50 Cent Goes In On Rick Ross!!!

Well, as suspected, my boy 50 is not backing down from this beef. Not for one second!! Check out the clip below of 50 going hard on Rick Ross. I mean, 50 is pulling no punches. This is a no holds barred type beef and I can just imagine where this is going to go. I mean, come on, 50 does have a track record of putting dudes out of the game! And, to top it all off, he's consistent, so it's not like he's lying about it. I hope that the beef sticks to just wax but by the looks of the clip below........I don't think it has nothing to do with wax anymore. Check it out for yourselves:



And if the clip wasn't enough, 50 even did a cartoon of the beef. I thought it was cute and thought you guys would enjoy it. Check it out below:

Obama's Brother Held On Marijuana Charges in Kenya

President Barack Obama speaking at the White House on Friday. He called his meeting with his half-brother George (below), whom he barely knows, a 'painful affair.'

President Barack Obama's half-brother, George Obama, held on marijuana possession in Kenya
By DAVID SALTONSTALL

The half-brother of President Obama was busted for alleged possession of marijuana Saturday near his home in a Nairobi shantytown, Kenyan police officials said.
George Obama, who is in his 20s and barely knows the president, had one joint of marijuana on him, said Joshua Omokulongolo, the police chief in the area.
"He is not a drug peddler," Omokulongolo told The Associated Press. "But it's illegal, it's a banned substance."
Speaking from behind bars, Obama denied the allegations.
"They took me from my home," he told CNN, "I don't know why they are charging me."
George Obama and the president share the same father, who died in a car crash in 1982 when George was just six months old. The president has met his younger half-brother during trips to Kenya to track his family roots but the two are not close.
Several of President Obama's Kenyan relatives went to Washington, D.C., for his inauguration, but George was not among them. He lives in Huruma, a section of Nairobi, where he has said he is studying to be mechanic.

Full Story

George Hussein Onyango Obama as busted for alleged possession of marijuana Saturday near his home in a Nairobi, Kenya shantytown. He denies the allegations

Pay What You Want in Queens?!

Tierra Sana resturant on Queens Blvd. in Forrest Hills is offering a hard-to-beat recession special: pay what you want.

BY CAITLIN MILLAT

Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch?
Thanks to a Queens restaurant, hungry penny pinchers can now fill empty stomachs without emptying their wallets.
Every Tuesday starting Feb. 3, the Tierra Sana restaurant in Forest Hillswill offer customers a "Pay What You Want" special - meaning that patrons can drop as much green as they think their grub deserves.
The special includes an array of appetizers, entrees, salads and desserts that are all health-conscious but still savory. Full Story Here

Rick Ross Responds To 50 Cent Diss Record

I have a feeling that this might become something more than just a diss on wax type beef. I hear that Rick Ross is no joke on the streets and neither is his people's. Just ask Vlad! If you listen closely, Rick states that this all started from an awkward expression on 50's face. I mean, if I had a dime for everyone that gave me an awkward look I'd be a billionaire!!! Check out what Rick Ross had to say about 50 Cent's come back diss record below:

It's Officially Over

Kimora and Russell are saying bye bye to what was left of their marriage! They are both officially divorced from one another and have moved on with their lives. Russell with his young mistresses and Kimora with her Pokemon buddy. LOL. Anywho, despite the friction going on you can't help but say they have 2 positives on their side and that's the thriving business of Baby Phat and the 2 beautiful children they have together!



Just as an FYI, Kimora has full custody of the children but Russell does have visitation. I hope everything works out for the both of them!

Friday's Throwback - Get Money

Enjoy this throwback joint! I'm soo lovin the old Kim! Oh and just as a side note...Charli Baltimore was NOT trying to portray Faith in this video. Truth be told, Charli explained to me that she died her hair that color the day before the video and Biggie begged her to change the color to something else! Because she was young at the time and a little on the rebellious side she refused and so this is what started the rumors that Big was trying to portray Faith!

True Hip Hop Stories With Monie Love

Shouts to D-Nice for coming up with the concept called "True Hip Hop Stories". The concept takes a number of old school rap icons and it sits them down and they explain to the world how they made it in the industry. D-Nice has done numerous interviews and I've been following "True Hip Hop Stories" for a couple of weeks now. So when I logged onto World Star and saw that "True Hip Hop Stories" did a story with Monie Love....I had to represent. Monie Love was one of my favorite old school female rappers. I loved when she did "Ladies First" with Queen Latifah and was rapping all fast! To top that all off, I had the pleasure of meeting Monie Love on 2 occasions and she was extremely nice and humble. Check out the interview with Monie Love below:



After watching the interview I have a few questions....The first one is....Did Monie just say that she had female groupies after her?!!! I don't know if yall caught that but it kind of made me wonder....if maybe she meant to use another word or something. Secondly, did she just say that she passed up on Big Daddy Kane to talk to one of his dancers? Girl!!! I know you crazy now! But I really love that Monie is as real as they get. Take notice how she refers to herself as the Erin Brokovich in this game. Honey!! I feel the same damn way!! You can always find at least one of my kids with me while I'm doing my interviews! No one can stop my hustle and grind! Get it girl!!!

