EVA MARCILLE (A.K.A. EVA PIGFORD, EVA THE DIVA) & JAMIA NASH TO JOIN CAST OF THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS.

America's Next Top Model winner Eva Marcille and singer/actress Jamia Simone Nash (August Rush) join the cast of The Young & the Restless on Wednesday, June 25. Marcille plays Tyra Hamilton, Devon's aunt who is a single mother to daughter Ana, played by Nash. Devon is reunited with them at Lily's 21st birthday party. It's about time Y&R added more color to their cast. I'm so tired of seeing pale-ass Lily, I don't know what to do. Anyhoo, Marcille has guest-starred on several television series such as Kevin Hill, one episode of Smallville, one episode of Everybody Hates Chris, and one episode of The Game as herself. Most recently, Marcille has also appeared on TBS' House Of Payne, a series created by playwright Tyler Perry.

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At age 11, Nash has already shared the stage with major artists, including Alicia Keys and Diana Ross. She has acted in episodes of 7th Heaven, Romeo!, My Wife and Kids, and appeared as herself on Half & Half and Big Time. She also played a ten-year-old Fantasia Barrino in the 2006 Lifetime Original Movie Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story, a biopic about the 2004 American Idol winner. And she provides the singing voice for the character Uniqua on The Backyardigans.

Nash made her feature debut in August Rush and became the youngest African American to ever sing on an Oscar telecast when she performed that film's nominated song this year.

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CHILLI'S RELEASES OFFICAL ALBUM TITLE, SINGLE & RELEASE DATE FOR HER SOLO ALBUM; SELECTS 'DUMB' DANCERS.

Things are rolling full steam ahead in preparation of TLC's Rozoda 'Chilli' Thomas solo effort. According to a press release (released today), Bi-Polar is the singer's official album title with Dumb, Dumb, Dumb as its first single. The disc is slated to hit stores on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. This album has been seven years in the making. And after several setbacks, Chilli is now much more further along in this project than she has ever been before. Also mentioned in the press release is news of Chilli's top 2 picks from her Dumb, Dumb, Dumb online dance contest. Fred Swinton of Atlanta, GA and Howard "Deejay" Franklin of Willingboro, NJ beat out hundreds of would-be choreographers for an opportunity to join her on-stage during her upcoming promotional tour. Chilli says, "There were so many videos that were great, but these two really captured the feel of the song. I'm looking forward to meeting both Fred and Deejay and performing with them."

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Dancers that may have missed the deadline need not worry; Chilli hasn't abandoned her search for three additional dance phenoms to join her on tour this summer. Instead of online submissions, dancers will be able to audition live in front of Chilli during promo dates. "I wanted the opportunity to interact with fans," she explained. For information on upcoming dates visit www.myspace.com/officialchillimusic.

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BANNED BOONDOCKS EPISODES TO APPEAR ON NEW DVD COMPILATION.

Two episodes of Aaron McGruder's The Boondocks that took aim at African-American cable network BET were yanked last season by Turner Broadcasting's Cartoon Networks after BET threatened legal action, the Los Angeles Times reported today on Wednesday. Nevertheless, the newspaper said, the two censored episodes are scheduled to be included in a DVD compilation of the series being released on Tuesday.

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The Times report said that the two episodes target BET's top executives and lampoons the channel's "negative imagery" of black Americans. In one of the episodes, a cartoon representation of the channel's chairman and CEO, Debra L. Lee (named Dr. Leevil in the show) tells a staff meeting: "Our leader Bob Johnson had a dream, a dream that would accomplish what hundreds of years of slavery, Jim Crow and malt liquor could not accomplish -- the destruction of black people."

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CELEB CANDIDS: T.I. LEAVING MR. CHOW'S; ACTOR HENRY SIMMONS ARRIVING AT STARBUCKS.

Former Shark star Henry Simmons was also seen entering a Starbucks cafe in Los Angeles last night.

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T.I. rapper/actor/future cell-mate to Big Bruno,: T.I. was spotted signing autographs for fans outside of Mr Chow's. restaurant in Los Angeles Los Angeles, California last night.

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SERENA WILLIAMS IN EBONY MAGAZINE: DISHES ON RELATIONSHIP WITH RAPPER COMMON, NEW FILM ROLES...AND OF COURSE TENNIS.

Serena Williams played cutesy with Ebony magazine in a July cover story, by EUR contributing columnist Jasmyne Cannick, that eventually brought up the subject of rap star Common. Asked to comment on the recent dating rumors, she said: "I think he's a great guy. He's obviously a great artist who is timeless and classic. You can't beat that. But I have to focus on tennis because that's my goal in life." In the meantime, she says her plans for the summer include a trip to see the film Wanted, which stars Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman and, lo and behold, Common. "I'm really looking forward to seeing that film," she laughs.

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Meanwhile, Common has been busy, himself, trying to figure out a way to get more children to read. The rapper has just launched The Corner, an online book club designed to develop critical thinking skills among participants while giving them a chance to discuss current selections. The club is open to students age 13-18 and features recommended books that promote messages of tolerance, compassion and nonviolent expressions of achieving social justice. Members can also blog with each other about relevant topics and have a chance to participate in a live online chat with Common Ground Foundation staff. The Corner will also feature interviews each month with celebrity artists who will talk about their favorite books and why reading is so important to them.

