The Young, Black, and Fabulous

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• CHECK IT: Kevin Hart's Promos & BTS As "SNL" Host
• Beyoncé Leads GUCCI's "Chime For Change" Global Initiative Campaign, Debuting New Music In Campaign Video
• Karrueche Tran & Teyana Taylor GET KISSY...Again
• IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Full "Law & Order: SVU" Episode 'Inspired By' Chris Brown & Rihanna
• VIDEO: Solange Knowles Rocks Out On "Letterman" With "Don't Let Me Down"
• Celebs Hit BET's 2013 RIP THE RUNWAY--Kelly Rowland, Boris Kodjoe, Jada & Jaden Smith, Karrueche Tran & MORE
• PHOTOSHOOT FRESH: Cassie STYLES IT UP For April's ASOS Magazine
• Nicki Minaj Says She Hasn't Had Plastic Surgery Y'all...At Least Not On Her Face
• SPEAK ON IT: Should These NY High School Parents Be ANGERED Over ALL-WHITE Casting of "The Wiz"
• FOR THE DOGS: Taraji P. Henson STRIPS DOWN & SPREADS HER WINGS For PETA
• Blacks MAKING History -- True 'YBF Chicks' Help Make History As 2013 Rhodes Scholars
• Fantasia Gets NEW Release Date For "Side Effects Of You" + Diddy's New AQUA Business Venture
• CELBUSPAWNS: T.I.'s Daughter Deyjah's New Sitcom Moves Forward + Zoe Kravitz Nabs Jewelry Line + Reginae Gets OFFICIAL Contract With Young Money
• OH: "BMF WIVES" SHARE BTS Promo Photoshoot Video
• Zoe Saldana Responds To "Nina" Blacklash, Says She's Playing Nina Simone "Out Of Love"

CHECK IT: Kevin Hart's Promos & BTS As "SNL" Host Posted: 28 Feb 2013 08:52 AM PST Comedian Kevin Hart just reached the holy grail of comedy platforms--"SNL". He will be hosting Saturday's episode with musical guest Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.  Check out all the promos, and Kevin talking about this hosting gig being everything comedians live for inside.... Kevin Hart is hosting "SNL" this Saturday. And his promos just hit the net. Check them all above. Plus, here's BTS video of Kevin explaining why for a comedian, doing SNL is a bigger deal than hosting MTV’s Video Music Awards. “For a standup comedian, this is what we live for. This is what we want,” he explains. “So [the] VMAs was amazing, but this definitely surpasses that.” And in case you missed it, the silly Kevin created a song & video called "Frost Without You." And it some type of way hit the #1 spot on "106 & Park" yesterday. Hilar.  Watch it above.

Beyoncé Leads GUCCI's "Chime For Change" Global Initiative Campaign, Debuting New Music In Campaign Video Posted: 28 Feb 2013 07:25 AM PST Beyoncé Knowles was just announced as the leader of GUCCI's new global empowerment campaign, Chime For Change.  And in a new video about the initiative, Beyonce will debut new music for the cause.  Check out what it's all about inside... Salma Hayek has tapped her A-list friends to lead a global charitable campaign through Gucci.  Salma, who is married to François Pinault, the owner of PPR group who is the parent company of the Gucci brand, tapped co-founders Beyoncé and Frida Giannini, Gucci’s creative director for the project. Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Jada Pinkett Smith and more serve on the advisory board of the project as well. Chime For Change is an initiative that aims to raise funds and awareness in support of projects for girls and women around the world, through sharing "powerful stories" about inspiring females.  And the "Halo" singer, pictured above in her official image for the cause, is putting her superstardom and her own stories to use. "I have always felt strongly about equal opportunity for women. Girls have to be taught from early on that they are strong and capable of being anything they want to be," said Beyoncé to Vogue UK about the campaign. "It's up to us to change the statistics for women around the world. I'm honored to be in the company of women who live fearlessly and set an example for the next generation of young ladies."   Beyonce also has a musical role in the campaign.  Today, at the TEDxWomen luncheon, the campaign will be officially announced and a short film with make its debut. Salma is the narrator of the video, and it's set to new music by Bey herself. The video is the first in a series of ten Chime For Change short films featuring inspirational women's stories.  Nice!

