Stars/People

Nicki Minaj agrees with Lauryn Hills comparisons

Many of Hip-Hop’s heavyweight have been praising Nicki Minaj in recent months for being one of the flagship players in the revival of the genre. Among the extensive list of names is Irv Gotti who compared the ‘Massive Attack’ rapper to the legendary Lauryn Hill.

Minaj has generally remained quiet about such recognition but now she is speaking out, suggesting that Gotti was correct for comparing her to Hill. Peep what she had to say below:

Often the truth in Minaj’s career is trumped by the rampant rumors swirling around her love life, sexuality and lofty comparisons. Kanye West has said she has the potential to be second-greatest rapper of all time, next to Eminem. Irv Gotti has compared her to Lauryn Hill.

In regards to the latter, Minaj isn’t as humble as one might expect.

“Irv has been privy to hear things that I’ve done that the world hasn’t heard,” she says. “Based on the music I have out now, that sounds like an absurd comment, but when ‘Pink Friday’ comes out, you will completely understand why Irv made that comparison.” {Source}

Although it is true that we still may not have heard the best that Minaj has had to offer, it is still hard to believe that she is even mentioned in the same sentence as Hill without the words “will never be” sandwiched included in the middle. Minaj has never sung on any track without the assistance of thick auto-tuning and only manages to spit a solid verse when featured on another artist’s track.

Hill is without a doubt one of the best rappers/singers/songwriters to emerge in the game. When Minaj drops a verse as tight as Hill’s on ‘The Mask’ or sings a capella like Hill did on ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’ let me know.

 

Kelly Rowland performs "I'm that chick" in NYC

Pop diva Kelly Rowland has been laying low as of late, surfacing only to promote her new singles on US radio. That all changed last night when the Destiny’s Child star performed her own concert at the PC Theater in New York’s Tribeca area last night.

Check out Ms. Kelly performing new song ‘I’m That Chick’ (produced by Tricky Stewart), ‘Commander’, ‘Destiny’s Child Medley’, and ‘Rose Coloured Glasses’.

New band, new backing singers, new all-male dancers, new swagger!!! She slayed the stage! Performances after the jump…

 

New Video: Alexandra Burke – ‘Start Without You’

The video for Alexandra Burke’s new single ‘Start Without You’ premiered a few moments ago. Check it out below…

{UPDATED}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7fBsCOp25A

While the video, which sees the X-Factor alum serve up her trademark sass, is a commendable effort, it’s hard to play down the fact that it doesn’t necessarily capture the essence of the song as well as it could have.

 

In Hot Demand: Michael Ealy Lands Lead Role in USA Network's 'Common Law'

With his latest film, 'Takers,' opening on August 27, Michael Ealy is hot demand these days. Not only is the Maryland native slated to do some recurring work on CBS' Emmy-nominated drama 'The Good Wife,' but he has just signed on to co-star in 'Common Law,' a new police drama on USA Network.
The Aussiello Files state that Ealy will play LAPD officer Travis Marks, who is charismatic, casually attired, and unshaven; the polar opposite of his police partner, Wes Mitchell.

An abandoned baby who was raised in eight foster homes, Travis lives in a motel and is quite comfortable being carefree. In contrast to the rigid Wes, Travis is a freewheeling, impulsive maverick, not to mention an avid womanizer who is extremely successful with the ladies. When Travis and Wes' professional partnership begins deteriorating, their captain insists that they attend traditional couples counseling.
Casting on the other lead role has yet to be determined.
Should the series be picked up by USA, Jon Turteltaub, known for directing both 'National Treasure' movies and more recently 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice,' will produce it.

 

Erykah Badu Pays $500 Fine for Naked Music Video

The drama surrounding Erykah Badu's controversial music video may soon be coming to an end.

Five months after filming the video for "Window Seat," in which the singer strips off all her clothes and feigns being shot in the head in the spot where John F. Kennedy was assassinated, Badu paid a $500 fine on Friday and will serve six months of probation, a Dallas city spokesman tells the Associated Press.

Badu, 39, was issued a disorderly conduct citation in April after a witness filed a complaint.



The singer, a native of Dallas, defended the video, saying it had been "grossly misinterpreted by many."

 

 

Fantasia: Speaks Out About Suicide Attempt

As previously reported, season 3 'American Idol' winner Fantasia Barrino was hospitalized for a highly-publicized suicide attempt on Aug. 9 where the eight-time Grammy Award nominee was reportedly found unconscious and bleeding after taking a bottle of Aspirin and a sleeping aid.

