PICS: USHER'S EX-GIRLFRIEND, EISHIA, DAMON WAYANS, FONZWORTH, TAYE DIGGS @ BUTTER'S 5th ANNIVERSARY.

A handful of celebs gathered to celebrate Butter's 5th anniversary in New York City on November 5, 2002. Those in attendance: Damon Wayans, model Eishia Brightwell (Usher's last ex-girlfriend), Taye Diggs, actress Paula Patton, Seal with his wife Heidi Klum, AJ Calloway, Fonzworth Bentley with his girlfriend/actress, Faune Chambers and John Legend.

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KARRINE STEFFANS IN TBW MAG; 'I COULD BE A CRACK WHORE ON THE CORNER AND MY SON WILL STILL LOVE ME.'

I'm convinced Karrine 'Superhead' Steffans has officially lost whatever was left of her ever-loving mind. It would behoove her state of mind if someone was to force her to wear one of those white jackets that make you hug yourself. Yall know the ones I'm talking about....those jackets with all the buckles and whatnot; a.k.a. a straight jacket. Anyhoo, in the November/December issue of Today's Black Woman, Steffans talked about how her scandalous lifestyle has impacted her nine year old son, Naiim. And let me warn you all before you read any further: either this woman is mentally lost or her son is severely mentally challenged.

Karrine on how she will 'explain' to her son the reasons why she has done what she's done (f*cking on film, sleeping with various A, B, C and D-list celebs, abusing drugs and alcohol, etc): When he ask, I'll answer honestly; that is the only way to handle it. If he asks, 'Mom--what happened to my dad?' [My answer?: 'Your father left you.'] 'Mom, how did you get to where you are?' [My answer?: 'Your mother had to strip and ho and do whatever she had to do to get you into this house. Then she went broke, and then she made an honest living.'] You just say what it is and your children will love and respect you for it. He is going to love me for being honest and doing whatever I have to do to make sure that he's being taken care of.

Karrine on the impact her lifestyle has made on her son: First of all, I live in a suburban neighborhood, so all of his friends are suburban kids, for the most part. All of these kids have parents that work in the industry who are either on television or they work behind the scenes. Some of them are movie stars and actors and when we have pool parties, nobody knows what I do, and none of my friends know who I am. Parents in his school, other parents in the PTA, have no idea, because I live in L.A., and to everyone here, it's not a big deal. This is not a city of books, so no one knows what I do, and I don't discuss it. I could be a crack whore on the corner and my son will still love me; that won't matter. That is why God gave me a child, because that is the only thing on this earth that is equal to the love that God gives me. I don't worry about that; my son will still love me regardless. And my life isn't shameful; my life is wonderful. Everything that I've done, there is nothing that is shameful, so why would I be upset? It's not a big deal.'

Karrine on her relationship with her son: "He is nine, and we have a normal relationship. He is a happy kid. He is highly intelligent, and he is enrolled in honor classes for next year. He speaks French; he plays chess; he knows sign language; he's at home all of the time. He is still very much his mother's son, and he is very smart and aware of the life that we have and the kind of sacrifices I've made to allow us to live the way that we do. All he knows is that his mother writes books, and that is what is keeping the bills paid; that's what I do. He is truly a nine year old and no one has discussed it with him and no one ever will because he is nine. Now, when he turns 13, well, that's another issue. That might cause some questions to come up.'"

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NEW PICS: CHRIS BROWN & T-PAIN ON THE TODAY SHOW + CHRIS EXPLAINS WHY HE 'LET' KANYE KEEP HIS ALBUM TITLE.

R&B star Chris Brown chose not to challenge Kanye West over album titles - because the rapper's Graduation was released first. The singer's management team were thrilled when they learned Brown planned to call his new album Graduation, because they dreamed of a publicity-heavy war with West over his album of the same name. But the teenager called his managers off, insisting he wanted to be respectful to West. He says, "I came up with the title seven months ago and people were like, 'Kanye said that his album is called Graduation, and we can just negotiate.' I was like, 'Nah, you're not negotiating... I'll just let him call his album Graduation and I'll just change the title. It's no big deal for me." West is also featured on Brown's new album, Exclusive, which released on Tuesday (06Nov07).

