LL COOL J CONTINUES TO ASSERT HIS BITCH-FIT TANTRUMS TOWARDS JAY-Z

To my dearest LL Cool J.,

Hunnie-bunnie, you are too damn fine and sexy to be bitching, moaning and groaning over some crap that you can't change. You said you were just one man....who couldn't battle a whole record label and that to try to do so would be foolish. Well, guess what else is foolish? Your continous bitching on the matter. And that's real talk too. You've been hanging around that Magilla the Gor-ree-rah a.k.a. 50 Cent too much, dude. As a matter of fact, and I hate to say this, but if you keep up with all of this chickenhead-like, bitch-mode displays of true hateration and bitch-eration, in the end it will slowly but gradually diminish all of that sexy that you have perfectly preserved over the last 20 years. And before long, you're going to have the same kind of utterly unsexy body type as Jay. And I know you don't want that, now do you? No, you don't. Therefore and thus and such--and I say this with the utmost respect--please, please sit your ass down somewhere and shut the fuck up, please, I implore you! (oh, and excuse my Swahili). I'm sorry, but you have left me with no other choice but to place you in my 'This Niggah, here!' category. Think about it.

With Warmest and Sincerest Regards and whatnot,
SouthernBlackGurl @ RealGossip101.blogspot.com

Now back to the article....Check it out after the jump!

LL Cool J has a bone to pick with the president of his label, Def Jam. The veteran hip hop artist recently spoke to MTV about his frustration with Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter ever since the mogul took office. "I just don't feel like he had the necessary experience to do that job," LL said. "I don't know any other record company that he worked for where he learned how to run this business. This is a label that started in 1984 and you just can't give somebody a job because you want to attract talent and look sexy... because there are artists that suffer," he continued.

LL, who insists "I'm not anti-Jay-Z, I'm [just] pro-LL," said he was open minded about Jigga's appointment as president in the beginning. "I would be completely supportive because you never know what a man knows and you never underestimate people and you never assume it's gonna be a bad move, so you embrace it with open arms," he said, adding that things started happening shortly into his reign that eroded his optimism – including the lack of access to the chief. I haven't spoken to him in a long time, it's unfortunate," said LL. "The bottom line is -- you gotta do your job man. And if you don't know how to do your job then maybe Universal needs to pay you the money you deserve as an artist and give somebody who really knows the job, the job."

Jay-Z's take on LL's diarrhea at the mouth rants? "He's a legend. He's upset, not me. If he wanna work it out, I'm more than willing to do that. I'll be honest if I wanted to go there, I just really go all the way out there. But I got respect for [LL Cool J] did a lot of things. I don't like the way he's carrying it cause we coulda definitely talked about this. Or he coulda gave me a phone call... but I respect him as a legend in the game and he's gonna geta couple passes because of that."

LL also had an issue with last week's release of Jay-Z's American Gangster album and how it took precedence over everyone else at the label. "Let's take this soundtrack for instance; shouldn't there be other Def Jam artists on this soundtrack? Shouldn't this be the big Def Jam project with Def Jam artists involved," he asked. "Nas has a record, (another Def Jam artist) has a record. You have LL working on an album for a year and then you have the president putting out his album in the middle of the schedule. I mean... really look at what's going on."

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

REAL OR RUMOR: HALLE BERRY TO BIRTH & BREASTFEED A BOUNCING BABY BOY?

The New York Post's Page Six heard reports that Halle Berry and her model boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, are expecting a baby boy. "She's so excited," one source said. "She says she's never been happier than now, when she's pregnant." During a recent visit to the talk show "Ellen," host DeGeneres ran a series of tests that are supposed to tell the sex of the baby – all of which determined that she would have a boy. To be clear, Berry hasn't officially announced if she's basting a baby boy in her bun holder. And chances are she never will announce that sort of info considering the fact that she and Aubry have decided to wait to find out the baby's sex when he or she is delivered early next year.

Oh, and FYI, if you're gonna click on that photo of Halle (in the upper left hand corner) to see its full image, please do so with extreme caution and whatnot! There's no doubt in my mind that Halle's angel is gonna be well-fed once he or she gets here!

...END POST...

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

TICHINA ARNOLD PUTS COMEDY TO THE SIDE TO STAR IN HER FIRST DRAMA LEAD-TITLE ROLE IN 'THE LENA BAKER STORY.'

