between all that chandelier-hanging sex.

8. SHE'S SEXUAL

While we're on the topic, a great girlfriend has to be sexually compatible with you. For instance, if you're into S&M and she's more the "fluffy lingerie" type, that's a problem. The two of you have to be on the same page -- or, at least, she has to be willing to wear leather and use a whip from time to time. Of course, this doesn't imply that she has to know all the right moves straight away; it simply means that you and she have an undeniable attraction towards each other, and are able to communicate your desires verbally (or with physical cues). It is important that you please each other
in the bedroom, or on top of the dryer -- whatever the case may be.

7. SHE'S BEAUTIFUL

I know, this one is kind of obvious, but important nonetheless. A great girlfriend will not only want to look good for you, but also for herself. She should always look her best and be well put together -- matching lingerie is a definite plus. You have to be proud to have her on your arm and enjoy the sight of her in any light. And this doesn't mean that she has to be a Heidi Klum clone. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you think her full bottom or uncontrollable curls are beautiful, you're allowed.

6. SHE RESPECTS YOU

This is a biggie. Your woman must respect you. This means that she listens to you, even if she doesn't necessarily agree with what you're saying. And, of course, she never tries to demean or belittle you in any way, shape, or form. A great girlfriend won't ever cause scenes in public or in front of your friends and family, and will always wait to discuss matters with you in private. If she respects you, chances are that she will behave in a tactful and diplomatic manner in most situations, which is definitely a good thing. Does your woman bring you and the guys beer on poker night?

5. SHE LETS YOU BE A MAN

Do not -- I repeat -- do not get involved with a woman who tries to get you to eat cottage cheese and fruit for breakfast and insists that you give up poker night with the guys. You will end up resenting her more than you can imagine. A good girlfriend lets you be a guy in all your glory, poker night and all. If she's a great girlfriend, she'll even bring you and your buddies a couple of beers and make you some of her famous sandwiches. She has to understand that men and women are different and should allow you to be yourself. Just like you wouldn't deprive her of going shopping with
her best girlfriend, she shouldn't expect you to give up the guys for her.

4. SHE'S NAGLESS

There is nothing worse than a nag! A great girlfriend knows this and chooses her battles wisely. She knows when to speak-up and when to let it slide. You don't want a girlfriend who will give you the heights of hell for leaving a couple of dishes in the sink occasionally. However, if you live together and you stay out all night without calling her, and she lets you have it, then you're setting yourself up for disaster. This is a situation that nobody would let slide -- not even a great girlfriend.

3. SHE GETS ALONG WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY

A great girlfriend will not only help your mom in the kitchen, listen to your dad's stories, and hang out with your friends, she will enjoy it. She'll make a real effort to get to know and love the most important people in your life. And she won't try to get you to ditch your best buds. She'll actually empathize with your brother's getting dumped and suggest that you guys take him out to cheer him up. Not only that, but your friends won't roll their eyes and moan when you mention that she'll be joining you
guys when she gets off work (yes, women like this do exist).

2. SHE LOVES YOU

If you have found a woman who loves you for who you really are and not who you pretend or try to be sometimes, you should definitely hang on to her. A woman who doesn't try to change you is hard to find. Of course, everyone has their slightly annoying habits that their mate has to contend with, but if she really loves you, she will be able to cope with these. Another way to know if she really loves you is by observing the way she looks at you and treats you on an everyday basis. If the sight of you doesn't seem to faze her either way, and she doesn't really seem to care about what you have to say, she's either playing very hard to get, or sees you as just some guy. But if a surprise visit or phone call from you makes her light up, there's no denying that she loves you.

1. SHE MAKES YOU WANT TO BE A BETTER MAN

Stop making that face... Any man who has a great girlfriend or wife will tell you that she makes him want to be a better man. She doesn't have to say or do anything; it just is that way. If you suddenly feel bad about how you treated your sister or find yourself trying to get your finances in order, you might want to think about your motivation for doing so. It could be love.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/03/2008

Candids: Michael & Jermaine Jackson in London & L.A.

