NEW CELEB CANDIDS: KIMORA & DJIMON HAVING LUNCH IN BEVERLY HILLS (2.18.2008)

Kimora Lee Simmons and her boyfriend Djimon Hounsou were spotted together while having lunch in Beverly Hills on Monday afternoon (February 18, 2008).

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BRANDY ON BEING A MOMMY: 'IT'S SO MUCH FUN!' & WORKING ON A NEW ALBUM: 'IT WILL BE ONE OF MY BEST ALBUMS YET.'

Brandy tells OK! magazine she enjoys being a mommy to her 5-year-old daughter, Sy'rai from her first 'spiritual' (and invalid) marriage to music producer Robert Smith. “It’s great,” the 29-year-old singer/actress says. “It’s so much fun. I’m learning so much about myself and her. Patience." Brandy says Sy'rai spends much of her time reading...or at least trying to learn. “She's learning how to read because she’s in kindergarten. She wants to read everything. She thinks she can read everything.” Bless her heart.

In related news, Brandy is currently in the studio recording a new album which she says will be “one of my best albums yet.” The untitled album will be released this summer. In the meantime and in between time, all of you B-Rock fans, don't fret. When Tyler Perry's Meet the Brown's movie soundtrack hit the record stores on March 18th, you all can expect to hear a brand new track from Brandy on it entitled Dig This. No word on if Dig This will appear on Brandy's new LP.

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FLAV'S ENGAGED?! SAY IT ISN'T SO!; 3rd SEASON TO HAVE A 'HAPPY ENDING.' + A RANDOM PIC OF DEELISHIS W/FLAV'S SISTERS.

Not that we really care about the following story due to the fact that Flavor Flav is old as hell (he'll be 50-years-old next month) and indisputably uglier than the law should allow, but word around the web is that although the former hype man is currently filming the third installment of VH1's top-rated reality show, Flavor of Love, in a quest to find 'true love', the alleged realness of it all is that he's reportedly (and) presently engaged to a woman outside of the contest who's carrying his baby. I guess the it's true what they say: Beauty is only a light switch away, but in this case, I just can't believe it. I really can't. "Right after season two wrapped Flav got yet another woman pregnant," a spy explained to the New York Post's Page Six. "He decided he was in love with her and they got engaged. He has a fiancée he's in love with and doesn't want to cheat on, but he'd already cashed his check that VH1 gave him for season three - and the show resurrected his career," the spy continued. "He was dead broke before, so he's doing it for his family." A rep for VH1 said, "Flav is not engaged. It's true he's on his eighth child but, as he's said in the past, he'd like 10. So there's two more to go."

Flav was conveniently dumped by his season-one winner Hoopz, while season-two champ Deelishis never even got a phone call from the Public Enemy rapper after the final reunion show. "I would have to say this (third) season has a very happy ending," executive producer Mark Cronin says. "You can't predict the future of a relationship, but this is the best choice of anybody he's ever made." Flav disagrees with complaints that the show disrespects women and plays up racial stereotypes. "You'll never see Flavor Flav disrespect women," he says. "To take a group of girls who grew up so different and put them in a house together for the first time, you're going to get conflict. It's not me making them do it. I ain't Flav Springer."

Poor Deelishis. In some strange and unbelievable way, she actually thought she was going to be the next Mrs. Flavor Flav. So much so that she formed a tight relationship with Flav's family, including his two sisters. And if you thought Cinderella's step-sisters were ugly as hell, you ain't seen nothing yet.

PEEP THE PIC AFTER THE JUMP. AND IN DEELISHIS' WORDS, 'PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL, BECAUSE BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP.'

Deelishis and her would-be-sister-in-laws at Flav's Comedy Central Roast.


Deelishis and Flav's mother, Mrs. Drayton at her son's Comedy Central Roast.

STOP LAUGHING, KAMIKA! LOL!

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REAL OR RUMOR: KIMORA GAVE RUSSELL'S GIRLFRIEND THE ICE QUEEN TREATMENT @ BABY PHAT SHOW.

According to Page Six, Kimora Lee Simmons is being frosty toward her ex-husband's girlfriend Porschla Coleman. Kimora reportedly refused to allow Coleman to attend her Baby Phat show during New York's Fashion Week "because she doesn't want Porschla to be photographed with her children." Russell is said to be annoyed, as he "holds no animosity toward Kimora or her boyfriend, Djimon Hounsou."