Here's a movie I can't wait to see. Everybody Hates Chris star Tichina Arnold will take on her first big-screen dramatic title-lead role of her acting career when she stars in the independent film, The Lena Baker Story, about the first woman in the state of Georgia sent to the electric chair. The 44-year-old African American woman became a virtual sex slave to her white employer and killed him, claiming self-defense. "The film is a cradle-to-grave story that offers a real perspective on Lena as opposed to just one incident," writer-director-producer Ralph Wilcox tells the Hollywood Reporter. "Race does play a part, but this story is really about a woman torn between a rock and a hard place."

In 2005, Baker's story made national headlines after the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles announced it would grant a full pardon to Lena Baker and present a proclamation to her descendants at the board's Aug. 30 meeting in Atlanta. The board did not find Baker innocent of the crime, but instead found the decision to deny her clemency in 1945 was in error. Baker was sentenced to death following a one-day trial before an all-white, all-male jury in Georgia. She didn't have a praying chance. In the trial transcripts, Baker testified that her employer, E.B. Knight, held her against her will in a grist mill and threatened to shoot her if she tried to escape. She testified she grabbed his gun and shot him when he tried to hit her with a metal bar.

According to the Reporter, the $2.5 million project is the first filmed in the new 22,000-square-foot Jokara-Micheaux production facility in Colquitt, Ga, marking an important step toward revitalizing one of the poorest districts in the United States. As director of the Southwest Georgia Film Commission, Wilcox obtained about $1 million from government grants to build the studio.

Beverly Todd will play Baker's mother, while Peter Coyote stars as her victim. Michael Rooker will portray the sheriff who arrested her.

To read the full details on Lena Baker and her execution, click here.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

BERNIE MAC RETURNS TO FOX TO STAR IN ANOTHER FAMILY SITCOM.

About a month ago, I posted a blog entry announcing that former My Wife and Kids frontman and creator, Damon Wayans will return to ABC to star in another (unnamed) family sitcom starring himself. Now, it's been reported that Wayans fellow comedian colleague, Bernie Mac will also return to his old stomping grounds at FOX to do the same. Fox has won a fierce bidding war to acquire a new Bernie Mac sitcom that is reportedly one of the biggest – if not the biggest – comedy deals of the now-suspended development season. Tentatively titled Starting Under, the Warner Bros. TV project from Drew Carey Show creator Bruce Helford received a substantial series commitment from Fox, (believed to be an unheard-of seven episodes.)

According to Variety, the deal was hammered out late last Friday, making it the last major pilot pact before the writers strike began Monday. "I've been a huge Bernie Mac fan forever and felt we needed to bring that star back to TV," said Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly.

The multi-camera project will star Mac as a large, opinionated guy (not unlike himself in that respect) who winds up divorced and living with his introverted twentysomething son. What's more, he also winds up working for his son.

"Bruce constructed a really clean construction, a solid vehicle for Bernie," Reilly said. "And he doesn't have it all riding on Bernie's shoulder. There's a great twist of a father-son relationship there, too. I have to hand it to Bruce -- he nailed it." Reilly said he'd been chasing Mac for some time and even tried to get into business with the former Bernie Mac Show star earlier this season.

Mac's recent credits include the features Ocean's Thirteen, Transformers, Charlie's Angels and Pride. He spent five seasons as the star of Bernie Mac and is also well known for his standup career as one of the Original Kings of Comedy.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

KARRINE 'SUPERHEAD' STEFFANS ON LIL WAYNE, BOBBY BROWN & HER 3rd BOOK, THE VIXEN MANUAL.

We read what Darius McCrary had to say about Karrine's so-called relationship with Lil Wayne and Bobby Brown. Now, check out what Superhead revealed to Vibe magazine about these guys.

KARRINE ON HER FEELINGS FOR JA RULE, BOBBY BROWN AND LIL WAYNE:

--On Ja Rule: 'Seven years ago, he was the best. Now, it's like, Eh, no, not at all.'

--On Bobby Brown: 'That man is so disgusting. All those rumors about him and me are just disgusting rumors. I don't know whose couch he's on today, but it's not mine. Let that be a lesson to everybody--if you need a place to sleep at 4 o'clock in the morning because you're drunk, I'm going to give you a place on the couch. But I'm going to put your ass on the Internet for being a bum.'

--On Lil Wayne:'It was hard at first because I had to learn how to love him. He's not like any other guy. It's like he's from another planet. People ask me, 'What if Wayne calls today and proposes to you? Would you just dump the person who's been in your house and bonding with your kid?' You know what? Yeah. I would. If I had my choice, Wayne would be in my pool with my son playing fucking volleyball, but that's not the kind of person he is right now...but I'm willing to wait until he's ready. In the meantime he's like my best friend. I just love him, love him, love him, love him! Ugh, God, I can't believe he did this to me! Whatever ideas I had about my life, he totally blew them up.' And what about his other women? 'I really don't care. I trump all them hoes.' *Yeah, Karrine. You have learned sooooooooo very much since releasing your first book.*

MORE ON KARRINE'S DELUDED STATE OF MIND AFTER THE JUMP!