Brown's fans won't know what to do with themselves this holiday season, as the heart throb will be in movie theaters with the film This Christmas, in record stores via his latest album Exclusive, and up close and personal on a just-announced two-month promotional outing. The Exclusive Holiday Tour, which kicks off Dec. 6 in Cincinnati, OH, will also feature co-headliner Bow Wow along with special guests Soulja Boy, Shop Boys and Lil Mama. The trek touches down in arenas from coast to coast through mid-January.

MORE PICS OF CHRIS & T-PAIN PERFORMING ON THE TODAY SHOW AFTER THE JUMP!
In more related news, Brown insists on fresh underwear every day and throws out briefs once he has worn them. The Kiss Kiss hitmaker refuses to wear underwear for more than one day at a time. He says, "I'm not a germophobe, but I don't feel like washing them 'cos I'm always moving, so I buy different packs. I buy like five or six packs... and I'm good for, like, a week and (then) I gotta get a whole lot of new drawers."

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JENNIFER LOPEZ FINALLY CONFIRMS PREGNANCY: 'MARC AND I ARE EXPECTING.' + J. LO'S RECORD LABEL SAYS HELL NO

IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME! I was wondering when she was going to bite the bullet and confirm what everyone (including her ex-boyfriend, Diddy and her second husband Cris Judd) 2and their mama had known all along.

Jennifer Lopez has finally admitted that she is expecting a baby after much speculation surrounding her expanding waistline. Marc and I are expecting," she said, before hubby Marc Anthony kissed her bump and added "I didn’t know she was going to talk". The singer and actress confirmed the news on stage at a concert she was playing in Miami to her fans' delight. The Miami show also marked the last stop of Lopez's first concert tour. "This is a special time in our lives," said New York-born Lopez, who has sold 17 million records worldwide and released six albums. "And we waited until the last show to tell you."

According to one concert goer, "The whole arena went insane. It was awesome!" Lopez thanked the audience for the applause and said, "We are happy, too." She then turned sideways to reveal her profile and show off her very noticeable bump. She also playfully stuck out her tongue and joked about the news, holding her stomach and saying: "You don't mind if I catch my breath for a minute?"

The 39-year-old has been snapped during performances with a suspiciously round belly but had refused to comment on the rumors until now. Lopez claimed she waited until the end of the tour to speak out about the baby because she did not want people to worry about her health. She did not say when the baby is due. Lopez, who has been married three times, tied the knot with 39-year-old Anthony in 2004.

Check out the youtube clip of Jennifer's announcement below.

READ MORE ON THE RUMORS REGARDING SONY RECORDS DROPPING LOPEZ FOR LOW ALBUM SALES AFTER THE JUMP!

Let her record label tell it, Jennifer Lopez won't have to worry about not getting some much deserved mommy time when she gives births to twins early next year. Why? Two reasons: her diva-tude and her low record sales.

J. Lo is facing the axe from her record label after disappointing sales of her seventh studio album, Brave which was the singer's first studio album to not debut in the top 10 on Billboard's charts. The latest album effort from the Get Right hitmaker was released last month (Oct. '07) and sold a mere 53,000 copies in its first week, prompting reports the Latina would be dropped by Epic Records, a subsidiary of Sony BMG. The record label makes an average of $4 per CD, according to most estimates. Any way you do the math, the label is not coming close to breaking even on Lopez.

The label is also reportedly fed up with Lopez's poor record sales and the extravagant costs to maintain the artist. “She costs too much money and doesn’t sell enough,” says the source, who is familiar with the issue. “Her last album cover alone cost $60,000 in hair and makeup, lighting, photographers, re-touching, etc. The video budget was in the neighborhood of $300,000. The woman requires everything short of flying monkeys to get on a stage. Even if Sony keeps her, more than likely she’ll be doing little more than greatest hits albums. That you can do without incurring a huge cost. The label is tired of throwing money away.”

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CHRISTIAN GROUP WANTS 50 CENT TO MAKE GOOD ON HIS PROMISE TO RETIRE IF KANYE'S CD OUTSOLD HIS.; RAPPER ALSO LAVISHES CIARA.

A Christian media watchdog group wants to know why 50 Cent has not made good on his vow to retire should his new album, "Curtis," be outsold by Kanye West's Graduation CD during their first week on the streets. The Resistance, a group that once referred to the Queens rapper as a Satanist, is now urging him to quit the rap business altogether, and has called on people to bombard the artist's MySpace page with comments encouraging him to hang up the mic. "It is time for 50 Cent to be a man of his word, and retire, said the group's rep, Mark Dice. "The world will be a better place when this satanic piece of filth retires and stops making music."