Posted by SouthernGurl

Last week, Jermaine Jackson blabbed to reporters about his family's (Michael and Janet included, because let's face it, there would be no reason whatsoever to attend a Jackson tour if these two aren't performing) plans to reunite for a worldwide tour next year. "This has been a long time coming for the Jackson family to get back together. It is just the timing, so what we've been doing is working on the music and all the logistics. It is going to be more like a family affair, Janet's going to open and, of course, the original Jackson 5 ... Michael, Randy and the whole family ... we're in the studio, we're planning on being out there next year," Jermaine was quoted by the national Australian Associated Press news agency as saying.

Well, either someone forgot to mention this to Michael or Jermaine's perm/conk relaxer has seeped into his brain making him delusional. Soon after this story leaked, Michael released a statement to Billboard.com saying he has no intentions of going on tour with his siblings. "My brothers and sisters have my full love and support, and we’ve certainly shared many great experiences, but at this time I have no plans to record or tour with them. I am now in the studio developing new and exciting projects that I look
forward to sharing with my fans in concert soon."

In the meantime, check out several candid shots of the brothers out and about recently. Jermaine was spotted with his third, fourth or fifth wife (I can't remember and I don't feel like looking it up) in London; while Michael tried his best to dodge photographers while out shopping in Los Angeles.


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READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/03/2008

NBA baller Vince Carter builds new drug rehab center.

Posted by SouthernGurl


New Jersey Net Vince Carter and his mother Michelle Carter-Scott agreed to donate $1.6 million towards the construction of the Vince Carter Sanctuary, a 100-bed treatment center for those with chemical addiction problems. The total cost of the facility is at $8.6 million and will open next summer in Bunnell, Florida. The idea for the center apparently came after the experience Carter and his mother had when dealing with Carter's brother battle with addiction. "If there's something we can do to help them get their lives back on track, that would be wonderful," Carter-Scott told NetsDaily.com of those who will be treated at the Sanctuary. "[This is] something near and dear to me," Carter added. "We all have family that go through tough times."

According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Carter's younger brother, Christopher Allen Carter has been arrested for possession of marijuana and cocaine and, most recently, drug possession with the intent to distribute.
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READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/02/2008

Kevon Edmonds (of After 7) to release new solo album.

Posted by SouthernGurl


Kevon Edmonds is without question, one of R&B/Pop Music's most adored vocalist and songwriter for well over a decade. Edmonds began branding his recognizable sound (Heat of the Moment, Ready or Not, Can't Stop, 24/7) within the subgenre of the American Pop Music culture known as R&B music. As the founder and lead singer of the world renown Pop/R&B vocal group, AFTER 7, Kevon Edmonds has successfully delivered a multi-platinum selling LP, 2 gold LPs, 3 gold singles and 11 Top-Ten radio singles. Kevon Edmonds is also credited with co-executive producing his debut solo project, aptly titled, 24/7 alongside sibling and music icon, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The title track, 24/7 rose to No 2 on R&B radio formats nationwide, quickly crossing over to POP radio. 24/7 also certified gold status (500,000+ units sold) adding to Kevon Edmonds' collection of platinum and gold selling records!

Now this great talent has chosen his most personal songs yet for his highly anticipated second, as-yet-untitled, sophomore solo CD. Kevon Edmonds recently signed a recording and distribution agreement with Make Entertainment/Image Distribution with plans to release a new collection of songs in March 2009. Edmonds is a modern testament to timeless quality. When asked about his upcoming solo project, Edmonds explained, "I simply want to create a body of work that will take listeners on a musical journey; the style of music that will allow people to get in touch with their highs and lows and their joys and pain of living through song. At the same time, I am hoping to bridge the gap between good old R&B and R&B of today."

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READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/02/2008

Usher new photoshoot, tour news, low ticket sales.

