NEW PICS OF A VERY PREGNANT JILL SCOTT.

I've almost forgotten how to blog! It took me nearly 30 minutes to post this one blog entry! LOL! Happy Belated Holidays to everyone! Anyhoo.

I know I'm late in posting this, but I still wanted to dole out a big 'congratulations' to singer/actress Jill Scott, 36, who is expecting her first child in April with her fiance/drummer boy Jon Roberts. Of her pregnancy, Jill says, The first trimester I spent in Botswana (filming her movie The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency). That was one of the biggest challenges of my life. First trimester! You're sick every morning. It was seven hours time difference, the heat, the bugs, the 14 hour days. My doctors gave me a clean bill of health and said you can do this (continue working), so I did it."

Although this will be Jill's first child with Jon, word around the web is that he has at least 3 or 4 children with several different women. It it what it is. The couple, who announced their engagement last June, has not announced any plans of a wedding.
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JILL SCOTT FINALLY CONFIRMS HER ENGAGEMENT TO DRUMMER LIL JOHN ROBERTS.

"Yes, I am engaged. And there's a wedding to be planned. Life is really good for me now, and we are enjoying each other. No there isn't a date set yet. We can't. He's out rehearsing for the tour with Janet [Jackson]... But I'd do it tomorrow if I could. And I know he would, but you know, we want a wedding. I never had one. He's never had one. And we want to be around family and friends and really do it — because this is it! I mean, right now, I'm glowing. John's such a good guy....And you know there's been a little bit of an issue with the media saying, you know, 'Jill jumped up and is marrying this drummer.' This is a master percussionist we're talking about here. I'm talking, at 15 years old he was playing with Wynton Marsalis. It's not healthy, not nice, for your mate to be diminished. He's an incredible musician. An incredible man." [John's proposal] "You know, I have to keep some things for us ... But I will say he did it splendidly!"

Jill Scott finally confirms her engagement to her drummer boyfriend, Lil John Roberts. Yall don't reckon Lamman is a little bit hurt or jealous over this news? LOL! Just kidding. Anyhoo, since Lil John is an Atlanta native and residence, Jill says there's a strong possibility that she will my the ATL her permanent home:

"Obviously I'm spending a lot more time here ... In fact, I just did a song with Bone Crusher a couple of weeks ago; which I just loved! John knows so many good people. So yeah, there is a possibility I could make Atlanta home. It's definitely been in the discussion. ... We haven't set anything in stone; but we definitely want to have a place, after our honeymoon, where can go home — together."


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JILL SCOTT TO MARRY HER MR. 'CROWN ROYAL ON ICE.'

Congratulations are in order for R&B singer/actress Jill Scott. According to ParlourMagazine.com, the songstress is preparing for marriage number two after announcing her engagement to Jon Roberts, the drummer in her band. According to Parlour, Scott had performed several encore songs when Roberts presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a kiss. he told the crowd about their engagement and was met with wild cheers and applause. Afterward, she gave the audience another encore. This time last year, Scott was in the midst of divorce proceedings with her husband of five years, Lyzel Williams, a DJ and graphic artist. They dated for seven years before exchanging vows in the fall of 2001 in Hawaii. Williams was the source of inspiration for many of Scott’s songs, including He Loves Me.

I told yall back in February that Jill had began dating Roberts who she dubbed as her Mr. 'Crown Royal On Ice' at her 2008 Valentine's Day concert in Universal City, California. According to several fans who attended the show, Scott acknowledged her Drummer Boy as her 'Valentine' by giving him a gift and a big kiss on the lips. He in return, gave her a 'loving wink' after they kissed.

Congratulations again to Jill!

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JILL SCOTT NEWS: SINGER NOMINATED FOR BET AWARD; SCHEDULED TO PERFORM DURING AL GREEN TRIBUTE; LAUNCHES NEW BRA LINE IN HARLEM.

I meant to post this weeks ago, but forgot to. My bad. Thanks Mina for reminding me! Anywhoo, Jill Scott has been nominated for a B.E.T. Award in for Best Actress for her role as 'Sheila' in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? Other nominees in that category include: Scott's WDIGM? co-star Janet Jackson, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Queen Latifah and Chandra Wilson. The singer, who has made plans to relocate to Los Angeles from her hometown of Philadelphia, will also perform a tribute to the legendary Al Green during the 8th Annual B.E.T. Awards ceremony which will air live on the network at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 from The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

In related news, Scott and trend setting clothing brand Ashely Steward for plus-size women recently kicked off their The Made to Uplift Tour in Harlem, New York to launch and promote Scott's inspired Butterfly Bra Collection which is specifically designed to provide true comfort and support to full-figured women, without taking away how a woman should feel in her bra: SEXY.