KARRINE STEFFANS ON HER UPCOMING PROJECTS (WHICH BY THE WAY, INCLUDES LIL WAYNE): 'In December I'm releasing the super-deluxe Lil Wayne edition of The Vixen Diaries audio book as an iTunes exclusive. It'll include the original version, and extra chapter or two from me, plus an extra chapter that Wayne is writing. And he's scoring the entire thing--like a mini-LP throughout the book.'

KARRINE ON HER THIRD BOOK, THE VIXEN MANUAL (WHICH IS MORE OF A GUIDE THAN A TELL-ALL): 'I want women to be more passionate about their sexuality. You've been taught for so long to be ashamed of it, you're afraid to be a whore with your husband. Let him get that butthole, girl. Don't be scared, or your husband's going to leave you for the next little slut-bucket that does.' *Whoa! How can she all anyone a slut-bucket?! She better stop playing!*

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

MAG SCANS & EXCERPTS: DARIUS McCRARY BLASTS, PRAISES THEN BLASTS KARRINE 'SUPERHEAD' STEFFANS AGAIN IN SISTER 2 SISTER MAG.

Darius McCrary's outlook on who Karrine really is as a person really baffles me. What's scary is the fact that after I read his interview, I couldn't decide who was more off their rocker: him or her. Dude contradicted himself so many times that I was thisclose to calling my doctor to check to see if I'd unknowingly been suffering from constipation of the brain. What I can't seem to understand is how can a woman, who you claim to be well-balanced, sexually accommodating as well as someone who can easily be turned from a whore to a housewife and is really a sweet, caring. can also be the same woman who you also claim to be is 'arrogant,' 'controlling,' 'conniving,' and 'cold hearted' and 'selfish.' Those are his words...not mine.

Come on, dude, I mean, really! Which is it? Check out the excerpts from Darius's Sister 2 Sister interview.

DARIUS ON THAT FALSE MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT: 'I was playing around with Karrine. It was serious. It was a videotape that we did and I had thrown an event for the ESPY's. Karrine and I were joking around on tape. And I did a little thing for Karrine's website. Giving her a foot massage...and this older lady came by and she said, 'oh my God!, you are so lucky.' And Karrine said, 'Lucky, this is my husband.' And that's how this whole marriage thing got blown out of proportion. That's where it started. Then she bought me a beautiful ring! Seriously, I mean a beautiful ring! I accepted the ring--and I never asked for that because I'm not a materialistic person. She bought it and so I was like, 'Alright, cool, thank you.' And we were wearing rings, and I one point, I really did think maybe his could be a cool situation. So we had talked about marriage, and we discussed it, but as far as us making an announcement, that wasn't the plan. I actually had been caught up in Karrine's web, and I'd been at her house for the past three months. I couldn't go back to Shakiri...'

DARIUS ON HOW THAT 'MARRIAGE' ANNOUNCEMENT RUINED/ENDED HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SHAKIRI HIGHTOWER: 'When my ex saw that, she was really, really pissed about it. She said it was embarrassing. Shakiri decided she couldn't deal with me--and Shakiri has two kids. What Shakiri was saying was, 'I can't have my kids looking up on the Internet and seeing you with Superhead.' And she was really not happy about it. I was like, 'Okay, give me a chance to straighten it out.' And she was like, 'I don't know.' And see this is the thing: Shakiri was married to Keyshawn Johnson. They were in a ridiculous child custody battle and that would've looked really bad on her. So we agreed, and I bowed out gracefully. We're still very good friends. And I really love Shakiri.'

DARIUS ON KARRINE'S CONTROLLING & CONNIVING WAYS: 'Karrine is a cool person. She's the kind of person you can sit up and talk to. Honestly, I think that's why a lot of dudes end up becoming her prey later on. Cause the minute you do something that she doesn't like, then your business is in the streets and then she's gonna put you on the Internet sleeping on her couch or she's gonna say some things. Karrine is like a child: When she don't get her way--and this is what I've seen firsthand--things get ugly. But I'm gonna tell you what I did, for real. I just fed her a bunch of bullshit.