Posted by SouthernGurl

At least one show from Usher's One Night Stand: Ladies Only tour has been canceled due to low ticket sales. Usher, who's tour kicked off just tonight in Atlantic City (I'll post pictures from the show later, but you can read a review of the show by clicking HERE) has had to nix his November 20th show at Club Nokia in Los Angeles and other venues on the 14-day tour have been forced to lower their ticket prices in order to sell more tickets. Could poor sales also be the reason behind Usher allowing men to attend his 'ladies only' shows? Last month when he announced the tour he was asked why he only wanted ladies to attend, he said, "I feel like I've had such a connection with my audience. I felt like my current album was definitely the type of one that was more intimate. So, what better way to get up close and personal with my fans than to make it all women? It will be the best 'One Night Stand' they've ever had!" Fast forward a few weeks later and his people are telling Billboard.com that although ladies may be the focus of the tour, men are more than welcome to attend the shows. Mmmm-hmmm. Anywhoo, the show runs through November 25th in Dallas.

After the jump, find out if Usher is going to be in a city near you PLUS take a glance at the movie character he attempted to be for Halloween this year! Oh, and below are images from a recent photoshoot of his....and even I have to say there more than easy on the eyes! Yes, sir!!



PEEP MORE PICS OF USHER AFTER THE JUMP!

USHER'S TOUR SCHEDULE:
Nov. 2: Atlantic City, N.J. (Borgata)
Nov. 3: New York (Hammerstein Ballroom)
Nov. 4: Washington, D.C. (Warner Theatre)
Nov. 5: Philadelphia (Electric Factory)
Nov. 7: Mashantucket, Conn. (MGM Grand)
Nov. 8: Toronto (Kool Haus)
Nov. 10: Atlanta (Tabernacle)
Nov. 12: Detroit (Fillmore)
Nov. 13: Chicago (House of Blues)
Nov. 18: San Francisco (Warfield Theatre)
Nov. 19-20: Los Angeles (Club Nokia LA Live)
Nov. 21: Las Vegas (the Pearl)
Nov. 24: Houston (House of Blues)
Nov. 25: Dallas (House of Blues)
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MORE PHOTOSHOOT PICTURES



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USHER DRESSES UP AS 'HANCOCK' AT A HALLOWEEN PARTY HE HOSTED IN NEW YORK.


**HALLOWEEN PICS COURTESY OF ERICKA JACKSON AT USHERFOREVER.COM**

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

T.I. is featured in a swagged-out photo spread in Smooth magazine. The rapper expounds on everything from the kind of swag he believes Barack Obama, our soon-to-be president of the United States (hey, can you blame me for being blatantly presumptuous in confidently thinking so?) should possess to his upcoming clothing line called AKOO (A King of Oneself) which he describes as 'upscale, classy American apparel' that crosses party lines to bring together Dope Boys and Democrats. Let him tell it, it's all done off the cuff. 'My music and my style both come natural. It's not in a rule book.'
T.I. ON FOLLOWING THE RULES OF FASHION: I do what feels right. If we're talking about white after Labor Day, I feel, as an older cat--or, should I say, distinguished gentleman--white pants are a no-no for me. If we talking about the ensemble I wore for the (the magazine's) photo shoot-black pants, white jacket-I can wear that year round. The '70s, the '60s and the Harlem Renaissance era inspired me. It was just clean back then. That Harlem Nights era was just real with the white sport coat and black tie, black pants, with the scarf over the overcoat.

T.I. ON HIS CLOTHING STYLE FROM BACK IN THE DAY & THE NAME BRANDS HE WORE: Polo, Jordans, Guess jeans suits, Used, Damaged, at one point. I'm not that proud of that error. I ain't do the Cross Colours. I did Tommy Hilfiger for a hot minute. One thing that I must say I grabbed from New York was the snorkels and bubble vest. I used to wear Starter suits. I went from one extreme to the next.

T.I. ON HIS NEW CLOTHING LINE AKOO: AKOO is for the guy who cares about how he looks. It's also for the cats who don't have as much swag as the next cat. Just because you ain't got no swag don't mean you have to look like it. If you buy my clothes, then the swag is on me. Furthermore, if you dress in AKOO and your girl doesn't like it, I'll replace her with a girl who does. I can't give you your money back, but I will get you a girl.'