Meanwhile, a British gossip column claims that Fiddy showered rumored lover Ciara with a bunch of romantic gifts for her 22nd birthday on Oct. 25. While in Monaco for the World Music Awards Sunday, 50 reportedly flew in a private jet full of rose petals, teddy bears, candles and chocolates, according to Britain's 3 a.m. Girls. He also promised to throw the singer 22 parties around the world to represent her 22 years on the planet, reported the gossip mavens.

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FORMER MISS USA, KENYA MOORE ADDS AUTHOR TO HER RESUME; ACTRESS TO RELEASE RELATIONSHIP SELF-HELP BOOK, 'GAME, GET SOME!'

Kenya Moore, former Miss USA and successful actress has added author to her list of impressive accomplishments. Moore flips the script by penning a light hearted How-To guide, entitled Game, Get Some! What Women Really Want Game! subtly coaches men on how to get the woman of their dreams as she reveals the secrets of what women truly desire from men. 'No one man can know everything there is to know about women, but with my help, they may just come close,' Moore proclaims. 'I feel like the female Ms. Hitch! I want to bring us together not apart.'

In the all sports themed Playbook, Kenya effortlessly, often bullet pointing, essential points from each chapter. Moore wrote the book in a language she thinks most men will understand and that is sports terms. With chapter titles like locker room motivation lines, she hopes the clever and straightforward words of wisdom will be a benefit for men and a fun read for women. Highlights include preferred methods to approach women, knowing your trophy, how to win points, even sexual advice on how to please her in bed. "We're just inherently different - men and women," she said. "We're raised differently; we think differently, we communicate differently. That's why sometimes there are a lot of problems when we try to form relationships with the opposite sex. This book just kind of puts everything in perspective. It's in sports terms so the guys will like it. Like, we talk about the players - your point guard, your franchise players. We talk about the tryouts - how to win the affections of a woman. It is a play off the title - 'Game'."

She also delves into self-esteem issues, baggage, and if by chance it does not work out, how to properly break up with your significant other. 'If you have shared a special bond with someone you have dated, if you always treat her with respect, you will always have a friend at the end of the day,' Moore adds. 'So many men don't know how to break up with us and that's why they get a woman slashing their tires or busting their windows. But if you're honest in a relationship, you'll always have a friend at the end of the day." And Moore continued that even the veteran player needs a little coaching now and then, so the book is for everyone. "What can't they learn?" she said of men "For instance, how to approach us. No, we don't like 'Ay bay-bay.'

Not just for men, women will curiously read chapter after chapter and laugh about how common and universal the mistakes that men make are. They will also gain a better understanding of self and how to improve on what they may be doing wrong in relationships. Kenya outlines why communication between the sexes can be so difficult. She gives practical advice on understanding the differences between us and tips on making it better. It is Women from A-Z.

Overall, Game, Get Some! is an imperative and palatable easy read for men and women alike. It will not only give men the Game to capture the heart of any woman they desire, it will ensure their success on any platform when dealing with this thing you call woman.

Moore's Game, Get Some! What Women Really Want hits stores later this month.

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FORMER NBA BALLER, DENNIS RODMAN WANTS TO TRY HIS HAND AT COACHING IN THE WNBA.

GOD, HE IS SO EFFING UGLY, I PROMISE TO GOD!

Dennis Rodman, best known for his fierce defensive and rebounding ability, leading the National Basketball Association in rebounds per game for a record seven consecutive years and earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times, along with five NBA Championships, is ready to become a head coach - in the WNBA.

Rodman, currently residing in Miami, FL, recently completed his second season of a makeover show, "Geek to Freak", with Mark Cuban's HDNet. Ready for a new challenge, Rodman says this is not a joke. "Any of my teammates can tell you that my knowledge of the game is second to none. My team would learn the skills that made me the player that will send me to the Hall of Fame. Our players would be in top physical condition. We would lead the league in rebounding, have a defensive-minded identity, and we'd run the triangle offense." His agent, Darren Prince of Prince Marketing Group, is not surprised. "Dennis has been talking about doing this for a while but there was never a convenient time. He is ready to put everything on hold in pursuit of this ambition."

Prince and Rodman's manager, Steven Simon, are scheduled to discuss open positions with each WNBA team over the next several weeks.

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THROWBACK PICS: MAIA CAMPBELL IN KING MAG; ACTRESS DISHED ON SUGE, SHAQ & JAY-Z.