Because her thing is, she can't have no man leaving her because it makes her look like she's not the 'video vixen' no more. And Karrine will do anything to keep her image. That was part of the reason why I decided to leave, because some of the things she said about me on the radio. There's a lot of things that I could say about Karrine that wouldn't make her look good. But I'm thinking about the type of person I am. And the way I was raised. The one thing I will say about Karrine that is negative that I can put out there--she admits to this--that she is a very controlling woman, and I can't be controlled. Karrine is the type of broad that, she don't want nobody telling her nothing. You almost have to kinda walk on eggshells when you're dealing with her, and I ain't no punk up in here!'

DARIUS ON KARRINE'S SELFISH WAYS: 'This is my problem with Karrine. Whenever I do something, I think about how it would affect her. She's not cognizant at all--when she says these things and does these things, like how is this gonna affect Darius? Her main thing is, 'I gotta sell books. I'mma deal with you right now because wow, you're more popular than I thought you were.' That's how she thinks. So its like one minute it's all about me and then the next minute it's Lil Wayne. And I will say this: She is really clever concerning the way she works the media.'

After the jump, find out what in-one-ear-and-out-the-other advice Bobby Brown gave to Darius that he didn't take heed to, as well as Darius' reasons as to why Karrine would make the perfect ho-turned-into-housewife and more.

DARIUS ON THE WARNING/ADVICE BOBBY BROWN GAVE TO HIM ABOUT KARRINE'S SHEISTY WAYS: 'Karrine and I, when we first started hanging out, Bobby pulled me to the side. We were at the George Clooney show. And Bobby pulled me to the side and he said, 'D, get away from that girl.' And seriously, it wasn't because Bobby was jealous 'cause Bobby has always been like a big brother to me. He was like, 'Dude, she gonna bit you, dude. And it's just a matter of time, dude.' You never know what's gonna come out of her mouth. There might be some things that you say in private, and she won't put you out there but she'll make light of it. For instance, she didn't realize how bad she hurt Bobby, putting that man on that couch like that on videotape. At the time the man was going through a divorce, a custody battle, he had financial issues, you know what I'm saying? That really hurt him.'

DARIUS ON WHY KARRINE CAN BE TRANSFORMED FROM A HO TO A HOUSEWIFE: 'Karrine's not a passive girl. She's a sweetheart. She is. But she's very aggressive when it comes to her business. So she's a balanced woman. And she keeps a clean house. She keeps an incredibly clean house. Everything is in order. Her son is very well-mannered. He's a really, really fine young man. Karrine is outside of all the bullshit that people hype up about the whole 'Superhead' thing. She really is a cool chick to kick it with. She can cook. A couple of nights I was out, and I'd come back. And when I came in dinner was waiting on me; she's seriously a homemaker. She's very accommodating. Whatever arouses a man, she'll figure it out. She'll find it and she'll master that. If you're into watching dirty movies, you can sit up and watch dirty movies with her. If you're gonna turn a ho into a housewife, that's the one to get.'



DARIUS ON KARRINE'S 'MEN ROSTER': 'She was messing around with Lil Wayne and a couple of other little miscellaneous dudes that really weren't important to me. When Karrine and I started kicking it, and we weren't even messing around, and she had this roster. And she'll attest to this: it's five dudes on a roster. She had one through five. The top two were the dudes she messed with the most; three, four and five only received text messages. And then I told her I ain't gonna be on the roster. I don't wanna see my name on that board. So then she was like, 'alright.' So what she did was, she wrote my name above one-two-three-four-five, and she was like, 'There's no one above you.' I was like, 'That's cute, but I don't want my name on no board.' So she erased the whole board. So she was trying to figure out how to ease her way out of those other situations. But in the meantime, she didn't care about my situation, you know? She didn't care about hurting Shakiri--nobody else's feelings.

And on the real, what I really saw was somebody who was used to being arrogant and coldhearted trying--or making the best attempt at being sincere.'

DARIUS ON HIS 'LOVE' FOR KARRINE: 'I was not in love with her. I was having a good time; I was having fun. We were friends having fun. I love her very much. But I love her in a different way. It's not a thing of like it's sappy, syrupy, lovey-dovey thing. She's an individual I care for very, very much. And she is the type of person who, like I said, you could marry; you could be with. My main thing with her is that she talks too much...I know if she talks as much to me as she has about other people's business, even if she didn't gossip, whenever she's in a relationship, if she's had 100 men, there are 100 men that know each other's business.'

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

KANYE WEST'S MOTHER DIES AT THE AGE OF 58 IN LOS ANGLES.