Earlier this week, T.I. was photographed getting his pre-election vote on in Atlanta. It's a good thing seeing as though by the time Barack Obama gets himself situated in the White House, our boy T.I. will be taking up residence in the Big House. After the jump, find out what T.I. thinks of Obama's swag and view more scans of T.I.'s photoshoot.
T.I. ON THE PRESIDENT'S SWAG: For a president I don't think style is as harshly important as what you plan on doing to build or rebuild your country. How well he wears a suit is not on my list of priorities. I'm thinking about how he can affect the economy. Has he addressed the issues that are relevant to the country.
Believing that he would be unable to participate in this year's historical election, the 27-year-old budding actor made it his objective to motivate others to get involved. It was not until recently that T.I. learned, through research of his own, that he was still eligible to vote, despite his previous run-ins with the law. "It's a relief. Feels like I've taken advantage of my right to become a part of the democracy," declared the rapper Clifford Harris who stood in line for nearly 10 minutes before entering a polling center to vote for the first time in his life. "It was definitely worth standing in line and doing all the things people complain about voting. I think it's more than worth it. This what it is all about, not staying up late and waking up early to vote. Now rather than just talking about it, I'm being about it. I'm leading by example, and it makes me feel a lot better."

T.I., who already has two No. 1 hits off his new album Paper Trail (Whatever You Like and Live Your Life with Rihanna), does have several federal firearms offenses and ongoing community service endeavors, stemming from his arrest last October for trying to buy automatic weapons. But his lawyer, Steve Sadow, confirmed that he can still cast a ballot because his sentence doesn't start until late March next year. "Until he is sentenced in the federal case, he doesn't have a conviction yet," said Sadow of his 28-year-old client, whose real name is Clifford Harris. "Even though he is a convicted felon, he has a right to vote since he is not serving probation and hasn't started his prison sentence."

A spokesman for the Georgia Secretary of State's office confirmed that T.I. was eligible to vote.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/01/2008

New pics: Malcolm Jamal, James Lesure, Warren Sapp.

Posted by SouthernGurl

Here's someone we haven't seen in a while. Bill Cosby's favorite Cosby kid, Malcolm Jamal Warner performs live with Jody Hill and Deep Fried Funk band during the Deep Fried Soul Concert at 88's Dueling Pianos in Hollywood, Florida on Friday (10.31.2008)


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Actor James Lesure was spotted backstage at the 'Shakespeare in the Brave New World,' a benefit for the New Globe, at the Scirball Center for the Performing Arts at New York University on October 27th. Most recently he'd been seen on the NBC crime-drama Las Vegas, but most of us remember him in his role as 'Mel Ellis', the husband to 'Malena Ellis' (played by Holly Robinson-Peete) in For Your Love (created by Yvette Lee Bowser) which ran from 1998-2002. I absolutely LOVED that show and I still watch its reruns on TV One. It looks like James still has much love for the show as well. He's sporting a windbreaker jacket emblazoned with the For Your Love logo!!


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Dancing with the Stars contestants Warren Sapp and Maurice Green was spotted outside STK restaurant in Los Angeles last Thursday night.


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READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/01/2008

Ralph, Johnny & Bobby form 'The Summit' supergroup.

Posted by SouthernGurl


First of all let me say I'm mad as hell that they have Bobby 'Busted' Brown in the middle/front-and-center of that flyer as if he's still the King of R&B. This ain't 1987! Second of all, it is with tremendous shame and embarrassment to tell you all that I had no idea that New Edition members Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill have banded together to form a supergroup who goes by the name The Summit (the group is also referred to as 'Heads of State'...I'm still trying to figure this name issue out!). Not only will the guys perform together under that moniker, they will also incorporate fashion, fragrance, film, television, music and of course, touring under The Summit brand. The trio kicked off their tour (check Ticketmaster to see if they're coming to a city near you) with a concert performance at the Atlanta Civic Center on September 27th where they also confirmed their plans to record an album together. What is really going on and why? I guess they decided to go this route after failed attempts of reviving their solo careers. Can't knock their hustle. But can you imagine Bobby and Johnny on the same stage trying to out-sing each other? That has got to be a sight to see! A sight I would love to see even though I'm still beyond miffed at Johnny for lying to me two years ago when he was here in Tallahassee...but I'll digress...at least for now. Besides, this blog post is long enough already.