Well, I'm going to have to consider this little tidbit as a rumor. Both couples were featured in Ebony (Feb. 2008) magazine's 10 Hottest Celebrity Couples issue where Russell talked about his true feelings for his Hounsou as well as Coleman's relationship with his two daughters.

'My children adore her. Porschla tells these long stories. I can leave the room and come back three hours later, and she's still telling the same story. They warmed up to her immediately." And that, says Simmons, likely gives Kimora a measure of comfort, similar to the comfort he has with Kimora's handsome new beau. 'I'm sure that's very important to Kimora. I have the same feeling about Djimon. The girls love Djimon, which is inspiring to me. I don't think we could have found a better person than Djimon. He's such a sweet guy. I've said that from the beginning. The more I know him, I've come to believe that he's a great inspiration for Kimora, and he has a very grounding effect on her. Most important, the children love him. That's key, the way my kids should feel.'

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When their various schedules permit, the two couples sometime travel to the same locales. While in Miami recently, Coleman and Simmons stayed at the Delano Hotel, while Kimora, sans Djimon, stayed next door at the Ritz Carlton--all for the convenience of the children.

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'THE THINGS CELEBS SAY': RIHANNA: 'I HAVE THREE GIRLFRIENDS AND ABOUT 20 GUY FRIENDS.'

"I have three girlfriends and about 20 guy friends. I love listening to guy talk because I learn a lot. Here's the key - you can't lower your standards for a guy because he won't respect you and he'll tell his friends. You always have to stick up for yourself and speak your mind."

--Grammy award-winner Rihanna on why she believes (her) male friends are more loyal than women and why she prefers talking to her two brothers about dating and her problems with me.

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R&B SINGER TANK GETS TASED & ARRESTED IN 'NAWLINS; SCREAMS POLICE BRUTALITY.

R&B singer Tank was tased and arrested outside the House of Blues in New Orleans early Monday morning (February 18) on several charges including disorderly conduct. However, Tank claims he was a victim of police brutality. The singer and Ira Dewitt, the CEO of Notifi Music Group, were headed for an afterparty for NBA All-Star Weekend at the House of Blues. When they began to walk into the direction of the club, they were blocked from doing so by cops, due to a shooting in the area. According to an eyewitness account by Ira, the police were rude, harassing both Tank and herself, before telling them they could not enter the area. In response, Tank told the policemen, "Why are you gonna be like that?" before walking away. Soon after, three policemen allegedly attacked the R&B singer and began using their tasers on him. "We started walking away," Ira said, "but they grabbed Tank and threw him against the wall. [The cops] bent one of his arms up and the other arm back and asked him to do something. Tank told them that he couldn't and before you knew it, there were three cops all over him... and they tased him."

Tank was arrested and booked, and was reportedly released on bail Monday.

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One source told BallerStatus.com that several police officers were actually overheard making sexual comments about the woman after Tank was in custody. However, Julia Beverly, founder of Ozone magazine (and owner of the above photo of Tank in custody), added that "overall the police in New Orleans this weekend (in my experience) did a good job of keeping things safe without being overbearing."

The singer was coming off his first two Grammy nominations -- for Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B album for Sex, Love & Pain. While he did not win, he was excited about the nominations beforehand.

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T.I. USES HIS HOUSE ARREST TIME TO DESIGN NEW T-SHIRTS FOR PLAYBOY.

Even while on house arrest on several felony gun charges, T.I. has taken it upon himself to use his extra time wisely...as if he had a choice. Anyway, according to Allhiphop.com, Atlanta-based rapper T.I. has designed a custom line of T-Shirts for Playboy. The rapper is one of twenty musicians participating in the second annual Rock the Rabbit Program. Each artist placed their own personal design around Playboy’s famous Rabbit Head. T.I.‘s limited edition Rock the Rabbit custom designed line will be available at select Bloomingdales nationwide, as well as at www.rocktherabbit.com. Additionally the original prototype for each T-shirt will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Rock the Vote.

In related news, T.I. is working on his new album, Paper Trail. "I want to spend more time working on my lyrics," T.I. said. "Not just get up there and flow, which I can do and have done well, but to put in the time on the writing, each lyric, raise my game."
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RAPPER TRINA TO LAUNCH HER 'PINK DIAMOND COUTURE' CLOTHING COLLECTION THIS SPRING.