Below, you'll find photos from the event which was held at the Ashley Stewart store in Harlem. Actress/author/comedieene Kim Coles made an appearance.

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NEW PICS: LAMMAN RUCKER IN 'BLACK HOLLYWOOD NEWS' MAGAZINE: 'I DON'T CONSIDER MYSELF A SEX SYMBOL, BUT I'LL TAKE THE COMPLIMENT.'

I know you will. Ladies, this is my last post until later on this evening. So what better way to end my morning (I've been up for over 24 hours straight as of this posting and I am tired with a capital "T") than with magazine excerpts and screen-saving worthy scans of Lamman Rucker in Black Hollywood News magazine's May issue? Yes, sir. In his cover story, Rucker discussed just how serious he takes his acting career, his status as Hollywood's (and beyond) newest sex symbol, why he wants everyone to know that there is more to him than 6'4 inches of pure, unadulterated, hardbodied...(ahem) masculine good looks...that there is more to him than meets the eye and whatnot. And for the umpteenth time, Lamman talks about his feelings for the beautiful Jill Scott.

LAMMAN ON THE CHALLENGES OF LANDING DIVERSE ROLES AS A BLACK ACTOR AND BEING TYPECAST: "It could go either way as a white actor. I think my challenge has been my look. Most of the actors you see look like little boys and girls. My look in my everyday life does not translate in my professional life. I don't meet the industry standards look. But, I also think at the same time, that has been my niche because you're not seeing as many African-Americans that look like me....No one likes to be typecast, but I like to believe that the attention I get is for my acting. At the end of the day, I can't complain." Bless his humble heart! Mama and Papa Rucker must be so proud! So, just check out the pictures of Mr. Rucker below and yall have a yourselves a Happy Monday!

PHOTOS BY JOHN HARTIGAN
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE NEWS ON LAMMAN RUCKER ON BLACKCELEBRITYMEN.BLOGSPOT.COM!)

And to read details on Lamman's next movie, Incomplete, that he starts filming tomorrow, check out the Willie Macc's post somewhere on this page. Also, Lamman is still touring with the stage play Webeime which translates as We, Be I, Me where he plays one of eight black men encompassing the experience of one man on death row.

FIND OUT WHAT'S UP WITH LAMMAN'S ADORATION FOR JILL SCOTT AFTER THE JUMP!

As for his relationship with Scott, well, upon entering the studio to conduct his interview, Rucker hightailed his ass to a stereo, popped in Jill's latest Grammy-award winning album The Real Thing: Words And Sounds Vol. 3 and pressed repeat on the song, My Love, 4 times throughout his interview...while singing the lyrics! When asked by the interviewer about whether or not he's dating Scott, Rucker laughed, blushed and then replied, 'You know the answer to that!' Finally, when Lamman refused to answer the other Jill questions with a simply 'yes' or 'no' answer, the interviewer drew up his or her own conclusion as a 'no.' Well, I damn sure don't know and right about now, I'm too damn tired to even begin to even think about...you know what? I can't even think no more.

For more info on what's supposedly the really real on Jilly Jill's alleged other man, click HERE

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE NEWS ON LAMMAN RUCKER ON BLACKCELEBRITYMEN.BLOGSPOT.COM!)

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PATTI LABELLE TO HONORED AT THE 'ESSENCE ICONS CELEBRATE PATTI LABELLE' DURING THE 2008 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL.