Hombres verdaderos comer chicharrón!

Real men DO eat Chicharrón...and they love it!

Super bowl of chili at Rosa Mexicano's Real Men Cook Mexican series

By Erasmo Guerra

We know real men don’t eat quiche — but what about pork rinds {chicharrón}?
Joe Quintana, executive chef at Rosa Mexicano at Lincoln Center, is determined to teach men how to get their game on in the kitchen.
Kicking off the restaurant’s yearlong "Flavors of Mexico" series, the Brooklyn-raised, 38-year-old Puerto Rican led a class last weekend in Union Square on putting together a Super Bowl party.
"Real men like a kick," Quintana said, as he sauteed onion, garlic and chili powder.
Quintana’s recipes included bacon-wrapped shrimp and seasoned chicharrón pork rind that made you forget the 5-foot hero sandwiches and buckets of barbecue chicken wings that pass for game day food.

Full story here

Man Threatening To Kill Prez Obama in Custody

Timothy Ryan Gutierrez, accused of threatening President Obama, surrenders to FBI

(AP Wire)DENVER – A Colorado man has been indicted on charges of threatening to kill President Barack Obama and blow up the Mall of America in suburban Minneapolis. The man said the threat against Obama was a prank.
Timothy Ryan Gutierrez, 20, surrendered Thursday at the FBI's office in Durango and was being held without bond, the U.S. attorney's office said.
A federal grand jury in Denver handed up the indictment Tuesday against Gutierrez, of Cortez, in southwestern Colorado. He was to appear in court Friday. It was not known if he had an attorney.
"Both threats were taken seriously, and both threats were investigated immediately by the FBI," said Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for acting U.S. Attorney Dave Gaouette.
Gutierrez faces one count each of transmission of threats and falsely threatening to use explosives.
The indictment claims Gutierrez e-mailed the FBI's Washington office eight days before Obama's inauguration saying: "I'm going to assassinate the new president of the United States of America. P.S., you have 48 hours to stop it from happening."
The indictment says a second e-mail threatened to blow up the mall with 40 pounds of C4 explosive and TNT planted on seven cars parked outside.

Full story here

LisaRaye McCoy-Misick Speaks

LisaRaye McCoy-Misick: 'This Fairy Tale Has Turned Into a Nightmare'
By Kenya N. Byrd
Read Part 1 of our 2-Part exclusive interview with First Lady of Turks and Caicos LisaRaye McCoy-Misick
The First Lady of Turks Caicos will hold court—literally. LisaRaye McCoy-Misick will testify today in the British government inquiry of her estranged husband, Premier of Turks and Caicos Michael Misick, who is facing allegations of governmental corruption

Misick has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that they were invented by his political opponents. As she prepares to take the stand, the Chi-town beauty speaks to ESSENCE.com about the women of Turks and Caicos who denounce her but support her husband, whether their marriage was a fraud and why she still loves the country.

INTERVIEW
ESSENCE.COM: As you prepared to appear in court today in connection to the British government's inquiry into allegations of corruption by your estranged husband, do you ever ask yourself, "How did I get here?"

LISARAYE McCoy-MISICK: There are still two sides to that. The first is, when I first got with Michael, I had never been instrumental in a movement and I was encouraged and wanted to be a part of what he was trying to do with the country. I was a fan of his. I'm listening and looking and at the same time all of these other things are unfolding in front of my eyes. So now, the second part is that I've been sucked in and things have come in between us and upset my life. But then I'm thinking, Wait a minute! There's another side to this story. As much as I want to be neutral, I don't want to be in trouble. It's a shame he's going through this.


ESSENCE.COM: It's interesting that, after all you two have been through, you show compassion for him. Has your husband ever acknowledged or commended you on your role and contributions to the country as First Lady?

LISARAYE: The one thing he said during his inquisition was my wife has increased tourism a significant amount. When he said that, it made me soften a bit. Again, I'm a people-person and I used those skills to embrace the people of the country. I'd walk on the beach and walk up to people and ask them how they liked the island and they'd speak freely to me, not knowing who I was until after I'd walked away and someone else told them. That's how I chose to operate and connect with everyone. However, there are so many politics. I was often told not to speak to the opposing party, and I thought it strange because, in American politics, whether you're a Democrat or Republican, it doesn't mean you don't communicate with the other side. In fact, it's often encouraged, so you get to know what you're competition is thinking. So that was hard for me because I am outgoing.

Read the entire interview here

The Lovely Phylicia Rashad is Back

Flashback Friday with Actress Phylicia Rashad
She's still as beautiful as she was
when she graced our television sets during the 80's on the Cosby Show.
Now she's a representative for Jenny Craig. Essence magazine has a one-on-one interview with Ms. Rashad.

Actress Phylicia Rashad has been keeping a secret. For the last seven weeks, she's been on the Jenny Craig weight loss program and in that amount of time, she has changed the way she eats and lost 16 pounds. While she has yet to reach her goal, she has decided to go public with her story as the new spokeswoman for Jenny Craig.