This girl! Bless her heart. I've always been a fan of her and her mother. But for her to be such a beautiful girl, the craziness she once embraced wasn't a good look at all. I just want her to get better....to get the help her mother so desperately wanted for her before she passed away. Here I was thinking her mental illness had gotten worse within the past couple of years, but low and behold I find this excerpt from her 2002 King magazine interview which proves, at least to me, she'd been a bit off for a while now.

However, that was then, these days, from my understanding, Maia has pulled herself together since the death of her mother, best-selling author Bebe Moore Campbell. Moore Campbell died at the age of 56 on November 27, 2006 from complications related to brain cancer...just one day after Maia's 30th birthday. It's no secret that Maia, who scored the biggest role of her career as 'Tiffany Warren' on UPN's In the House, privately battled drug abuse. Soon as the hit sitcom was canceled, rumors of Maia's drug abuse and erratic behavior around Hollywood began to swarm around the Internet and beyond. In the July 2004 issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine, Maia candidly admitted to abusing drugs while vehemently denying rumors that she's a certified nut job. 'I am not a psycho. There's a rumor going around that I'm a psycho,' Maia told the magazine. The actress's rapid decline into drugs and whispers of the beauty being bi-polar is what some believed was the catalyst that strained her relationship with her mother. And some speculate Bebe's last novel, 72 Hour Hold, was loosely based on her relationship with her daughter.....

CLICK ON THE PIC BELOW to read what Maia had to say about Jay-Z, Shaq and Suge Knight. And don't forget to CHECK OUT THROWBACK PICS OF MAIA'S PHOTOSHOOT IN KING MAGAZINE BY CLICKING 'READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!' ON THE BOTTOM LEFT.

...Whatever the case may be, Maia says she was able to make peace with her mother before she passed away.And I know from from personal experience (I lost my father to bone cancer in 2005) that a moment like that is a truly welcoming comfort as well as one of the most precious privileges God can ever bestow upon you. Some say Maia has gotten herself together and has become stronger since her mother's untimely death. Maia says she now finds happiness from the love she feels for her family, true friends, her profound belief in God and everything else that makes life worth living, bless her heart. It's true what they say: Loosing a loved one can have one of two effects on a person. Either you'll fall by the wayside something terrible OR you'll get your dusty ass up, brush yourself off and get back on the right track in order to move on with your life.

These days Maia is busy taking care of her young daughter, Elizabeth Elisha Gutierrez (who is named after Maia's mother) and operating her production company, MCC which is a multi-tasked business that provides today's film and television culture with quality entertainment.

It makes me feel good to be able to write such a positive story on her because Lord knows there aren't too many out there. I just hope in the future I can continue to post more inspiring stories involving her.

Let's continue to hope and pray for the best for her.

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DIDDY DODGES ANOTHER JAIL SENTENCE; NEW YORK D.A. DECIDES NOT TO PRESS CHARGES.

Hip-hop mogul Sean Combs will not be charged with any offenses relating to an alleged attack on a New York partygoer. The rapper was involved in an altercation with Steven Acevado at the city's Kiosk nightclub on October 13, 2007. Combs was accused of hitting Acevado twice, leaving him with a bloodied nose and swollen lip. Combs has since claimed the incident was a misunderstanding between friends. And now the local district attorney has decided not to press any charges in relation to the incident.

Combs' lawyer Benjamin Brafman tells website TMZ.com, "I've been informed by the Manhattan District Attorney's office that after a thorough investigation, they have made a decision not to authorise any arrests in connection with the incident involving Mr. Combs and Steven Acevado on October 13."

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NEW PICS: SANAA LATHAN ON THE COVER (& INSIDE) MONARCH MAG (FALL 2007 ISSUE).

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WORD AROUND THE WEB: ACTOR BRYTON McCLURE TO EXIT 'Y&R' IN APRIL 2008.

Bryton McClure who plays 'Devon Hamilton', the adopted son of 'Neil (played by Kristoff St. John) & Drucilla Winters' (played by Victoria Rowell), will leave The Young & the Restless when his contract expires in April (2008). McClure, who some of you may remember as 'Lil Richie' from one of the longest running Black sitcoms in television history, Family Matters, says one of the reasons why he will not renew his contract is because he wants to go to college. Can't knock the dude for wanting to elevate his academic goals, bless his heart. Although the 21-year-old won an Daytime Emmy for Younger Actor in a Drama Series earlier this year, as far as his character is concerned, he hasn't had any strong and/or interesting storylines since his character lost his hearing while being named as a suspect, along with 'Drucilla', in 'Carmen's' murder.