Anywho, as for the remaining members, Ronnie is busy operating his Atlanta-based real estate company. Last I heard, Mike scored a gig as a game announcer for the NBA. As for Ricky? An even better question would be are they still going to go through with releasing a 25th anniversary album and television special THIS YEAR?

Watch the guys talk about The Summit during an interview on My Fox Atlanta news broadcast.


Below is a concert review from The Summit's performance in Washington, D.C. last night (October 31st). The unedited review was posted by N.E. fan NewJackSwingDJ from the New Edition Fan Club messageboards.
I just got home from the Summit concert and I have to say it was one of the best concerts I've been to into 2008, and it was eighth concert of the year. The opening acts were SWV & Dru Hill. To my surprise, SWV was very mediocre, granted Coko still has the pipes, but watching her facial expressions to me it seemed like she was at war with herself. After SWV performed Dru Hill came out and let me that Sisqo needs to lay off the crab cakes as does Jazz but they still sounded good vocally. I do think Nokio was high because he seemed out of place. The next intermission was for about 25 mins and then our boys came out! They were dressed in black suits and looked very dapper. Bobby opened the show with On Our Own followed by Ralph doing Stone Cold Gentlemen and then Johnny doing Fairweather Friend. If I remember correctly Ralph then did Money Can't Buy You Love and then the fellas did all the slow jam favorites while Johnny played the guitar. Ralph and Bobby both sounded good on Home Again and Bobby sounded GREAT doing Girlfriend and Jealous Girl. It was great to see the unity between the three of them not just as strong black men but as brothers. All of three members also showed Obama a lot of love. My only compliant was no Can You Stand The Rain and the show could have been longer. All in all a great show.

SET LIST [Might Not Be The Exact Order but pretty close]
1. On Our Own
2. Stone Cold Gentlemen
3. Fairweather Friend
4. Money Can't Buy You Love
5. Every Little Step

Acapella Guitar Slow Jam Session

6. Home Again
7. Helplessly In Love
8. Jealous Girl
9. Lost In Love
10. Half Crazy
11. With You All The Way
12. Lost In Love

The fellas then did some more uptempo songs
13. Cool It Now
14. Mr. Telephone Man
15. If It Isn't Love
16. Roni
17. Do What I Gotta Do
18. There U Go
19. Get Away

After doing Get Away if I remember correctly Bobby made the mistake of telling the audience the show and I'd say about 5% left, but I knew that couldn't be the end. The fellas then came out dressed in street clothes for their encore

1. My Prerogative
2. Sensitivity
3. Rub You The Right Way

As I said before it was a great show and I could tell that despite all the BS & feuds between Bobby & Ralph that they've matured and have a new respect for each other. Bobby was also cracking jokes all night, when he was singing Roni he said something along the lines of I Can't Go Down Like That Anymore. Feel free to ask any questions.
Ooooooooh, I wish I was there!!! Aww man. Thanks again to NewJackSwingDJ for the review and to the rest of my N.E.F.C. family for welcoming me back to the board with open arms! Thank yall ever so kindly!
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READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/01/2008

Terrell Carter has 'Finally' arrived!

Posted by SouthernGurl


Does he look familiar to you all? It's Terrell Carter. 6 feet 5 inches of pure fineness. He may be a new face in this entertainment industry, but he is one that will be all over television and more movie screens in the future. He honed his acting skills in the Tyler Perry school of acting, with a part in the movie version of Diary of a Mad Black Woman (he played the singing pastor in the final church scene where ol girl's ex-husband gave his life over to the Lord), and costarred in the new DVD release of Perry's stage play What's Done in the Dark as well as the stage production of Perry's Meet the Browns. But the Buffalo, New York, native is not just an actor. Carter is also an accomplished singer and music producer--he's worked with Quincy Jones, P. Diddy and Kirk Franklin--who has released three independent albums and a fourth album entitled Finally, which was released last summer.. With such a fitting album title, Carter is more than ready for his national close-up. "I'm really looking forward to this album because I have songs on here that are amazing. They really define the music side of me," says the 20-something-year old.