She can be seen in commercials and print ads showing off a healthier, leaner body, but for Rashad it's not about the outside but the inside that made her want to change. ESSENCE.com caught up with the incomparable stage and small screen veteran to find out how she has lost weight on the Jenny Craig program, her thoughts on the Obamas, and what she thinks about "The Cosby Show," 25 years after the cast's first episode.
INTERVIEW
ESSENCE.COM: What made you decide to do the Jenny Craig program?PHYLICIA RASHAD: I decided to do the program for health reasons. I met with Jenny Craig representatives last October and was struck by their interest in talking to me about my thoughts on health and life, and they weren't trying to sell me a product. A few days later, I walked up three flights of stairs. When I got to the top, I wasn't breathing well. To me, this was a sign that things were not good. People who know me think, You don't need to do this. But, yeah, actually I do.
Read the rest of her interview here

Michelle Obama Rumored to Be Pregnant?

Photo courtesy of fairangels flickr.com

By Alicia Cruz
Senior writer
theblackurbantimes.com
This has yet to be confirmed by CNN or MSNBC and I saw nothing come across the AP wire today. I was sick last week, but receieved no texts or emails stating that this had been confirmed or denied, but celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton reported that Washington D.C. was all the buzz with rumors that our elegant, beautiful First Lady is expecting.
The media photographed the First Lady frequently before and during the inauguration and I saw no sign that she may be pregnant, but then again, she is pretty petite so she just may not be showing just yet. Who knows.

The Obama Duo on their wedding day.

Photo courtesy of desourcesure.com

Look at this beautiful family photo!

Pic courtesy of www.volcreole.com

After checking in with a source at the Washington Post, this isn't the first time that baby-to-be rumors have lurked the Obama's. The rumor mill had the First Lady preggers back in 2008 twice. One of the rumors allegededly came from the Rush Limbaugh show (huh). As soon as I find out a flase or a positive, I will let you all know.

The last time we had a First Lady expecting in the White House was in 1963 when Jackie Kennedy (Onassis) was pregnant with her third child, Patrick who died three days after his birth.

I remember seeing photos of her during her pregnancy and she was radiant. I have no doubt Michelle Obama would be any less than radiant.

I will keep my laptop on alert and as soon as I get a confirmation on this rumor, I will let my readers know. Stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of dsmyre@flickr




Photo courtesy of politicalkudzu.com

What Happened To The FemCee's?

My boy over in Paris, DJ Just Dizle, has 2 mixtapes which I'm sure you guys will enjoy called "Ladies First" volumes 1 and 2. There are some oldies but goodies from some of your most favorite female MC's!! MC Lyte, Rah Digga, Hurricane G, Queen Latifah, Sweet Tee.....just to name a few but take a look at the track listing below from both of the mixtapes:


1.Jazzy Joyce - Intro
2.Nonchalant - Until The Day
3.Lauryn Hill - Zealots
4.Missy Elliott - The Rain
5.Bahamadia - True Honey Buns
6.Lil Kim - Drugs
7.Storm - Tradin War Stories
8.Lauryn Hill - Rumble In The Jungle
9.Eve - Eve Of Destruction
10.Foxy Brown - I Shot ya (Remix)
11.Nonchalant - 5'O Clock In The Morning
12.Heather B - If Headz Only Knew
13.Vita - Vita, Vita, Vita
14.Rah Digga - Straight Spittin pt II
15.Da Brat - My Beliefs
16.Lady Luck - Come and Get It
17.Sweet Tee & Jazzy Joyce - It's My Beat
18.Lady Of Rage - You Know My Steez (3 Men and A Lady Remix)
19.Lil Kim - Came Back For You
20.Nonchalant - Take It There (Remix)
21.Lady Of Rage - Afro Puffs
22.Paula Perry - Extra, Extra
23.Rah Digga - What They Call Me
24.Queen Latifah - U.N.I.T.Y. (Original & Big Titty Mix)
25.Ladybug Mecca - Nickel Bags
26.Ladybug Mecca & Jazzy Joyce - 9th Wonder
27.Jean Grae - Goin Crazy
28.Queen Latifah - Wrath of Madness (DJ Premier Remix)
29.Free - Patriots
30.Smooth - Mind Blowin
31.Salt N Pepa - My Mic Sounds Nice
32.Da Brat - Give It 2 U (Remix)
33.Eve - Double R What
34.Charli Baltimore - NBC
35.Bahamadia & Mecca Star - 3 Tha Hard Way
36.Foxy Brown - The Promise
37.Rah Digga - Down For The Count
38.Foxy Brown - The Letter
39.Ladybug Mecca - Rebirth Of The Slick
40.Lauryn Hill - Sweetest Thing (Remix)
41.Roxanna Shante - Roxanne's Revenge
42.Salt N Pepa - Everybody Get Up
43.Roxanne Shante - Big Mama (Large Professor Remix)
44.Yo Yo - Better Ask Somebody
45.Nicki D, Paula Perry, Rah Digga, Heather B, Precious P and Bahamadia - Six Pack
46.Jazzy Joyce - Outro