RealGossip 101 would like to extend condolences to rapper Kanye West and his family after the sudden and untimely death of his mother, Dr. Donda West. I first read about her passing around 4 or 5am this morning on a messageboard. At the time, the original poster posted vague details suggesting Mrs. West died after her body rejected medication she had taken after having a cosmetic plastic surgery (allegedly a tummy tuck and breast augmentation/implants) procedure done recently. Of course, with no story or link to back up his/her claim, we all dismissed it as another 'this story ain't funny one damn bit' hoax. That being said, I was truly surprised to learn that Kanye's mother did indeed pass away late last night in Los Angeles. She was 58-years-old. The official cause of death has yet to be released.

Now, everyone knows how close their mother-son relationship was. Some would even say Kanye (who was his mother's only child) is the founder and CEO of the 'Mama's Boy Club', respectively. I remember reading an excerpt from Kanye's interview in Essence magazine's Mother's Day 2006 issue. He said, 'I don’t want to offend all the other parents, but I’ll put you up against anybody else’s mom. I definitely have the best.” So, what really pulled at my heartstrings was the fact that Kanye had to hear of his mother untimely passing while he was in London. I'm pretty sure the flight to Los Angeles had to be one of the longest flights in his life...as well as the holiday season.

May she rest in peace.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Donda West, mother of Kanye West and former chairwoman of Chicago State University's English department, has died, a spokesman for the rapper said. She was 58. Donda West died Saturday night in Los Angeles, said the spokesman, who asked for anonymity because not all family members had been notified. "The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time of grief," the spokesman said. A cause of death has not been released. Donda West was known for the strong bond she shared with her son, by whose side she was often seen at parties and award shows. Kanye West, 30, often spoke of his close relationship with his mother, who raised him alone after her husband left when Kanye was 3. She was the inspiration for the song, "Hey Mama," on Kanye West's 2005 album Late Registration, in which he sings: "Hey Mama, I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I'm so proud of you ... I appreciate what you allowed for me. I just want you to be proud of me."

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

TLC's CHILLI DISCUSSES HER NEW BUSINESS VENTURE, 'BAGS BY CHILLI.' + IS THERE ANOTHER TLC REALITY SHOW IN THE WORKS?

Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas: She's a doting mommy, a dancer, an actress, a singer, one-third of the Grammy-award winning greatest female R&B group in history and she was listed on People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People list twice. Now the 'sexy' component of TLC can add 'business owner' and 'entrepreneur' to her career resume. Thomas has launched her own company, aptly titled Bags by Chilli! Inspired by her adorable son, Tron, Chilli's personalized photographic handbags affords customers the opportunity to showcase their loved ones, hobbies, artwork and their design skills!

Chilli talked to the folks at StyleChile about her new business endeavor and revealed how she came up with the idea as well as other types of items, including products for men which Bags by Chilli also offers.

StyleChile: How did you come up with the idea for Bags by Chilli?
Chilli: I was given bags with my son's pictures on them as a gift a few years back. I wanted more bags, with different pictures and in different sizes. Plus, people were ALWAYS asking me where I get my bag from and I got tired of not having an answer to give them. Finally I said, 'okay not having an answer is not cool--let me do this, let me do my own thing.'

StyleChile: What types of bags do you offer?
Chilli: We have everyday bags, lunch boxes, laptop bags, small hand bags for when you are on- the-go and large handbags (when you need to carry your whole life with you) and the list goes on and on.

StyleChile: What is your target market?
Chilli: We don't really target one group. We have a large collection, something for everybody INCLUDING MEN. We have a messenger bag and an awesome toiletry bag for men. A really cute backpack and small purses for young girls/teenagers. We have a beach bag for your cruise goers, a workout bag for your health enthusiasts, a baby bag for new mommies, lunch boxes for kids and so on. We really tried to be inclusive.

After the jump, read more of Chilli's interview with StyleChile, as well as info related to whispers regarding T-Boz and Chilli starring in another reality show which will allegedly focus on finding the right man for one of the remaining members of TLC.

StyleChile: What are your fashion influences?
Chilli: I am most impressed with custom made items, like the bags that I make and I also love shoes. One of my favorite shoe designers is Giuseppe Zanotti.

StyleChile: How do you manage to stay so fashionable?
Chilli: By watching (reality show hosts) Stacey (London) and Clinton (Kelly) on What Not To Wear.

StyleChile: What are your plans for Bags By Chilli in the future?
Chilli: We are going to expand our collection to offer a larger selection of shapes, materials, and design options. We are still in the development stage with those, but they are coming!!

StyleChile: Tell us how we can buy Bags by Chilli!
Chilli: You can visit Bags by Chilli to select the bags you want, different design options for each bag and directly upload your photo to us. Also, when you create an account you can start a wishlist so that you can give your family and friends ideas about what you would like for gifts. Christmas is right around the corner you know...