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PERSIA WHITE TIES THE KNOT WITH FORMER 'GIRLFRIENDS' GUEST-STAR; EXPRESSES THANKS TO FANS.

Former Girlfriends star Persia White (Lynn Searcy) recently married her longtime boyfriend and 'verbal stylist' (poet/musician/actor) Saul Williams on February 29, 2008 which also happens to be his birthday. If his face looks familiar to you all it's because he also guest-starred on several episodes of Girlfriends as Sivad, Lynn's celibate boyfriend who she tried oh so hard to bed down. The couple, who each have a daughter (Persia's daughter, Mecca and Saul's daughter, Saturn--pictured below) from previous relationships spent their honeymoon in Morocco. Congratulations to the newlyweds. Persia revealed the news of their nuptials on her Myspace.com page:

"I danced inside the pages of my book alone for many years. I opened myself up many times to love but I was never filled. I didn't know how, or if I ever would find my other whole -not half-because I knew that what I was seeking had 2 centers and 3 moons. A place where Mecca cold run to Saturn and dance in swirls of light. I was searching for my ONE. The one I searched for was in my life. We had been "friends" for many years. A time to grow and love each other with out being lovers. I loved him before I knew him. my HUSBAND. February 29th 2008~ I married Saul Williams." Click here to read entire excerpt

Persia also sent a message expressing her thanks to all of those loyal, die-hard, true to the game fans of Girlfriends. Read what she had to say by clicking 'READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!'
"As some of you know, after 8 years Girlfriends has come to an end..... :( I will miss my Girlfriends family and all the crazy fun that went with being Lynn. Most of all I will miss YOU, the fans. You have been with me through the years and I am forever thankful, because without you a girl like me would not have a home on prime time TV. thank YOU, thank you, AND THANK YOU!!!! As with all change, I look for the good and anticipate the beauty of what is to come."

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RADIO HOST RICKEY SMILEY & HIS CREW REFER TO USHER'S WIFE AS CHEWBACA DURING SINGER'S INTERVIEW.

And yall all me mean. My referring to Tameka as an 'old walking negro spiritual' is absolutely nothing compared to what comedian/radio host Rickey Smiley and his morning crew's implication of her. Recently, Usher phoned in to plug his new album. While discussing it, a whirring Chewbaca-like sound could be heard in the background. When Usher asked, 'What's that noise?' Someone from Smiley's crew said, 'Oh, that's just Meek-Meek.' 'Meek-Meek' happens to be one of Tameka's many pet names folks on the Internet created. Anyhoo, the whirring sound could be heard at least three more times throughout the duration of Usher's four and a half minute interview.

My guess is either Usher caught on to their joke and chose to ignore it OR the quips about his wife resembling Chewbaca flew right over his head. And I'm not going to lie. Ever since Usher began running his mouth about their marriage, relationship or whatever, I have to say that after listening to that audio clip, this is the first (and hopefully last) time that I have truly felt both sorry and shameful for him. I really did. But I quickly got over it...So. Having said that, for all of you Tameka fans who send me hate mail, it would behoove you to forward those shits to Rickey Smiley and his crew's inbox instead. Please and thank you kindly.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW BY CLICKING HERE.
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CANDID PICS: QUEEN LATIFAH DISPLAYS HER 'SIZE-ACTIVE' FIGURE AT THE BEACH.

The ruthless and unapologetic paparazzi caught rapper-turned-actress Queen Latifah as she enjoyed a day of frolicking and surfing in the waters of the beach recently. It's apparent that there is no shame in her game....especially when it comes to selecting swim wear. Can't knock her confidence. And although she says she's always been comfortable with her full-figured body, she also admits that it will do her (and her body) good to shed a few more pounds. “All the time people come up to me and thank me for the fact that by being who I am, they feel confident in who they are,” she said. “If I can set the example for confidence from the inside; why not set it for the outside as well.” In related news, Latifah (real name Dana Owens) has become the latest celebrity to launch her own perfume line which will hit stores in 2009. Of her untitled fragrance she says, "For me, beauty really does start on the inside. It's like a state of mind - a state of love, if you will. So, I see fragrance as just a natural expression of this state of love: Scent expresses a woman's confidence and sensuality. It's how she embraces her body, her mind and her strength."

CHECK OUT LATIFAH AND HER SIZE-ACTIVE FIGURE BELOW.


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NEW PICS: CHILLI HOSTS GIANT MAGAZINE'S 'SEX IN THE CITY' MOVIE PREMIERE PARTY.

Now, I applaud Chilli for being a single mother and going out there getting her grind-on on the solo tip and whatnot, but I swear to God if I ever see her on the street flaunting that same damn bag to anyone who will look at it, I'm going to snatch it and go give it away to some homeless person somewhere in Frenchtown (my Tallahassee peoples know what area I'm talking about!). Her son's a cutie and looks just like his mommy (and he also looks as if he doesn't wanna be on the front of her purse!)...we can see that, but damn, gurl! LOL! Anyhoo, below are pics of Chilli hosting a party for Giant magazine's Sex in the City movie premiere last weekend.