Trina's getting her hustle on something proper-like. Aside from her music projects, the rapper has also released two 'Diamond Princess' perfume collections and founded the Diamond Doll Foundation, a non-profit organization created to enlightened, empower and educate young women in the inner city of Miami, Florida and neighboring counties. And now the Miami-based rapper, real name Katrina Taylor, is gearing up to follow in the footsteps of the many, many, many celebrities who have come before her, by launching her very own clothing line, tentatively called the Pink Diamond Couture clothing collection. Peep the press release below.

Trina, hip hops ultra sexy diva has done it again! Trina may be known for being Hip Hop’s ‘Baddest Chick,’ but the Slip-N-Slide recording artist’s got enough style and heart to catapult herself into icon status. When it comes to fashion and style Trina has always been a trend setter. With her unique style and an appreciation of what women want, Trina will debut her Pink Diamond Couture clothing line for Spring 2008. Her high quality jeans are emblazoned with her signature logo on the back pockets. Imagine jeans with details such as leather, python and crystals. To add a personal touch to her line the collection comes with a Tattoo that is uniquely Trina’s. No detail is overlooked in the fabric, as well as design. The fit and styling are a sexy new look in the world of fashion. “I have always imagined a clothing line that was high quality that I could offer to my fans. I love the way the jeans fit and feel. I spent a lot of time creating special details that are fresh and unique. The best part they look really expensive but are priced right.”

CONTINUE READING THIS PRESS RELEASE FOR MORE DETAILS BY CLICKING, 'READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!' ON THE BOTTOM LEFT + VIEW PHOTOS OF TRINA IN SMOOTH MAGAZINE.

The “Pink Diamond Couture by Trina” clothing line will launch Nationwide this Spring 2008. Her line will consist of Jeans, tops, T’s, Velour Sets and jackets all with Trina’s signature logo and unique design. Trina has certainly evolved as a business woman. To her credit she has her Diamond Princess and Diamond Doll fragrance collections and now she has moved in to the clothing business. For further information on her collections or a store near you log on to www.ShopTrina.com.

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MYA LANDS A GIG! SINGER TO MAKE HER BROADWAY DEBUT IN 'CHICAGO.'

First there was Vanessa Williams, Toni Braxton, Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams, Usher, Fantasia and now comes Mya. This spring the R&B singer will make her Broadway debut in the long-running revival of Chicago, according to producers. The sexy songstress will lend her vocal talents to the role of Velma Kelly, the cohort of Roxie Hart, played currently by stage veteran Bianca Marroquin. "It's something I always wanted to do; sing, dance, act and tell a story," Mya tells the Associated Press. "It's probably the ultimate complete dream for me." Mya is reportedly going through a strenuous workout plan, which includes cardio, muscle strengthening, and stretching to get ready for her new part. "I have gone through all the material with the show's musical director and everything is suited for my key," she said. "We don't have to do any transposing. It's perfect."

Mya, who also had a small role in the 2002 film adaptation of Chicago, says she has seen the stage show more than a half-dozen times in the last couple of years. Her nine week Broadway run at the Ambassador Theatre begins May 12 and ends July 13.

Now if Christina Milian could just snag a real gig instead of popping up on everyone's red carpet event, she'd be good to go.
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MAG SCANS/MAG EXCERPTS: JACKI-O IN URBAN INK MAGAZINE; RAPPER TALKS BODY ART & COMPARISONS TO JACKIE KENNEDY ONASSIS.

Jacki-O's mug covers the newest issue of Urban Ink magazine, the only tattoo mag for people of color. In her cover story, the raunchy Miami rapper discusses her body art, of course, and how they reflect her a different side of her personality. The most prominent tattoos the rapper sports is the three-quarter 'sleeve' that covers of her left arm, the intricate design across her waist and abdomen, he angel on her left shoulder and the cherub that sits above her left breast. Jacki-O, real name Angela Kobu, also explains why she chose to lift the name of one of, if not the only classiest, most respected (and respectful) and most sophisticated first lady in American history, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, a.k.a. Jackie-O, as her stage name. Having chosen the name of the wife of John F. Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis, Jacki-O understood that, on some level--whatever level that maybe--she would be forever linked and compared to the former first lady. Therefore and thus and such, her so-called comparisons to the original Jackie O. will definitely have you thinking, 'This girl ain't a trip, she's a journey! What the hell was she thinking?!'