The 2008 Essence Music Festival will host an all-star tribute concert to celebrate the legacy of R&B veteran Patti LaBelle. Essence Icons Celebrate Patti LaBelle, to be held Saturday, July 5, will include the original members of LaBelle (Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx), as well as Angie Stone, Chrisette Michele, Irma Thomas, Ledisi, Ruby Amanfu and others. “It is an honor for us to have Ms. Patti LaBelle, a living legend, grace our stage during the 2008 Essence Music Festival,” says Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc. “This will be a very special performance in the history of the Essence Music Festival as the original members of LaBelle, Angie Stone, Chrisette Michele, Ledisi and more come together for a stellar celebration of a voice that is timeless.” Previously announced Essence Music Festival performers throughout the July 4th weekend include Rihanna, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Keyshia Cole, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Morris Day and The Time and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

Tickets for the evening concerts are on sale at ticketmaster.com or (800) 488-5252. To find performance dates for your favorite artists, hotel accommodations, ticket prices, weekly promotions and volunteer opportunities for the 2008 Essence Music Festival, CLICK ON THE REAL GOSSIP 101 CUSTOMIZED ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL BANNER LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE for more information.
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NEW PICS: JILL SCOTT AND GABRIELLE UNION POSE NUDE IN ALLURE MAGAZINE'S NUDE ISSUE (MAY 2008).

Last January, I told you all that Jill would be posing nude in Allure magazine's May 2008 issue The purpose of the photo spread is to celebrate various shapes of the female body. "Here I am, naked in a magazine at size 16 ... We are all beautiful, each and every one of us. I don’t think that I am a particularly big girl, clearly I am not a small girl, but I think I am an average-sized American woman. I have been blessed with family and friends who appreciate all sides of me. My nude photo shoot for Allure, was so empowering and after it was all done, I was congratulated by staff members of Allure for breaking the mold,” said Scott.

Gabrielle Union and Scott are among the five celebrities chosen by Allure magazine to go completely naked for a pictorial. Actress Angie Harmon, also featured in the pictorial, reaffirms that the photos are not about selling sex. "It's about showing the female body in a positive, beautiful way," she says.

Celebrities featured in past nude issues of Allure magazine include: rapper Eve, Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas of TLC, Aisha Tyler, Kelly Rowland, Serena Williams
Pics courtesy of URBAN-HOOPLA
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LAMMAN RUCKER IN ESSENCE MAG; ACTOR DISCUSSES JILL SCOTT, TOCCARA, UPCOMING MOVIE PROJECTS, WHAT HE LOOKS FOR IN A WOMAN & MORE.

It's about time! I don't know how long I have waited for at least one publication to do an in-depth feature story (even if it is in basic Q&A form) on Real Gossip 101's favorite male actor, Lamman Rucker. If you're an avid fan of Rucker, chances are most of the details you may read about in the following article are things you already know. And for those who haven't followed his career prior to his big screen debut in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?, you're in for a treat so brace yourselves. The actor discusses why he chose a career in acting over a career in one of the many fields in which he holds a college degree, the death of his baby brother, his next movie, Ball Don't Lie, being labeled--and oftentimes cast as eyecandy and his views of how Black women are portrayed in the media and the world of hip-hop. He also sets the record straight on his rumored relationships with Jill Scott and former America's Next Top Model contestant Toccara Jones, the qualities he looks for in a woman and his current relationship status. Here's a hint: get your pens and pencils ready! Let me tell yall right now: I knew the brother was deep, but after reading his interview, I discovered he's much deeper than I thought.

Essence.com: Tyler Perry’s film always provides great eye candy for his female audience. Would you say that you’ve been cast as “the hunk” often?
L.R.: (Laughs) Throughout my career, I wouldn’t say my roles have been based on my being considered eye candy. What I will say is that my ability to bring different characters to life is what has helped me advance in my career. As far as looks are concerned, well, I suppose that would be the icing on the cake, but acting comes first and foremost. No one likes to be typecast, but I would like to believe that the attention I get is for my acting but at the same time darn it, if I get to keep playing the handsome, smart guy then that's also a blessing and it’s the last thing I would complain about.

Essence.com: Rumor has it that you are currently dating your Why Did I Get Married? co-star Jill Scott?
L.R.: Ms. Scott—Jill—and I are just very good friends, nothing more.

Essence.com: So you’re telling all the ladies that you’re single?
L.R.: (Laughs) Yes, I’m single.

Essence.com: Recently, footage of you and Toccara walking hand-in-hand surfaced on the web. Are you two an item?
L.R.: No, we’re just friends. I know exactly what you’re talking about. We were leaving an event that we both attended and I was being a gentleman and walking her and her friend to her car. Naturally, there are always going to be people waiting outside to try and see if they can make something out of nothing. Again, we’re just friends.