1.MC Lyte - Intro
2.MC Lyte - Brooklyn
3.Lauryn Hill - How Many Mics
4.Jean Grae - Aalikes
5.Lil Kim - Queen Bitch
6.Eve - Philly, Philly
7.Bahamadia - I Confess (The Roots Remix &Eric Sermon Remix)
8.MC Lyte, Yo Yo, Queen Latifah - I Wanna Be Down (Remix)
9.Queen Latifah - Just Another Day (New Jack Remix & Album Version)
10.Lauryn Hill - Vocab (Remix)
11.Rah Digga - Showdown
12.MC Lyte - 10% Dis
13.MC Lyte - You Cut
14.MC Lyte & Positive K - I'm Not Havin It
15.Heather B - My Kinda Nigga
16.Lil Kim - Get Money
17.Foxy Brown - Fox Boogie
18.Roxanne Shante - The Cypher III
19.Lauryn Hill & Rah Digga - Cowboys
20.Bahamadia & Rah Digga - Be Ok
21.MC Lyte speaks
22.MC Lyte,Bahamadia,Nonchalant,Yo Yo - Keep On Pushin
23.MC Lyte - I Cram To Understand You
24.Foxy Brown - Friend
25.Rah Digga - Lessons Of Today
26.Lauryn Hill - The Score
27.C-Low - Feel It
28.Lady Luck - Symphony 2000
29.MC Lyte - Survival of The Fittest
30.MC Lyte - Wonder Years
31.Lil Kim - Quiet Storm (Remix)
32.Bahamadia - Total Wreck
33.Hurricane G - Roc U
34.Lil Kim - Big Momma Thang
35.Salt N Pepa - Tramp
36.Sweet Tee - It's Like That Ya'll
37.The Real Roxanne - The Real Roxanne
38.Yo Yo - Mama Don't Take No Mess
39.Monie Love & Queen Latifah - Buddy (Remix)
40.Queen Latifah - Had It Up 2 Here
41.Monie Love - Born 2 B.R.E.E.D.
42.MC Lyte - Ruffneck
43.MC Lyte - Paper Thin
44.MC Lyte - Outro

To download these mixtapes for free click on the link.....DJ Just Dizle.

For more information on DJ Just Dizle....check him out at his myspace page here DJ Just Dizle MySpace. You can also check him out on his Facebook account here DJ Just Dizle. Or his Podcast here DJ Just Dizle. If you don't know who DJ Just Dizle is....he was featured on Rap City back in 06. Check him out below:

Exclusive Charlie Hustle Interview

This evening I had the pleasure of interviewing a young man by the name of Charlie Hustle. He's really doing his thang out here in this rap game and I think you guys would enjoy knowing more about this talented young brotha from Brooklyn who is now in Miami. Check out Charlie Hustle below:



Here's one of Charlie Hustle's joints called "Go Hard". This is sooo hot!! Check it out below:

Beef Battle - Rick Ross vs. 50 Cent

So, I guess the new beef brewing in the industry is Rick Ross and 50 Cent. All the blogs were buzzing about a new song Rick Ross had out addressing 50 Cent, his baby momma and the house burning down situation. Check out the verse everybody was talking about below from Rick Ross:



Now, for a minute, 50 had me thinking he wasn't going to address the issue but today when I was listening to Hot 97, Funk Flex played this song below:



I don't know what made me think 50 wasn't going to come back and kill it!? Now, I need you guys to be the judge and let me know who you think got this battle on lock? Did Rick Ross kill it or did 50 do his thing yet again? Let me know!

WTF?! DIRT MIGHT BE GOOD FOR BABIES!

PIC FROM BLACKCELEBKIDS.COM

Babies Know: A Little Dirt Is Good for You
By JANE E. BRODY
Ask mothers why babies are constantly picking things up from the floor or ground and putting them in their mouths, and chances are they’ll say that it’s instinctive — that that’s how babies explore the world. But why the mouth, when sight, hearing, touch and even scent are far better at identifying things?
When my young sons were exploring the streets of Brooklyn, I couldn’t help but wonder how good crushed rock or dried dog droppings could taste when delicious mashed potatoes were routinely rejected.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK!!!! NEW SOULA BOY CARTOON!!!

"I just want to let everyone know that the 1st episode of my cartoon will be releasing REAL soon! I watched it today and it was off the chain! I think that I'm going to change the game with this cartoon - REAL TALK. The scenes were fresh and the idea is new. Arab and JBar did real good on their voices too! Can't wait till ya'll see it. I'm aiming for Feb.1 to release it to iTunes and TellEm.TV!!!" - Soulja Boy


iSouljaBoyTellem is available NOW!
Soulja Boy Tell'em
iSouljaBoyTellem - In Stores & Online NOW!
Collipark Music/Interscope
www.souljaboytellem.com | www.myspace.com/souljaboytellem

NJ WOMAN BEATEN AND LEFT IN THE COLD BY EX-GIRLFRIENDS??!