According to TLC's number one fan site on the 'Net, there has been vague details regarding a possible launch for a new reality show starring T-Boz and Chilli. A confirmation from a DJ at Launch Radio Networks says, 'It was me who talked about TLC and a reality show. It was on Launch Radio Networks prep sheet on Monday. I don't have a copy of the article anymore, and I have been Googling around for more details. All I really remember is that they were working on putting together a reality show. It had something to do with finding the "perfect man" for one of the girls in the band. I don't know who, though. Everything else I've found has been very vague too. Only that a reality-based television featuring TLC is in the works.'

Well, yall can take whatever I want from that info. But FYI, T-Boz has been dating NFL player Takeo Spikes for the past 2 years or so and we all know Lisa left us over 5 years ago...so...really, there no need to implement process of elimination.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

VIDEO CLIP OF NEWEST CELEB COUPLE: LAMMAN RUCKER & TOCCARA (FMR. A.N.T.M. CONTESTANT)?

For real, for real, Lamman?! (CLICK HERE TO READ MORE NEWS ON LAMMAN RUCKER ON BLACKCELEBRITYMEN.BLOGSPOT.COM!) I mean, really! Jesus!

FAMUDiva, I hope you're sitting down when you read this, girl. I want you to brace yourself, okay? For those of you who don't know, FAMUDiva is not only a loyal reader of RealGossip 101, but she's also a friend of mine. Therefore and thus and such, I hate to have to be the bearer of such bad news (in her case that is), but it looks like a new celebrity couple has been caught on-tape (purposely, I don't know) leaving an industry event a couple of weeks ago. One half of the couple happens to be the man of FAMUDiva's dreams...and then some, bless her heart. Before I continue on, can I just say that I'm more than content with the self-enforced dissolution of my crush on this man? Because if I weren't, I'd be madder than a rowdy rooster on its way to the slaughter house right about now! LOL! *SMH* God is so good. Yes, He is.

Anyhoo, here goes: As I was cruising through one of my most favorite and most popular messageboards on the net (LSA), I came across the following video clip (courtesy of BLACKARAZZI.COM) of Why Did I Get Married? star Lamman Rucker strolling hand in hand with former America's Next Top Model contestant Toccara Jones while leaving the American Black Film Festival (Lamman is really into stuff like that; dude is deep too, which is why I don't understand...well you know) kick-off party sponsored by BET Jazz (which also happens to be Lamman's favorite genre of music next to neo-soul...damn I sure do know a lot about him, huh? LOL! No thanks to his slack-ass PR team though...they need to get on their damn job! Yeah, I said that shit! I'll elaborate more on that later) about 2 weeks ago.

READ MORE AND WATCH THE HAND-IN-HAND VIDEO CLIP AFTER THE JUMP!

What's so ironic is the fact that FAMUDiva had just asked me (in the chatbox) for a Lamman Rucker update earlier this week and as hard as tried, I couldn't find anything on him: professionally or personally (not even from folks that I know who also know him personally). I'm also well aware that FAMUDiva isn't the only RG101 blog reader who supports/crushes on Lamman something proper-like! LOL! With that said, it would behoove yall's best interest to know that when I do come across any new info about him (especially regarding him and Toccara...that ol' heffah hussie! That snide remark was made to show support for FAMUDiva!), I will not hesitate to post it up. You all can also depend on me to expeditiously respond to and/or retract any contradicting info that maybe contained in this blog post. That's only fair, right? Yeah, whatever. As far as I'm concerned that video footage is all I need to confirm what I originally thought after watching it the fist time. Dude was holding her hand the exact same way he would hold mine in my dreams...before the dissolution of my crush on him, of course. BUT for all we know, he may have been just exuding his perfect gentleman on and just walking her to her car. I'm sure his parents didn't raise him to be rude and un-gentleman-like (that may not be a real word, but as far as I'm concerned, today it is), bless his heart.

However, let the records show that I ain't about to sit up here and: never in a million years would I have thought that someone with such an annoying ass voice--and I do mean annoying--like annoying as all heaven, hell and earth combined--would ever be spotted hand in hand with someone like Lamman. Again, yeah, I said it. That's real talk too. So, if anyone is offended by that aforementioned comment, oh, damn well. You have 3 choices: 1.) shut the hell up; 2.) sit the hell down, or; 3.) get the hell out because I ain't taking back anything that I have said in this post. You can trust and believe that! LOL! This is the same dude who once dated the dark-skinned chick in Trin-i-tee 5:7!