JACKI-O ON HER BIBLICAL-THEMED TATTOOS & WHY SHE VIEWS HER BODY ART AS AN EXTENSION OF FEMALE EMPOWERMENT: "All of my tattoos are related to biblical beings, so I stay in the same theme. They are either angels, birds or stars. I have an image of Mary Magdalene in my sleeve too. I choose to go with this theme because I love cherubs and Godlike beings. I think women are sexy with tattoos because it's almost as if we shouldn't have them. They're supposed to be a 'macho' thing. But once a woman gets a tattoo it reveals her naughty side, and naughty is sexy. I've never been concerned about what people say about me (having tattoos). This is me. Besides, if they had as much guts as I have, they would have tattoos too. My tattoos are an expression of how I feel. I'm going to complete the coloring and shading on my sleeve and then who knows? I love ink! Tattoos have been around for a very long time and have become a way of life for some. They should be worn on someone that can carry the look. I believe you've got to have confidence and be fearless. Whether you rock your tats with jeans and t-shirts or a Giorgio Armani cocktail dress, you should always wear them with an attitude."

CLICK PICS TO SEE ITS FULL IMAGE.

Jacki-O's wearing: black two-piece bikini and gold bikini by Apple Bottoms; jewelry by AlltheRageOnline.com; black leather glove by LaCrosia. The gold one-piece swimwear, gold clutch and Navy shoes provided by Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons; jewelry by AlltheRageOnline.com; gold glove by LaCrosia. Fusia bra & custom made belt by Lexx Perry; jeans by Joes Shoes.

AFTER THE JUMP, SEE MORE PICS, READ JACKI-O'S COMPARISONS TO THE ORIGINAL JACKIE-O & FIND OUT WHAT PROJECTS JACKI-O IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON, AS WELL AS PROJECTS SHE HAS IN STORE FOR THE NEAR FUTURE.

JACKI-O ON HER COMPARISONS TO FORMER FIRST LADY, JACKIE KENNEDY ONASSIS: "Mrs. Onassis was a well-dressed socialite that was married to the President, and I'm probably the opposite of that. However, it's what both she and I represent that is why I chose the name. She represented strength and beauty as well as dedication to her family. Those very same things are what I hope to represent as well. We may not share the same ethnicity nor do we have the same backgrounds, both we're both women of power." Yeah, Jacki-boo, and then you woke the hell up. She and that LisaRaye....

JACKI-O ON HER FUTURE PROJECTS: "I am currently working on a movie script. I 'm also recording tracks for my nex project and keeping in shape. I've also been bettering myself as an individual-realizing my capabilities. So there's no limit to what I will do next. I've been approached with many options, but I'm being very patient. I want to make sure the next move is the right move."

Jacki-O has added author to her blossoming resume. The rapper has released her first book, a work of street/urban fiction called Grown & Gangsta which was released through Corey 'C-Murder' Miller's TRU Publishing last week (Feb. 15, 2008). Jacki-O's debut novel also happens to be the first release on Miller's publishing entity. Grown & Sexy tells the story of six friends-- Monique, Tatiana, Inch, Malcolm, Quentin and Iz -- all of whom support each other through trying times on the streets and in their personal lives.

To read an excerpt and a more detailed synopsis of the book, click here: TruPublishing.com.

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RANDOM CELEB PIC: GUESS WHO THIS PLATINUM BEAUTY IS!

GUESS WHO DIS IS RIGHT HERE?

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF HINTS:
1. Although the woman in the picture heavily favors the person you probably think it is...well, it ain't her!

2. She's a former model-turned-actress whose well known in the media and fashion industry, married to a successful and rich Black man and considers herself supreme royalty.

FIND OUT WHO THIS FAMILIAR FACE BELONGS TO BY CLICKING 'READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT.

No, Kimora Lee Simmons doesn't have an identical twin sister...thank God for that. I don't think we could deal with 2 versions of her! LOL! The platinum-blonde, golden-tanned beauty in the above picture is none other than the First Lady of Turks and Caicos, LisaRaye McCoy-Misick. A spitting image of fashion icon, Kimora Lee Simmons (at least in this photo), McCoy-Misick's longtime stylist photographed the self-acclaimed epitome of Princess Grace Kelly a few winters ago on the beautiful white sand beaches of Turks & Caicos Islands.

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THE CW OFFICIALLY CANCELS 'GIRLFRIENDS' BUT WILL GIVE SHOW A 'PROPER SENDOFF.'