NJ police: Woman's ex-friends used cold as weapon
By VICTOR EPSTEIN, Associated Press Writer Victor Epstein, Associated Press Writer 1 hr 1 min ago
NORTH BERGEN, N.J. – A 19-year-old woman who thought she was going to a party was instead driven to a rural wooded area and abandoned in 8-degree weather in a long-planned attack by three friends angry with her over an insurance claim, police said Thursday.
The victim was wearing only a dress and one shoe, having lost the other in a struggle as she was dragged from the car, said Lt. Frank Cannella of the North Bergen police. A motorist soon stopped and let the victim use a cell phone but refused to give her a lift.
The victim used the phone to call one of the women who abandoned her, Cannella said. She spent more than an hour in the freezing cold before flagging down another motorist, who took her to a hospital, he said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OF THIS TERRIBLE STORY

Kelly Rowland Parts Ways From Matthew Knowles' Music World

I knew there was a reason behind Kelly Rowland being on my mind all day yesterday. Well it finally all made sense once I checked my Twitter only to here from one of my 'media colleagues' that she has left Music World Entertainment! According to OK Magazine, (who says their source on this story was Perez Hilton) Kelly has decided to part ways with Beyonce's father - Matthew Knowles as her manager. Matthew released a statement yesterday evening saying:

"After a very positive meeting between Kelly Rowland and myself, we have amicably agreed to end our professional relationship. My company, Music World, will continue to manage Destiny's Child as a group. As an artist Kelly has incredible talent and I only wish her the best. We will always be family first and foremost and as a dad I can only have love for Kelly."

Kelly then released her own statement saying:

"Matthew Knowles has been a positive influence in my career. I have had great success under his guidance--both as a member of Destiny's Child and with my solo projects. Although we have decided to part ways professionally, the Knowles family and the entire Music World Entertainment team will always be my family."

I can't wait until the tell all - that's all I have to say! I think this is a great move for Kelly who has not been as well promoted (especially her last album - Ms. Kelly - which is a great album btw...)as Beyonce and Solange both have. Rumors speculated last week that Kelly had a falling out with Solange over a performance that Matthew booked for Solange and Kelly felt Michelle Williams should have actually been booked for. Then there is the whole issue with Kelly not having as strong of a fan base here in America as she does in Europe and her allegedly pursuing a move to Europe. I just hope Kelly can re-invent herself and come back swinging on BITCH-yonce record wise next round like other former Destiny's Child member - LeToya Luckett did. To be continued...

Kimora Is Definitely Pregnant!!!

Photo courtesy of Splash News

The rumors have been flying around for a minute but I haven't reported anything because Kimora always seems to be pregnant and then a few months later her stomach is as flat as an ironing board. But now, low and behold, I've got ahold of some very pregnant Kimora photos, courtesy of Essence.com and now I can say with conviction that Kimora is indeed preggers!!! Can't argue with facts now can you?!

New Video By Jadakiss - Letter to B.I.G.

Let me know what you think:

Get your urban news at DimeWars.Com

Madea Goes To Jail Movie Trailer

You've never seen a movie until you've seen a Tyler Perry film. I'm a huge fan! I mean anybody that knows me knows that "Why Did I Get Married" is my movie!! If you've never seen it before than I urge you to rent it and enjoy. But, Tyler is back with a new one called "Madea Goes To Jail". Here's a full movie preview on what to expect come February 20th:

Why Are Women Proposing?

I was on one of my most favorite blog sites (Necole Bitchie) and came across an article that I found most interesting. It was a topic where Necole Bitchie mentions that Michael Jai White's girlfriend proposed to him. Hmmmm....are you kidding me?! I don't normally like to put my business on front street but I will say that maybe I'm old school or old fashioned but I think it's in the man's court to do the proposing! Not that there's anything wrong with Michael Jai White's situation, I'm just saying that it wouldn't be me.

I was in a relationship with a dude for almost 8 years and just when we were about to embark on our 8th year anniversary we had an argument, didn't speak for a few days and then I get an email. The email (as funny as it was) stated that he would not be available for the next 30-45 days! Funny and hilarious were the thoughts that first popped into my head considering we have a few children together but I figured let me reach out to the brotha anyway. Sure enough, he was as serious as cancer and so it begins! My only gripe about the whole relationship was I really don't think the brotha was that into me anyway! AND after 8 years and a few children he really wasn't trying to wife me up and settle down anyway. He lived a very bachelor like lifestyle and I really can't blame him for not wanting to settle down. In fact, I still respect him as a man and wish him all the best in his endeavors. But the point in all of this is....I would have loved to marry the guy and would've married him at the drop of a dime! But I would not have made the first move!! It's just not in my character! Am I too old school? Maybe. But at least I can walk away with my pride cuz I'm sure the dude would've said NO to begin with. :) Needless to say, congratulations to Michael Jai White and his new husband....oops...I mean wife! I give the lady mad props. She's got courage cuz I would not have had the balls to pull that off!!