CONTINUE READING MORE SNIPPETS FROM LAMMAN'S INTERVIEW INCLUDING MORE INFO INFO ON OTHER PROJECTS HE'S CURRENTLY WORKING ON & TAKE A LOOK AT SEVERAL EXCLUSIVE OLD SCHOOL PICS FROM THE ACTOR'S PERSONAL PHOTO STASH BY CLICKING 'READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP! ON THE BOTTOM LEFT.

Essence: So was a career in academia too stifling for your creative spirit?

Essence.com: Well, I’m sure the ladies are happy to hear that you’re a free agent.

L.R.: (Laughs) Well, I’m not saying that I sit at home twiddling my thumbs. The legit answer is I’m dating. I’m working and open, which means I’m filling out applications and taking applications.

Essence.com: There's nothing wrong with that. What’s the one thing a woman can do to send you running for the hills?

L.R.: A woman who is self-centered, can never see the positive and is selfish. Don’t get me wrong everyone has a right to self-preservation, but it really bugs me when a person is so self-consumed that they don’t care how it affects other people as long as her wants and needs are met. And please, I’m a patient man, but please don’t ever try to give me an attitude and run a guilt trip on me.


Essence.com: Yeah, that’s not sexy at all. Well, your character in Married really proved that chivalry wasn’t dead. What are your thoughts about the portrayal of Black women in the media and hip-hop?

L.R.: Well right now hip-hop artists are such huge commodities so the film industry integrates them into film because of their draw. It allows studios to cross-promote an artist from the big screen to the soundtrack. Honestly, I have mixed feelings because hip-hop artists should have the right to pursue their interests as an actor. However, I don’t think they should be rewarded musically and given other opportunities if they are all about promoting poor examples of Black women across the globe. The images they portray of Black women severely misinform other cultures who listen to hip-hop and watch those videos about our women. It’s disappointing because of the respect and honor our Black women deserve. As a people, we have to be more accountable in our everyday language but especially artists who have a forum such as videos, radios and albums.


Essence.com: Perhaps, such progress will happen in another lifetime. Tell me about Ball Don’t Lie.

L.R.: I play Trey and I’m on the street basketball team. The film is based on a book by Matt de La Pena and is about this young White kid who is placed in foster care after his mother tragically dies. He is an orphan and poor, which drives home the point that at-risk youth don’t just exist in the Black community. At the end of the day, it’s more a matter of economics than race. In the end, basketball becomes his saving grace when he discovers the recreation center in the hood, where some serious street ball is played by much older and more experienced players. So not only must this young guy adapt to an older generation but to their athletic prowess.


Essence.com: Sounds interesting and right up your alley because you’re not only a former basketball player but a huge youth advocate.

L.R.: Yes, I am. I use my position as an actor to teach and work with young people. Now what I do is more along the lines of teaching HIV/AIDS prevention as well as Rap It Up campaigns to educate these young people how to protect themselves.


Essence.com: Growing up in D.C. what adversities did you face?

L.R.: Nothing that I would say was too crazy. I mean I hung out in the streets, but I didn’t become a victim of the streets because I had too much going on in high school to distract me. But I lost my little brother to the streets in '92. It’s a shame because he was truly gifted and talented. Although he and I faced some of the same things in our community, his choices made it difficult for him to remove himself from those experiences. But I thank God for the arts, which I can say saved me from the same fate because I traveled so far from my school, The Duke Ellington School of the Arts ,and spent nearly the entire day there. My brother is the reason that I’ll always give back to the community because we have to help or young Black men and young people. It’s my obligation to my brother and his legacy.

Lamman was gracious enough to share these throwback photos with his many fans. Bless his tall, dark and handsome heart! Click on each pic to see it in its original size.

L.R.: (Laughs) Not really once I made the decision to go to grad school, I asked myself the infamous question, What would I do for free? So I volunteered to coach high school basketball but I also helped them build life skills and not just their sportsmanship. But as far as acting, I was always nurturing my artistic side when I was in college and grad school. I modeled, booked commercials, appeared in plays, sang. I even know how to put up stage lights because I had to learn that in my high school.

Essence.com: As a well-rounded actor you are have you considered doing any of the traveling plays?

L.R.: Actually, I’m in a play call Webeime, which is "We, Be, I, Me." I’m one of eight Black men who make up this one man who’s on death row. You witness his life through each of the eight Black men. It’s like Ntzoke Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf. And we’ll be coming to the Harlem School of the Artis from March 28 through May 4. I won’t join the cast until the last couple of weeks.