Fans who wanted to see the return of favorite, Toni Childs Garrett (played by actress Jill Marie Jones) will never get that chance. Yes, it saddens me too. After opting to cancel its long-running sitcom Girlfriends and scrapping production on the remaining 9 shows of its scheduled 22 this year, the CW brass and Girlfriends creator Mara Brock Akil are reportedly considering giving the show "a proper sendoff" by airing a special Girlfriends retrospective episode paying tribute to the show's history. Last Monday night's two new episodes marked the end of the road for Girlfriends. Hours earlier, the CW told writers that the show would not return for a ninth season. Girlfriends star Tracee Ellis Ross also made her directorial debut on the 9:30 p.m. episode, which ended up being the series swan song. Girlfriends has quietly made a mark as the longest-running live-action comedy currently on network TV.

"Although it's always difficult to say goodbye, I choose to focus my energy on the history that Girlfriends has made, the human stories that we told, the beautifully complex images that we projected and the blessings 172 episodes bestowed on us, both personally and professionally," Girlfriends' creator and executive producer, Akil, said in a statement Thursday. "I am immensely thankful to the amazingly talented cast, writers, directors, staff and crew for their endless dedication and hard work for eight seasons, to the network that always wanted us and the studio that always supported us," said Akil. "But mostly to the audience, especially African-American women, who took the time to tune into us every Monday night at nine to have a dialogue with us and who have been our partner in this journey."

AFTER THE JUMP, READ THE FATE OF THE CW'S OTHER TWO TOP BLACK SITCOMS, 'EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS' AND 'THE GAME.'

As for the fate of the CW's other top black comedies, Everybody Hates Chris has wrapped production of a 22-episode season before the writer's strike kicked in. And the network is looking to crank out eight or nine more episodes of The Game.

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RIHANNA CELEBRATES HER 20th BIRTHDAY WITH FRIENDS, FUN & A FOOD FIGHT.

Rihanna celebrated her 20th birthday last Tuesday night with a birhday bash at Les Deux in Hollywood among celebrity friends--such as Kanye West, Wilmer Valderrama and Chris Brown--and a cupcake fight. The Umbrella singer - who doesn't turn 20 until next Wednesday (20.02.08) - was partying with friends when the food fight began took place. According to several reports, West and Valderrama were among the guests who began pelting people with cupcakes. "There was frosting all over Rihanna's face and the group was hysterically laughing to the point of almost tears," a witness told People magazine.

Brown, who is rumored to be dating Rihanna, was later given a standing ovation after he sang her an acapella version of Happy Birthday. Despite Chris insisting he and Rihanna are "just friends", onlookers at the exclusive club said the pair were "cuddling and acting very cozy all night".

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IN TODAY'S 'THIS NIGGAH, HERE' NEWS: DIDDY SAYS HIS ASSAULT VICTIM'S JAW 'RAN INTO MY STATIONARY OPEN HAND.'

Have you ever read something that some celeb has said that was so outrageous, outlandish and unbelievable, it made you wanna just throw your hands up in frustration and exclaim to anyone within earshot and yell out, 'This niggah, here!' Well, that's what I did when I came across the following article.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has defended himself against accusations he assaulted a man at a post-Oscars party last year (2007) - by insisting the alleged victim ran into his "stationary open hand". The rap mogul stands accused of punching Gerard Rechnitzer in the jaw after the 27-year-old objected to Combs' attempts to woo his fiancee at a Roosevelt Hotel party in Hollywood in February 2007.

Last month (Jan '08), four people came forward with eyewitness accounts backing Rechnitzer's claims. But in legal papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Combs argues that all he did was try to protect himself from Rechnitzer, who is seeking unspecified damages in a lawsuit filed in March 2007. Combs' documents, obtained by website TMZ.com, read: "(Rechnitzer) continued moving toward me and, without warning, lunged at me. "Instinctively, I outstretched one of my hands, which hand was not closed-fisted (sic), to shield myself... "Any contact between Mr. Rechnitzer and myself was caused by his forward motion against my stationary open hand."

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IN TODAY'S 'T.M.I.' (TOO MUCH INFORMATION) FILES: 'MY SEX LIFE IS BETTER SINCE TURNING 40.'

Actress Mo'Nique loved turning 40 - because the older she is, the better her sex life gets. The larger-than-life star hit the landmark age in December (07), and she is already reaping the benefits. She explains her midlife joy: "I'm experiencing something so different and liberating. Everybody says 40 is the new 20. But I don't want it to be the new 20. Everything is so better now. At 20, sexually, you don't know what you're doing. You look for it, you find it, you lose it a few times."

Blech!

The actress currently stars alongside Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer and Nicole Ari Parker in the hilarious comedy, Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins, in theaters now.
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