Here is the article according to Essence.com:

"Sometimes a woman has to stake her claim, and that’s exactly what Dr. Courtenay Chatman did when she proposed to hunky actor Michael Jai White nearly four years ago.

Although Chatman understands why traditionalists might view her actions as unorthodox, she never had any hang-ups about popping the question. “I decided I loved him and he loved me, so why wait?” says Chatman, an OB-GYN who proposed to White after a year of dating. “Of course there was a possibility that he could say ‘no,’ but I was willing to take that chance.”

Because White is “unbelievably romantic,” Chatman vowed that her proposal would be equally as innovative and special. That’s when she headed to their favorite Los Angeles eatery, The Cheesecake Factory, borrowed a plate from the manager, took it to the mall, found a similar plate and added a red inscription: Will You Marry Me at the top and Michael Jai White? at the bottom. Everything in place, Chatman invited her man to dinner.

“Normally, Michael eats quickly, but of course, this night he was taking his time and it was nerve-wracking to watch flickers of red begin to show on his plate,” Chatman recalls with a laugh. “I was telling him how much I cared about him and how much he meant to me until I became so nervous that I jumped up, sat next to him, and brushed his food off the plate. Then I got on bended knee and opened the ring box!”

A stunned White beamed a Kool-Aid smile and responded affirmatively. “I was pleasantly shocked and didn’t feel emasculated at all, ” admits White. ”I immediately said ‘yes’ because I knew that I was going to spend the rest of my life with her whether we got married or not.”

Nearby patrons cheered and clapped for the lovebirds. “It was so magical,” says Chatman. “I was crying and then we were laughing and crying together while he held me in his arms. He said I did really well in pulling it off.”

To Chatman’s surprise, White insisted that they marry immediately. So they eloped two days later at the Four Seasons Hotel in Santa Barbara, California, with each of their best friends serving as best man and maid of honor. Although the two plan to renew their vows soon so that their family and friends can bear witness to their eternal pledge of love, they are content with their blended family of six which includes their four-week-old daughter, Morgan Michelle,and her brothers and sisters.

“The funny thing is, when Courtney and I started dating she had no idea that I was an actor until a friend of hers told her who I was,” White says with a laugh, “but that’s okay, because she’s my wife now, forever and always.” -Essence

'Fabolous' Is Not THAT Fabulous

It seems rapper, Fabolous (government name John Jackson) recently had a embarrassing event happen to him in Atlanthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifa. Apparently it seems he tried to buy the bar out with his credit card but his card got declined! The incident took place at Eros World Tapas Bar in Atlanta's ritzy Buckhead neighborhood. Fab had 20 of his homeboys with him and was purchasing mad bottles of champagne and alcohol when the card was denied. A matter of fact, New York Post says a source stated, "By the fifth credit card, the entourage member designated to take care of his tab goes outside-only to start a fight with the outside bouncer. He tripped and fell, hitting his head on the concrete and started bleeding. The manager called an ambulance. But as soon as the entourage member saw the police, he began running away, blood oozing down his face." When all this died down, Fabolous still was at the bar and paid his tab in cash money - proving the old saying my daddy always taught me - 'Cash Is King!' Wow...

Jigga Is the New 'Ghandi'?? HUH?!?!

Now I've heard of people refer to Sean Carter aka 'Jay-Z' as 'Joe Camel' - but never have I heard him referenced in the same likes of Ghandi. Well rapper, Curtis Jackson aka '50 Cent' - said in XXL Magazine recently, "Jay-Z is Gandhi... He'll bear the disrespect for what? For working to be in a great position. So for creating the comfort that he desires for his life, he has to bear the disrespect. Because they'd like to be where he is. That's an interesting concept because Jay (would) rather just let 'em go. My take on it is, yeah, I'm gonna say something back, and he gonna wish he never said what he said. He gonna wish he never came around here sniffing around me." Wow... that's mad props right there and maybe Jigga's age has something to do with his calm and "grown" demeanor now days. Just a thought. Oh... and let's not forget that maybe being married to 'the hottest chick in the game' (that's Beyonce for all those of you still acting delayed...) also may make you think your the sh*t!

Casting Call

I got this in my inbox today. I don't have anymore details about the director but see the email below.

DEAR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES,

I am currently casting a new pilot and would love for you to forward
on the casting notice to anyone who may be interested. ALL ENTRIES
must be received by Friday 1/30/09.

A diverse group of African Americans (rich, poor, Northern, Southern,
College Grad., High School Grad., Suburbia) are united on a trip to
Africa to explore the Homeland. From townships and shanties to modern
cities and skyscrapers, watch what happens when African Americans come
face-to-face with the real Africa. Black to My Roots is a pilgrimage
of personal and cultural discovery.