But, she's not letting that keep her from promoting her upcoming album 'Back to Me.'

In a statement released from her record label, J Records, the 26 year-old singer said, "I can't thank my fans enough for their prayers and support during such a challenging time."

'The Color Purple' Broadway star added," It has given me the motivation to get back to work ...I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this album and I pray that everyone enjoys it as much as I do."


Barrino's new album 'Back to Me' will be released on Aug. 24. The 'Free Yourself' singer is forging ahead with several notable television appearances including a high-profile performance on 'Good Morning America.'

The second season of her hit VH1 reality series 'Fantasia for Real' will premiere on Sept.19.

Earlier this week, pictures leaked on the Web of Barrino's rumored married boyfriend Antwaun Cook moving out of his North Carolina home. Cook's wife, Paula, has allegedly filed for divorce following allegations that her husband has been romantically involved and even has a sex tape with Barrino.

Pictures also leaked just days after Barrino's release from the hospital of her and Cook having a talk in a North Carolina park.

 

Gavin 'Pretty Boy' Marchand, Foxy Brown's Brother Hit with a Felony Indictment

The apple doesn't fall far from that Marchand tree!

Foxy Brown's brother, Gavin "Pretty Boy" Marchand, seems to be following his anger-management-needing sister by getting himself arrested for allegedly going on a pre-birthday shopping spree with someone else's credit cards.


Marchand, who has hit the stage with his sis as her sidekick, was arrested last week along with three other accomplices. The 35-year-old man, aka "Pretty Boy," was caught red-handed trying to purchase $8,000 worth of Hermès clothing from the New York City Madison Avenue boutique with a stolen Amex card.
Police recently released details of the arrest and reports stated that Marchand arrived at the posh store with three other associates. Marchand's 31-year-old buddy, Warren David, allegedly handed over the stolen corporate card to a salesperson who was suspicious of the card's look; it's unusual back strip and front lettering raised a red flag.

Marchand then handed over a MasterCard to the sales clerk, which also had an odd look. When the clerk held the card under a black light, it was revealed that it, too, was not legit.
David then pulled out anther Amex card - in what appeared to be a desperate attempt to purchase the $7,882.55 designer dud. This go-round, the Amex card was successful, but too late, police had been alerted.
Marchand, David and two other men (Ryan Campbell, 32, and Derwin Benoit, 34) tried to escape, forcing police on a 90 mph chase through the streets of New York. When police finally apprehended the men, they found that strewn all around the getaway vehicle's interior were stolen credit cards and receipts.
Marchand, who was indicted on Friday, and his three bumbling musketeers were all charged with grand larceny and identity theft. If convicted, all four men could face more than 5 years in prison.
Meanwhile Foxy, who is rather tied up facing a heap of legal woes of her own, told the New York Post regarding her brother's case, "I don't know anything about that."

 

T.I.: Brings Out Mary J. Blige, Swizz Beatz for New York Secret Show

T.I. made a big return to music last night (Aug. 16) in New York letting the music world know that he truly is back and at the top of his game.

The self-proclaimed King of the South brought out some of his superstar friends like Mary J. Blige, Cam'Ron, Swizz Beatz, and Keri Hilson for the Axe deodorant body spray-sponsored 'secret show' held at Manhattan's upscale Capitale Restaurant.

The event marked his first major solo performance since returning home from prison earlier this year.The Grammy Award-winning MC opened with his comeback anthem 'I'm Back' in a hoodie and his signature cool kid ensemble before breaking into a string of his trap star classics like 'Rubber Band Man,' '24s,' and 'Beat Down Low.'

Diplomats rapper Cam'Ron performed a few tracks, as did Brooklyn MC Maino before T.I. brought out his Grand Hustle artist B.o.B. to perform a slew of songs and his two major summer hits with 'Nothing on You' and 'Airplanes.'

After changing into a pair of nerdy glasses, he brought out The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, for a rendition of 'Don't Forget Me' and 'Good Love.'

Then, Swizz Beatz, who recently tied the knot with Alicia Keys, came out for the infectious single 'Fancy,' as well as 'Bring Em Out' and 'Swing Your Rag,' all of which he produced.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, decided to close things out with his latest single 'Got Your Back' with a little help from R&B singer Keri Hilson.

And, he wrote on his Twitter page, "thank you to NY and all the fans for hanging with da King."

Currently, T.I. is busy criss-crossing the country promoting his upcoming film 'Takers' which hits theatres on Aug. 24.