In the meantime and in between time, check out the short video clip of Black Hollywood's alleged newest celebrity couple. FAMUDiva, girl, call me if you need me. Just know that right about now it's okay if you wanna hate...but when all of this blows over I want you to turn your hateration into toleration. :) Besides, look at the bright side: at least he hasn't wifed her up yet! Oh, and since it would be deemed unsouthern of me not to do so, I'd like to say 'Kudos to Toccara' *while rolling my eyes...in a polite and courteous southerngurl sort of way though*

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!

NEW MAG SCANS: KEYSHIA COLE IN VIBE MAGAZINE + INTERVIEW EXCERPTS.

Unlike the blurb I wrote earlier this week about LisaRaye's interview in Monarch magazine, I've decided not to do the same regarding Keysia's interview in Vibe magazine, because after I read the complete article I realized she basically repeated what most folks already know about her (i.e. her love for Oakland; going through the pain of never knowing her father, being placed in a foster home because when her drug-addicted mama wasn't taking up residence at a random trap house, she was taking up residence in the big house--jail, the men who raped her sister Neffy, meeting Tupac right his death; auditioning for MC Hammer, her relationship with Young Jeezy which she still refuses to talk about; yada, yada, yada and whatnot). So instead, I'll just post a few excerpts from the article.

KEYSHIA COLE ON OBTAINING & MAINTAINING FINANCIAL SECURITY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY: When Keyshia claims that she's in the music business for the money, it's clear she really means for the security and steadiness. She's very conscious of her professional worth, and like a lot of people raised with next to nothing, ultra-conscious of what she has and where it is. Keyshia proudly proclaims without a bit of hesitation, 'I get $6,000 for a track, period. I get more than $50,000 for a show, so at this point in my life, I'm not hurting for money. It's like...what you gonna do? With your artistry? Are you gonna grow? As an entertainer? What you gonna do? I own my house. And we're going to stay doing this reality show--I own that. I own my car. And that's just from the first time around.'

KEYSHIA ON WHY SHE CHOSE TO PUT HER PERSONAL BUSINESS OUT IN THE OPEN VIA HER REALITY SHOW: I'm in this [business] because I care. I'm open with my life because people learn from that. And because I've been through a lot--it feels like...overcoming...because even though you didn't ask to be in this world, you gotta do something about it. I don't know how to be fake. What I feel like is what I feel like. I don't talk this way for nothing. I am who I am for a reason. My mother was a crack addict and I've been in a crackhouse, but all that created who's before you. Who am I to hide facts? People know now. Who I've become is who I want to be.'

MORE PICS & EXCERPTS OF KEYSHIA IN VIBE MAGAZINE AFTER THE JUMP!

KEYSHIA COLE ON MOVING HER FAMILY TO ATLANTA: 'When I first say the house, I was like, This is it right here. I didn't know if I could afford it, but I was like, 'I'm buying this house.' Keyshia says she's pleased with herself for having purchased the six-bedroom mini-mansion with a rehearsal studio. 'I'm being responsible. Investing, buying things I'm supposed to buy.' As for security, Keyshia admits, 'Don't trust police. We don't need help, we got guns in the house and they're registered. We got guns because it's all women in the house. Who knows what men are going to do?' When Keyshia voiced her plans on placing security bars on the windows of her suburban estate, she said 'one-time' (a.k.a. the police) looked at her like, 'Huh?'

KEYSHIA'S ON HER FAVORITE TRACK FROM HER NEW ALBUM: 'Got to Get My Heart Back.' Cole says, 'Everyone who has ever loved or lost love can understand where I'm coming from. Once you feel that pain, you're like, 'Damn man, I ain't going through that no more.'

SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS ON THE SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KEYSHIA & MARY J. BLIGE: Having worked with Mary J. at the beginning of her career, Combs voiced his thoughts on the ways Cole and Blige are alike--and different. 'Vocally, it's two different styles. Maybe because I worked with both of them so closely, I can see it, hear it. They have different approaches, and the textures of their voices is different. Mary's voice is definitely deeper than Keyshia's. But there's a similarity between them as far as...pain. Most vocalist can't really translate pain through their voices. And they both come from the hip hop generation. They both know how to ride beats like a rap artist.'

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REMEMBERING THE LATE GERALD LEVERT (7.13.1966-11.10.2006) ON THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH.

It seems like it was just yesterday when news broke of R&B singer Gerald Levert's untimely passing at the age of 40 of what coroners later ruled as accidental acute intoxication caused by a lethal combination of pills that included narcotics Vicodin, Percocet and Darvocet, the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and two non-description antihistamines, which likely stopped stopped his breathing.