We are searching for a diverse group of applicants (Lawyers, Drs,
writers, hip hop artists, teachers, actors, nutritionists,
fashionistas, etc). Please email a paragraph describing yourself and
what makes YOU the ideal candidate for this opportunity, essentially
what makes you UNIQUE. Also, attach a photograph and your contact
phone number. All entries must be received by 1/30/09.
Openfocuscasting@gmail.com

Book Review: Back Door to the Black Door

“Betrayal”

By Velvet

Reviewed by A. Jarrell Hayes

Welcome back to the Black Door, where all your desires can come true. Hidden behind unique and colorful Venetian masks you can take on a different persona. You are endowed with the ability to become a new sexually free person, and experience life as it is meant to be lived: absent of categories, such as son or wife. Just like the fictional Black Door sex club, Velvet’s most recent book in the Black Door series, Betrayal, is much more than a hedonistic romp; it has the ability to grab the reader with its vivid prose and multi-dimensional characters.

The characters come to life on the page and bring their own emotional baggage to the story. There’s Trey, only son of a squeaky clean Supreme Court justice and owner of the New York-based sex club The Black Door; Preston, Trey’s father, who is a bit of a pathos and is too preoccupied with his own life that he blindly trusts everyone around him, to his detriment; Ariel, Preston’s wife and Trey’s ex-lover, the foster child who grows up to have a successful law career but is haunted with abandonment issues; and Michele, the sexy slim-downed ex-fat girl that will use her acquired “influence” over men – and women – to her advantage.

The betrayal in this novel happened previously in the Black Door books. Trey and Ariel have an affair. But at that time Trey is dating Michele and Ariel is with Trey’s father, Preston. Both Preston and Michele discover the betrayal, but Preston has a stroke and can no longer recollect the incident. Ariel then takes this prime opportunity to marry Preston, and enlist Trey and Michele in a cover-up scheme worthy of Richard Nixon and Watergate – the only thing this book is missing is Deepthroat, but there was another kind of deep throat going on in this title.

To add tension and conflict to the novel, Michele, the only reluctant participant in the cover-up, lands a job working as Justice Preston’s secretary and assistant. Obviously Ariel and Michele are constantly at one another’s throats throughout the entire novel, but the only reason Michele keeps her job is that she is the weakest link in Ariel’s chain of deceit used to keep her husband.

Preston, arguably the book’s most successful character, is also the most static. The main plot of the book revolves around him and his lost memory and the attempt to hide the ultimate betrayal from him until his memory returns, which allows him to be pushed and moved by the other characters in a way that seems out of character for a Supreme Court justice. He tolerates Ariel and Michele’s bickering without putting an end to it or choosing a side; he becomes an easy mark for Michele’s seduction and appears powerless to stop her; and he constantly believes anything the other characters say to him, regardless of concrete proof or evidence – especially when Michele glosses over her involvement in the scheme and adds other details not factual into story of the affair.

Even though Betrayal is the continuation of the story begun in the novels The Black Door and Seduction, it invites new-comers to the series with open arms and background reviews of important events portrayed in the earlier novels. The deep detail into the back story does create scenes and sub-plots that at first don’t seem to fit in the action of Betrayal – such as the scenes featuring the private lives of Senator Oglesby and his wife, Angelica, and their involvement with the Black Door club – but they bring to light some of the dark intrigue that effect the moods and attitudes of the characters, especially Justice Preston, and eventually foreshadow possible events in upcoming books.

If you’re expecting a book that is filled with sex for sex’s sake, you’re in for a shocking surprise. The sexual encounters, from the first scene between Trey and new beau Lexi to Michele’s desperate romp with the married Congressman Laird Forester, advance the plot and storyline and seem in no way shape or form thrown into the mix just to make the book an erotic tale. The scenes are tasteful, non-offensive, and sophisticated – just like the rest of the prose. Velvet’s descriptions of the places and smells and emotions are worthy of contemporary classic literature. In contrast, the images Velvet gives for the characters provide just enough detail for the reader to use their imagination and create pictures of the faces and bodies that work best for their own sexual fantasies. That’s what this book is: a fantasy with substance; a guilty pleasure that doesn’t leave you feeling guilty.

A. Jarrell Hayes’ most recent books are “Reign of the Good King: Book Two of the Good King Trilogy” and the poetry collection “Just Another Angry Black Man.” He is an educator and freelance blogger.

New Ryan Leslie - Gibberish

Your boy, Ryan Leslie, got some new music coming out and it sounds great. It sounds like something T-Pain would've done but coming from Ryan it's like a breathe of fresh air. Check it out for yourselves and let me know what you think.

B+C Magazine Launch Party

Last week I received an email inviting me to a magazine launch party. The email caught my attention because this was a magazine brought to fruition by 8 young ladies! I said Wow!! Can ladies really get along with each other? So I took one of my cousins along, who I call my sister, since we look soo much alike and we headed out to the event. What I want to say is this.....not only did I have a good time but I also came to the conclusion that women can really get along with each other and want to see their sisters succeed as well! Watching these 8 beautiful, intelligent women interact with each other made me see things a little differently on my end. For one, just by observing these 8 special ladies I realized that I shouldn't be quick to judge other females and more importantly.....I really should have some more female friends!!! The magazine is called B+C Magazine and it stands for Boys and Clothes. When I opened up the magazine I knew I was hooked because not only did it have the latest fashion trends inside but they also feature some of the hottest young men out that most women want to know more about. Trust me people this is a magazine you won't want to pass up on!