His movie fans can catch him in the much talked-about HBO series Zane's The Sex Chronicles which debuted on September 5th. It's a new territory for him, but Carter is sure at least one segment of the population will enjoy it. "The Sex Chronicles is nothing like the Tyler Perry show," says the man whose mother bore him at the tender age of 12. "This is an HBO show that I think the ladies will definitely like."

Below are some of the sexiest photoshoot shots of Terrell I have ever come across! Click on them to see each in its full image. You will not be sorry. Trust. *wink*


Also, Terrell recorded an 'answer' to Rihanna's single Take a Bow. Peep it below. Check out his official Myspace page for more music.



MORE PICS OF TERRELL AFTER THE JUMP!


[PHOTOS COURTESY OF Kawai Mathews]

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!


Tallahassee native T-Pain (real name Faheem Najm) says his bank account has put a strain on his relationship with his family. T-Pain voiced his wealth woes in a feature story in Blender magazine. “Now my dad asks for money every time I talk to him, and that’s just weird. He and I used to get along fantastic — until all the dollar signs. My whole family, man, they see what they see and they automatically ask for stuff. It ain’t a problem except when they ask for sh*t they don’t need. I bought my mom a house and a Porsche truck. I bought my sister a Buick truck. I gave my dad $20,000. I didn’t even feel that one. But he asked for more, like, two days later. It got to the point where he straight up said, ‘Gimme $250,000 and you don’t have to worry about me no more.’ Like, what the f*ck? That’s a payoff for your dad. God d@mn.”

Mo money, more problems at its finest, right? Other folks he keeps paid are strippers. These days, T-Pain’s strip-club visits are less of a contact sport. “I’ll be at a club, just surrounded by ho’s, and I’ll literally call my wife, like, ‘I’m so, so happy I married you.’” He got married at 18 (he proposed in a Bennigan’s), and he has two children with his wife, Amber: daughter Lyriq, 4, and son Muzyq, 1. T-Pain paints a lively picture of domestic bliss: “My wife and I download pornos together,” he says. “She goes with me to strip clubs. She’ll be tipping bitches and everything.” His marriage helps him to put the surreal life into perspective, and it helps him to keep sight of Faheem Najm when he’s recording as T-Pain. One of the funniest moments on his new album Thr33 Ringz comes on the song Therapy, where a narrator tells an unloving woman, I don’t need your sex, I’ll masturbate. “See, that line comes straight out of my life!” he says. “I’m married, and I jerk off all the time. Some R&B singers act like they getting sex every night. T-Pain is here to tell you: Ain’t no one getting sex every night!”

I guess he's slacked off of sex since his younger years. Recently T-Pain revealed to Spin magazine too much information about the first time he popped some poor girl's cherry. "I've had a lot of sexual experience in my life. A whole lot. I lost my virginity when I was 10. That helped me out a lot… I had a lot of older brothers, and they had pornos, so I kinda knew what I was doing already. Of course, when it came to girls,” T-Pain adds, “it didn’t hurt that I have a gigantic penis!”
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READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/01/2008

Avant releases new album on new record label.

Posted by SouthernGurl


Seven years into a gold-and-platinum-honored career, top R&B singer/songwriter/producer AVANT is joining the Capitol Records roster of urban chart-topping artists. His first Capitol Records album was released on October 28. Fresh off a live appearance at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, the artist says he chose to title his first Capitol Records album with his own name, AVANT, to acknowledge his established track record, as well as the sense of creative accomplishment and ownership that marks the project overall: "I've proved my point. (The album) reflects who I am. I think one of the reasons I've been able to enjoy the kind of longevity I've had, is that I write songs that are about real-life situations."

Accordingly, the album's kick-off single, is the probing, emotive and sophisticated When It Hurts, an impassioned and irresistible plea about the true meaning of unconditional love, produced by the Anonymous Entertainment team of Eric Dawkins and Tony Dixon (Fantasia).

LISTEN TO 'WHEN IT HURTS.'