However, today, November 10th, marks the one year anniversary of the death of the man who was affectionately referred to as 'The Teddy Bear.' I would also like to bestow comforting prayers to his family (especially his children) and close friends. And although it's been said that weeping may endure for a night, the pain and heartache of the sudden lost of a loved one can sometimes become a daily burden to bear. Lets pray that God will keep the Levert family strong and steadfast during this time. Hopefully, they were able to finally stop fighting over his estate and come to a series of agreeable terms as to how to distribute it evenly among his children.

Needless to say, Gerald will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. FYI, Gerald's last studio album entitled, In My Songs is in stores now.

Therefore and thus and such, to celebrate his life as well as the multitude of talent he unselfishly shared with millions of fans, particularly females, I have decided to post several videos (and a video tribute) of Gerald's greatest hits and most popular songs both as a solo artist and as a group member of Levert. Check them out below.

CASANOVA


IN MY SONGS (ONE OF MY FAVORITES!)


BABY HOLD ON TO ME


TRIBUTE TO GERALD LEVERT

AFTER THE JUMP YOU'LL FIND MORE VIDEOS OF GERALD PERFORMING WITH LSG, LEVERT AND HIS FATHER.

I'D GIVE ANYTHING


(POP, POP, POP, POP) GOES MY MIND (LEVERT)

WIND BENEATH MY WINGS by Gerald and his father, Eddie Levert


MY BODY (L.S.G.)


BABY HOLD ON TO ME (A tribute to Gerald from Johnny Gill, Eddie Levert and Keith Sweat at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.)

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CELEB CANDIDS: MARLON WAYANS W/HIS FAM IN NYC; NICOLE MURPHY GOES CLUBBING; VIVICA AT MIAMI BEACH

Vivica A. Fox was spotted sunning on the white beaches of Miami earlier this week.

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Boy, Marlon better be glad that my 12-year-old crush on him finally came to an end a couple of years ago or I would've been hating and e-mean mugging on his longtime girlfriend (who he doesn't intend on making wifey any time soon....I'll explain more about that later) something proper-like once I saw these pictures. That's real talk too, yall! LOL!

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Eddie's ex-wife, Nicole Murphy was snapped by photog's leaving Les Deux nightclub in Hollywood, California. Is her face difficult to look at or what? But she has a perfect figure though, right? So, anyone care to share with me how a woman who has given birth to five kids can still maintain a washboard stomach?

MORE PICS OF MARLON AND VIVICA AFTER THE JUMP!

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NEW PICS: LIL SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS AT MACY'S IN NEW YORK CITY (11.09.2007)

New young R&B artist Lil Mama signing autographs at the Akademiks shop at Macy's Herald Square in New York City on Friday. For those of you who have lil nieces, nephews, sons and daughters, Lil Mama will join Chris Brown, Bow Wow and Souljah Boy beginning next month.

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IN TODAY'S 'THIS NIGGAH, HERE!' EDITION: THE BIG GREAT APE A.K.A. 50 CENT, SAYS HE'S TOO FAMOUS TO DATE A 'NORMAL' PERSON.

I mean really, Magilla! For someone whose teeth resemble a row of white garage doors, he sure does bust his chops and flap those gorilla gums alot. Yeah, I said it!

Rapper 50 Cent blames his bachelor status on his celebrity status - because his fame makes it impossible to date a "normal" person. The hip-hop star has been linked to a string of beauties in the past, and was recently rumored to be dating Crunk&B star Ciara. But he admits his hectic lifestyle makes it difficult to have a proper relationship. He says, "I have a lot going on and it's tough. Let's say that I'd commit to someone who is 'normal' and has a 'normal' lifestyle. But I think they would feel neglected on some levels."

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn-bred rapper has said he will not go through with his threat to retire from rapping and/or the music industry after his Curtis album was outsold by Kanye West's latest album, Graduation. The In Da Club star promised he would 'no longer write music' and step down as rapper if West's Graduation beat his Curtis disc to the top of the Billboard charts -which it did in September (07).

But 50 - real name Curtis Jackson - has reneged on his promise to retire, and instead has vowed to continue battling for chart dominance, claiming it is 'impossible' for rappers to quit. He says, "I don't know if it's possible for a rapper to retire, rappers are like fighters. They condition themselves to be the best. All rappers think they are the best. And they are just waiting for everyone else to recognize they are the best. You'll see them come back and come back."

Yeah, yeah, niggah, whatever.

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