Ladies, I want to thank you for inviting me out to share in your special moment and I wish you much success and happiness! Check out the 8 women I'm talking about below at their B+C Magazine Pre Launch Party:

MAN IN LOS ANGELES, CA. KILLS HIMSELF AND FAMILY OVER JOB LOSS!!

LA man upset over job kills wife, 5 kids, himself
By THOMAS WATKINS, Associated Press Writer Thomas Watkins, Associated Press Writer 2 hrs 29 mins ago
LOS ANGELES – A man who fatally shot his wife, five young children and himself Tuesday had earlier faxed a note to a TV station claiming the couple had just been fired from their hospital jobs and together planned the killings as a final escape for the whole family.
"Why leave the children to a stranger?" Ervin Lupoe wrote, according to KABC-TV.
The station called police after receiving the fax, and a police dispatch center also received a call from a man who stated, "'I just returned home and my whole family's been shot."
CLICK HERE FOR THE TRAGIC STORY

We Gettin' FLAVOR FLAV Money!

Halloween movie 'Nite Tales' that Public Enemy front man and reality tv star, Flavor Flav had back in October? Well it looks like Flav found a new way to make even more money. Reuters reports that Flav and filmmaker Deon Taylor have now made the movie a series that will be launching later this year as a weekly edition to your cable box. The new show will have a feel of 'Tales From the Crypt' meets 'The Twilight Zone' - and Flav will be the cryptkeeper again on the show as he was in the movie. There's even going to be a internet contest for fans to name Flav's character on the show. There's even talks of a new 'Tales' Halloween movie. That's wassup Flav - make that money!

'My Videos Stand the Test of Time"

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Paula Abdul says and believes she's the influence behind Beyonce and Rihanna's music videos. Paula said, "My videos stand the test of time. They are like the almanac for every performer. Even Rihanna has come up to me and said 'I hope you don't mind. And Beyonce. You can see the influence of what I've done. It's really fun to see that I've left a mark. It was my idea to create an animated character. It takes a lot of focus, a lot time, and a lot of money." Oh Paula... you so crazy... literally!

Big Daddy Kane Documentary Trailer

What more can I say? Big Daddy Kane was the SH*T when I was coming up. He was smooth, gangsta and most of all HANDSOME!! All that combined and you have a RAP ICON! His lyrics were crazy, his flow was on point and the brother even gave you a dance or two on stage. What rapper is bringing that to you nowadays? Check out this documentary on "Big Daddy Kane" below:



Hip Hop Heads Need More Of This In Their Lives!!!!

Charli Baltimore Interview Part 2

So after all the smoke clears and all the comments fade away (both negative and positive). I bring you the second half of my Charli Baltimore interview. We talk about her daughter's career, if there's a possibility she will make a dedication song to B.I.G. and when will we hear some new music from her. Check it all out below:

Actors of "Notorious" Respond To Lil Kim

As if anyone could keep quiet any longer. I mean it's about time someone has spoken out on all the stuff Lil Kim has been saying about the movie. I wasn't going to post any more stuff on this but I couldn't help it!

Get your urban news at DimeWars.Com

Diego - Sex You

My homeboy, Diego, is doing big things over in Texas and he's hittin hard with his single called "Sex You". Let me just let you guys know a little something about Diego. Of all the interviews I've done (and I've done quite a few) I get the most requests for more of Diego! The ladies just love Diego and can't seem to get enough of him!! I get emails all day long talking about when are you going to put up more footage of Diego?! Dang! Can the brother fly back to the NY first. LOL.

Diego is the youngest brother of the group H-Town. Remember them? Knockin Boots was my jam back in the day. But don't fret, your girl, the NYC Gossip Girl, will be getting an exclusive interview with the last member of H-Town real soon and some more Diego for you ladies. So stay tuned and enjoy this joint from Diego below:

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO!! NEW KURIOUS FT. MAX B "BACK FROM UP UNDA"!!

Aubrey O'Day from Danity Kane Does Playboy!

Hard working people as myself and my readers aren't the only ones trying to 'make a dollar out of fifteen cents' these days. Apparently former Danity Kane member - Aubrey O'Day must be hard up on her luck as well. Well... it seems she will be in the February issue of Playboy Magazine after all. When asked by Fox News recently after doing the shoot, Aubrey stated, “The shoot was so liberating, it is very classy, simple and glamorous. It’s all about the girl and that’s what I wanted. It’s so glamorous, Hef was there and he loved it. My whole family came to watch, I have a very liberal and accepting family and there is very little judgment to have ever come out of my family.” I'm sure guys (and even some chicks) everywhere can't wait to see Aubrey's goodies smeared across the pages of Playboy. I know I can't...Yum! Nice backshot Aubrey!