In addition to recording his forthcoming album 'King Uncaged,' he will also tape his very-first VH1 Storytellers special in New York next week and which will premiere on Sept.24 at 11 pm EST on VH1.

 

DMX Videos Goodbye for His Fans Before Heading Off to Jail...Again

True dat, gangsta rapper DMX is headed to the pokey, once again. But not so fast - the bad boy won't go without leaving his fans a lil' sumthin' sumthin' by way of a videotaped farewell.

Woman Claims to be Michael Jackson's Love Child and Now Wants Money

Mocienne Petit Jackson, a Netherlands woman who claims to be the child of pop sensation Michael Jackson and Diana Ross' sister, Barbara Ross, has filed documents in a Los Angeles court according to TMZ.

The 35-year-old woman claims that she was born in 1975 when Jackson was just 17. Now here is where it gets a tad looney tunes. Mocienne affirms that at age 9, her grandmother Katherine Jackson devised a plot to have her abducted and secretly sent to Belgium, in order to protect Michael's pop idol reputation at the time. The woman alleges that there were seven co-conspirators who were involved in her abduction and all, she claims, were murdered.
Although Mocienne has lived in the Netherlands, it is only now that she has decided to come forward with her twisted tale.
"I want to formally claim my part of my father's inheritance," she told TMZ. The alleged long-lost love child also claims that she wants custody of her siblings, Michael's three children, so that she can offer them a "more normal life."
And, just like 'daddy dearest,' Mocienne reveals that she has been diagnosed with the skin disorder vitiligo which results in the loss of skin pigmentation.
So I guess the Jacksons should back up their Brinks truck at Mocienne's doorstep because hands-down, I'm convinced. Aren't you?

And if you believe this crock, I have a nice island that's for sale for just a song in New York City!

Love Bytes: Maxwell & Selita Ebanks, Tameka Foster Responds to Usher's 'Behind the Music' & More

Are models the latest accessory for summer? Maxwell might say yes.

The R&B crooner and model Selita Ebanks have been spotted recently appearing quite cozy with one another. TheYBF reported that the two were spotted in NYC together last week at the restaurant Pop Burger. Later that weekend, Maxwell and Ebanks were seen on the scene at Russel Simmons' 11th annual Live Benefit Party in the East Hamptons.

Two beautiful and talented individuals? Sounds like the perfect match to us.

Tameka Foster Sounds Off on Chili
When viewers tuned into VH1 last Monday to watch R&B singer Usher's 'Behind the Music', they weren't surprised to see ex-girlfriend Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas discussing the couple's high profiled two-year relationship. However, people may have been surprised when they noticed Usher's ex-wife and mother of his two sons, Tameka Foster, was nowhere to be found.

Foster's absence and Chilli's presence left many people scratching their heads, so in true Hollywood style, Foster took to Twitter to clear the air. Bossip reports that Foster -- who claims she declined to appear on the show -- referred to Chilli as "anxious" to speak about her relationship with Usher. When asked how it felt to hear the former couple talk about their love, she assured them that their relationship was not a special case.

"They [Usher's exes] all were important, he 'loved' them all. She's delusional and doesn't matter," Foster tweeted. She went on to write, "I have no reason 2 be jealous."

Jessica White & Sean Penn Back On?

Maxwell isn't the only one who is reportedly into models these days. It appears that Sean Penn has a hankering for Victoria Secret angels as well. The Oscar-winning actor was spotted with his on-again, off-again model girlfriend Jessica White.

According to the NY Post, the couple was seen having drinks together with friends in NYC's Gramercy Park hotel this weekend. An onlooker recounts that the couple, "kissed, sat close and ignored everyone." The following night, White and Penn went to dinner with Spike Lee, his wife and friends on the Upper East Side.

Halle & Gabriel in South Africa with Nahla

Amicable breakups in Hollywood are nearly impossible these days. However, Halle Berry and her ex-beau Gabriel Aubry are proving to be the exception. The former couple, along with their adorable daughter Nahla, touched down in South Africa this weekend in good spirits. Berry will begin shooting her new film 'Dark Tide' for the next three months while her ex-beau servers as Nahla's full-time care giver. The former couple agreed to the arrangement after Aubry refused to be away from his daughter for too long.

According to RadarOnline, no one expects the couple to reconcile, but they are willing to get along for the sake of their child. The two will be living under the same roof but Berry has agreed to rent another home if things get sticky. Hollywood couples could learn a lot from these two.