TO READ LAMMAN'S ENTIRE INTERVIEW, GO TO: ESSENCE.COM

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE NEWS ON LAMMAN RUCKER ON BLACKCELEBRITYMEN.BLOGSPOT.COM!)

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HAS JILL SCOTT FINALLY FOUND LOVE IN HER DRUMMER BOY A.K.A. MR. 'CROWN ROYAL ON ICE'?

Since starting this blog and posting a number of posts related to actor Lamman Rucker, a couple of readers have often asked me if I know that fine piece of man on an up-close and personal level. Although knowing him personally would make me happier than a sissy with a bag of dicks, unfortunately, I don't know him like that (but I do know a couple of...nevermind). My guess is that God doesn't love me that much to bestow such a honor upon me. (just kidding! I love the Lord). But that will not keep me from posting what's going on in Mr. Rucker's life...at least professionally (*wink*). Now, you all know that Mr. Rucker will star alongside Angela Bassett and Rick Fox in Tyler Perry's new movie, Meet the Browns, next month. Believe me when I say I am well aware that more than a handful of Real Gossip 101 readers are avid Lamman Rucker fans, so it only makes sense that you all would become just a little bit interested in this brother's 'hobbies', specifically in the dating arena category.

Photos of the beautiful and talented Jill Scott on the arm of Lamman, the only man I know who can wear the hell out of a Ranger's uniform, at the taping of the BET Honors ceremony (was I the only one who noticed they wore color-coordinated ensembles?) last month had folks talking, speculating and wondering what was up with these two. Then it was revealed on YBF that the two allegedly immersed themselves in an unabashed display of kissy-face and huggy-huggy PDA antics during the ceremony, which led to others to assume that we had found our new celeb couple of 2008. However, neither Lamman or Jill released any statements as to the status of their relationship. Well, from what I've learn, Jill is dating. But you ladies can temporarily take a sigh of relief, because the new man in her life isn't Lamman Rucker. What the hell was she thinking, letting him get away, right?!

From what I've learned, Miss Scott, who is currently on tour, is now dating her drummer a.k.a. Mr. 'Crown Royal On Ice.' According to a couple of fans who attended Scott's show in Universal City, California on February 14. 2008, Scott acknowledged her Drummer Boy as her 'Valentine' by giving him a gift and a big kiss on the lips. He in return, gave her a 'loving wink' after they kissed, according to the fan. Another [male] fan, who attended the same show, said while he was in the restroom, he overheard another brother ask to no one in particular: “What the hell was Lyzel’s issue that he couldn’t be happy coming home to Jill Scott!!!??” and “I love that Jill is supportive of brotha’s and doesn’t bash us like so many others.” Now, you all may be saying to yourselves, 'So the hell what, SouthernGurl? Maybe it was just a part of her show.' Well, maybe it was a part of the show, but would that also explain why he escorted her to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony two days before on February 12th? The same awards ceremony where she garnered the gold for 'Best Urban/Alternative Performance' for Daydreamin featuring Lupe Fiasco on her album, Collaborations?

And even if it turns out that she's not dating him, tough nookie(s) (whatever the hell that means), she still doing her. Bless her heart. Jill's doing just fine, yall! As for who Lamman is dating, I truly have no idea. And if I did...well...you know!

Thanks for the tidbit, Rolanda, Cherlynn and wwwdotemale.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE NEWS ON LAMMAN RUCKER ON BLACKCELEBRITYMEN.BLOGSPOT.COM!
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NEW PICS: THE 50th ANNUAL GRAMY AWARDS SHOW (RED CARPET, AUDIENCE, PERFORMANCES, BACKSTAGE)

RED CARPET



AUDIENCE



PERFORMANCES




ONSTAGE



BACKSTAGE



THERE'S A WHOLE LOT MORE PICTURES + VIDEO CLIPS OF THE NIGHT'S LIVEST PERFORMANCES AFTER THE JUMP!

CLICK ON IMAGES TO SEE THEIR FULL SIZE; BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF PICS, THEY MAY TAKE SOME TIME TO FULLY LOAD!

RED CARPET













AUDIENCE






PERFORMANCES








ONSTAGE




In case you missed the too-live performances from Rihanna featuring Morris Day and The Time as well as Tina Turner featuring Beyonce, check out the video clips below.

RIHANNA AND THE TIME

TINA TURNER AND BEYONCE

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