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NEW VIDEO: SOLANGE NEW VIDEO, 'I DECIDED.'

Below you'll find Solange's new video I Decided from her upcoming second solo album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams. Check it out.

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THROWBACK PICS: WHITNEY & BOBBY IN ESSENCE MAGAZINE...BEFORE THEY BECAME CEEPHUS & REECIE.

A couple of weeks ago I found a throwback issue of Essence magazine featuring Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown on the cover of its February 1996 issue with a caption that read: Loving Against the Odds. The love was real back in those days, yall! I had to remind myself to breathe when I first laid eyes on these beautiful images! They looked so normal, healthy, clean-cut and dare I say--sober and in their right mind--back then, didn't they? Who would've ever thought this couple would go from what you see in these pictures to becoming the R&B modern-day version of In Living Color's Ceephus and Reecie.

Click on the pics to see its full image.


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NEW PICS: ASHANTI PERFORMS LIVE IN TIME SQUARE IN NEW YORK CITY.

Below are pics of Ashanti giving a live performance before signing copies of new album The Declaration (in stores now) at Virgin Megastores in Times Square. New York City yesterday. When asked why she titled her album The Declaration, the songstress said, 'I feel it’s important to present all sides of what being a woman is about. Historically, we’ve always been relegated to the bottom of the totem pole, whether it’s business or the battle of the sexes or just empowering each other. I want this album to make people feel stronger about themselves. I’ve always used the ups and downs in my own life as well as others close to me as a motivational tool and I hope my music comes off that way. I felt a lot of passion making this record. I loved every minute I was in the studio.”

Sooner or later, the singer says she is considering ditching music for movies to be a full-time actress. The multi-talented 27-year-old has already starred in Resident Evil, John Tucker Must Die and Coach Carter - and she reveals she is so hooked on Hollywood she wants to work behind the camera as well as in front of it. Ashanti says, "I'm always reading scripts. I'm even looking to get into some behind-the-scenes work. Maybe do some co-producing. It's all about taking chances. You can't be afraid to try something different."

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NICOLE ARI PARKER LANDS STARRING ROLE IN NEW ABC COMEDY 'NEVER BETTER' WITH DAMON WAYANS.

Actress Nicole Ari Parker says goodbye (for now) to her temporary home in Atlanta, Georgia and hello again to the land of Hollywood. Parker has scored a starring role alongside actor/comedian Damon Wayans in the new ABC comedy Never Better which is slated to hit the air in the fall, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Never Better stars Wayans as Keith, a recovering alcoholic who's trying to be a better husband and father to his family. Parker, last seen opposite Martin Lawrence in Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, will play the wife of Wayans' character.
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DIDDY TO SUE CUFF-LINK COMPANY, CUFF DADDY, FOR PIGGYBACKING ON HIS FORMER MONIKER.

If this ain't one of he most extra dudes in the entertainment industry, I don't know who is. According to reports, Sean 'Diddy' Combs is considering suing a cufflink company - because its name is too similar to his. The rapper's lawyers have told bosses at Cuff-Daddy.com - a family-owned cufflink company - that the business' name was to similar to the star's former moniker, Puff Daddy. But bosses at the company insist they are not trading on his name and hope to resolve the issue with the star's legal team, reports TMZ.com. Come on now! Why you wanna sue them for something so petty? That Puff/Puffy/Puff Diddy/Puff Diddy Daddy crap is as old as your mama and chances are Diddy wasn't even thinking of his former moniker until he got wind of this news. Pull your panties out 'cha ass, Puffy.

In related Diddy news, the mogul-turned-designer has become so impressed by David Beckham's style, he wants to collaborate with the soccer ace on a fashion line who he has become close friends in recent years. But Combs - who has his own Sean John clothing line - admits he would like to turn their friendship into a business collaboration and launch a fashion project together. He says, "What a stylish guy. I'd love to do a fashion range with David Beckham. He's a good friend and is very kind. Us two together doing business would be amazing. I heard he is doing a shoe range with (rapper) Snoop (Dogg). That's cool, but I would love to do fashion with David. I already have a fragrance and clothing line, but I'd love my next project to include him. Perhaps we could collaborate to do something for charity."

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KEKE PALMER ('AKEELAH & THE BEE') LANDS LEAD ROLE IN NEW NICKELODEON SERIES.

Akeelah and the Bee star Keke Palmer has scored the lead role in Nickelodeon's new live-action pilot True Fashion, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The project, described as Big meets The Devil Wears Prada, centers on a 15-year-old (Palmer) tapped to head the teen division of a major fashion label. She has a passion for fashion but soon learns that corporate life has the same highs and lows as high school, complete with cliques and mean girls -- but also with such cool perks as designing for up-and-coming rock stars and casting cute models.

Palmer, who pocketed an NAACP Image Award for her Akeelah role, will next be seen on the big screen in The Longshots. Based on a true story, the movie stars Palmer as the first female quarterback in Pop Warner football history.
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