I truly dig this dude's talent. And I ain't gon lie, I literally cried after when 'Devon' adoption was finalized. But I was fire-engine-red-hot when the writers possessed the absolute gall to incorporate a storyline that involved 'Devon' developing romantic feelings for his adopted sister, 'Lily.' Now, that shit put the lid on the jar for me!

I felt a lil better once they finally gave 'Devon' a 'romantic interest' (played by Fresh Prince of Bel Air star Tatyana Ali). But still, they should've given him more. All it takes is a stroke of a pen. I mean really! He was only in 2 episodes in October. Kay's maid, 'Esther' has gotten more screen time than him.

What sort of impact McClure's departure will cause for the only Black family in daytime soaps is anyone's guess. Victoria Rowell is gone...for now...and there's no telling if and or when she will ever return to Y&R. And there's no word on if McClure's character will be recast.

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DIDDY GETS A 2-FOR-1 DEAL WITH NEW ASSISTANT + A NEW REALITY SHOW ON VH1.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who has been searching for a new personal assistant since last April; and it looks like he has finally found the unfortunate soul who will most likely endure all kinds of true madness and mayhem that comes along with having the mega-mogul as their employer. Diddy and his selected one, as well as 2 other candidates who were in the running will also appear on today's episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

I wouldn't be able to work for Puff the Bucktooth Dragon. No sir-ree! I wouldn't even do it if Jesus came down from the heavens above, stood before me, and asked me Himself! I'd be like, 'Jesus, You know I'm Your child, so You above all people should know how long it takes me to spaz out on somebody.' My patience level is this *snaps finger* short. And trust, if he came at me with some idiotic kind of bullshit, I'd go caveman on his ass and be quick to tell him, 'First off, I'm not 100% in love with your tone right now.' Diddy looks like the kinda dude who would demand and command you to pick off all the sesame seeds off his hamburger bun.

Plus, there ain't no way I'd sign a confidentiality agreement (I talk too much! LOL!)..especially with all the scandalous and shiesty shit he's known for pulling. I'd develop a case of constipation of the brain and diarrhea at the mouth and telling everybody everything I've heard and/or witnessed while working with him. Trust. The bullshit he bestows upon people is unfathomable.

That's just my piece, so I'll digress.

CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP AND FIND OUT WHICH UNLUCKY SOUL NABBED THEIR DREAM JOB! ALSO DIDDY DISHES DETAILS REGARDING HIS NEW VH1 REALITY SHOW WHERE HE WILL SELECT 3 MORE ASSISTANTS.

Sean "Diddy" Combs, also known as P. Diddy, Puff Daddy and Puffy, has almost as many names as he does ventures—rapper, producer, designer, actor—and that's just the beginning. This hip-hop mogul has a fast-paced lifestyle and he needs assistance! "I know you all have heard all of the rumors that I'm looking for a new assistant. The rumors are true. So what better job than to have me scream at you, go crazy, keep you up late hours, have you sleep deprived?" Diddy says.

Diddy is no stranger to YouTube and decided to use his page, Diddy TV, to find his new assistant. Applicants were urged to submit video interviews explaining why they were right for the job. "One of the things about YouTube, it's a way to cut out the middle man and go directly to your community," he says. Within 24 hours, Diddy began receiving offbeat videos from around the world and realized he needed to narrow down his qualifications. "You have to have some sort of skill set. Know how to read. You've got to know how to write. I hope you know you've got to have a college degree," Diddy says.

After sorting through thousands of videos, Diddy narrowed his selection to three candidates: Heather, a confident lawyer; Cedric, a talented businessman; and Nick, an ambitious rapper.

Diddy heard their pitches, reviewed their résumés and conducted background checks on each candidate. His new assistant is… Heather! Diddy says he has several reasons for choosing Heather. "It was just her passion, it was the way she articulated herself. I think she really understood what the job entailed. She had a background that was stellar, being a lawyer and her work in the Peace Corps."

Cedric and Nick shouldn't give up hope yet—Diddy announces that he's really looking for a total of four new assistants. "VH-1 has decided to shoot a reality show on me finding the other three assistants. So you guys are still in contention. I'm still looking for assistants out there, so still post your videos on YouTube."

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