CONTINUE READING THIS STORY AFTER THE JUMP!
Album track collaborators on the album AVANT include such hit-making peers as Trackmasters (LL Cool J), The Architects (Missy Elliott), and DJ Smurf a.k.a Mr. Collipark (Soulja Boy). Snoop Dogg makes a commanding step-out appearance on the track "Attention." Other album highlights include the seductive "Break Ya Back," a re-interpretation of the Christopher Cross pop standard "Sailing," and "Perfect Gentleman" co-starring his Capitol label-mate Alfamega (from T.I.'s Grand Hustle camp).

Avant has three RIAA gold album certifications, including the No. 6 album Ecstasy (MCA 2002), and one- platinum, for My Thoughts (MCA, 2000). His Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop hits include the No. 1 "Separated," the No. 3 smash revival of Rene and Angela's Quiet Storm classic "My First Love" with Keke Wyatt, and 2003's No. 4 "Read Your Mind," feat. Snoop Dogg.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
11/01/2008

LL Cool J. drops himself from Janet's tour.

Posted by SouthernGurl

LL Cool J. has removed himself as the opening act of Janet Jackson's on-again/off-again Rock Witchu tour. According to the BBC, the rapper will be leaving his position as the events' opening act due to scheduling conflicts. Joined alongside the tour by Bad Boy's Donnie Klang, no replacement performer has been announced for the remaining tour dates. This drawback is yet another issue the platinum-selling singer has to face having just been diagnosed with an unusual migraine sickness that forced her to cancel nine shows since being rushed to a hospital late last month. Janet was reportedly suffering from a rare form of migraine called vestibular migraine also known as migraine-associated vertigo.

In the meantime, LL Cool J. is still out and about. Last week, the veteran rapper made an appearance at Sears in Chicago, Illinois to promote his new clothing line LL Cool J Collection.


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11/01/2008

Pooch, Keith & Jackie at 'The House of Hoops.'

Posted by SouthernGurl

Black Celebrity Men: Marion 'Pooch' Hall, Keith Robinson and Jackie Long attended 'The House of Hoops' after-party presented by Nike and Foot Locker Los Angeles, California in October.


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11/01/2008

Lil Wayne gushes over his baby boy; pisses off fans.

Posted by SouthernGurl

Lil Wayne became a father for the second time on Wednesday with the birth of his son Dwayne Carter III, reports MTV. "I delivered him. I held the left leg the whole time," Wayne said in an interview with Power 105. "It was nasty, very nasty, but it was wonderful. October 22, 9:25 a.m., 7 pounds, 12 ounces. He's the best thing to ever happen to me, next to my daughter." The baby was born at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. Although several bloggers claim Lil Wayne's baby's mama's name is "Sarah," the rapper has yet to confirm the identity of the woman who spawned his namesake. Word around the web is that Wayne and "Sarah" has had an on-again/off-again 'relationship' for the past three years...this was all during the time when Wayne was dating Trina, Lauren London, Karrine 'Supahead' Steffans and Nivea...who he is reportedly on the verge of 'wife-ing' up. Wayne, 26, also has 8-year-old daughter, Reginae Carter, from a previous marriage. The artist first announced he had a son on the way during Saturday's taping of the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta. While accepting one of his awards, he told the audience: "I got a son about to be born any day now, so shout-out to him. Pray for me." I guess this public acknowledgment of his baby boy puts the rest the rumors of Wayne insisting on having a paternity test done to confirm he is the child's father. Word around the web is he's had an on-again/off-again relationship with this woman for the last three years.

And it looks like the ultimate surge of his career has either gone to his head or he's been sipping too much 'surb' (syrup) from his trademark triple-stacked Styrofoam cup because his fan's have become increasingly irate and annoyed at his recent behavior. After the rapper failed to show up at Monster Jam in Boston last Monday, furious fans and concert-goers posted nasty comments to his blog. Luckily enough though, Jay-Z extended his set to cover for the pint-sized MC. These no-shows are becoming quite a pattern for the talented artist. Last month in the Bahamas, his management supposedly told concert organizers that Lil Wayne would perform after 2 a.m. He was a no-show and according to a release put out by the organizers, “Unable to locate him, we sent our team members to the Atlantis to discover he was partying at the nightclub there all night.”

Below are pics from Lil Wayne's performance at the Voo Doo Fest.


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