Karrueche Tran & Teyana Taylor GET KISSY...Again Posted: 28 Feb 2013 06:33 AM PST Karrueche Tran and Teyana Taylor seemed to have some fun yesterday either before or after their joint red carpet appearance at BET's Rip The Runway show.   Check out the two on Instagram straight lip flexin'... After their first New Year's Eve smooch heated up Instagram, the two seemingly best friends...or something...are now back at it.  Chris Brown's ex Kae & one of his best friends Teyana Taylor--who was rocking a hat from Kae's The Kill clothing line--showed off a kiss on Instagram yesterday with Kae saying, "Harlem went in for the kiss huh". The two also hit the red carpet last night for the Rip The Runway taping for BET.  Teyana hosted the red carpet as well. And Kae posted a pic of them this week saying she was chillin' in NYC with the crew. Pics: Instagram

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Full "Law & Order: SVU" Episode 'Inspired By' Chris Brown & Rihanna Posted: 28 Feb 2013 05:50 AM PST   "Law & Order: SVU" often rips straight from the headlines.  And despite NBC offering a disclaimer that the episode does not portray particular events or people, it was pretty obvious Chris Brown & Rihanna's domestic violence situation was the inspiration.   Check out the full episode inside... It's probably the first episode of "SVU" we didn't like, thanks to the male singer "Caleb" looking like a black Ken from Barbie's playhouse and everyone's acting capabilities seeming like this was an "SNL" skit.  The episode incorporated the "leaked" shot of the victim, "Misha", with her beat-up face on a gossip site, Misha and Caleb ignoring the restraining order, the twosome recording a duet afterwards, and ever Caleb's bowtie and "I'm Sorry" interview with Wendy Williams, instead of Larry King. There were a few things too that seem to shade both Chris & Rihanna.  But you be the judge.  If you can get past the horrific acting, the randomly intertwined stories like the Drake club fight...with no "Drake", and the over-the-topness of many things, check out the full episode below:   By the way, Mary J. Blige's protege Starshell starred as the jumpoff of "Caleb".

VIDEO: Solange Knowles Rocks Out On "Letterman" With "Don't Let Me Down" Posted: 28 Feb 2013 05:06 AM PST Solange Knowles' pre-taped "Letterman" performance aired last night.  Check it out inside.... Rocking an adorable blue and white polka dotted Mochino Pre-Fall 2013 collection dress paired with bone colored ELIZABETH & JAMES 'Saucy' T-strap & ankle cuff pumps, Solange was spotted leaving "Letterman" earlier this week in NYC after performing a track from her newest 7-song EP True.   Check her performance of "Don't Let Me Down" below:   The Randomness: 1.  Fashion's Night Out has been "put on hiatus" here in the U.S. STORY

Celebs Hit BET's 2013 RIP THE RUNWAY--Kelly Rowland, Boris Kodjoe, Jada & Jaden Smith, Karrueche Tran & MORE Posted: 27 Feb 2013 10:23 PM PST Wednesday night at the Hammerstein Ballroom, celebs, including hosts Kelly Rowland and Boris Kodjoe, turned out for BET's 2013 Rip The Runway show.  Check out who all attended the taping and a few spoilers inside... Hotties Kelly Rowland and Boris Kodjoe put on their hosting hats for BET's Rip The Runway taping Wednesday night.  Kelly put her toned bod on display and looked gorgeous in a black chiffon cutout dress and Saint Laurent Paloma Striped Sandals while Boris dressed up more than he did for Cynthia Bailey's pageant on "RHOA" last week.  And looked damn good. Ms. Kelly looked gorge posing it up in her dress on the red carpet before the show started. Meek Mill posed it up with Kelly on the carpet before his performance. Nice look for Mr. Kodjoe.     Jaden Smith hit the carpet befoe taking the stage to perform.  And he posed it up with mom dukes Jada. Fly as usual. Jaden took the stage to rap one of his songs....and brought out his little sister Willow at the end. Cute little look for Willow. Speaking of performers, Rick Ross took the stage to tear things up with the models. Teyana Taylor was there of course and brought her best friend Karrueche along. This sexy dress is def her style.  And may be part of Kae's The Kill clothing line with Chris Brown.    Model Bria Murphy rocked a black & white look on the carpet, then kept it glam in a nude bodysuit and sheer overlay for the press room shoot.    Kelly changed into an all white look with a high slit and back cut-out to show off her bod.   Alicia Keys' brother Cole Cook kept it colorful on the red carpet.    Maybach O was in the building along with Ricky Ross. And Chris Brown's new artist Sevyn Streeter performed and bared her midriff and colorful pants on the carpet. And here's all 7 of Kelly's HOT on stage looks from the night.  If you don't want the spoiler....stop reading now.   Kelly in Giuseppe Zanotti Spring 2013 T Strap sandals Kelly: Giuseppe Zanotti Spring 2013 Metal-Detail Suede Sandals Kelly: Black Louboutin Zoulou sandals   Kelly: White Louboutin Lady Higness pumps Loving every single one.  The show airs on BET March 20th at 10p/9ct.   Pics: WENN

PHOTOSHOOT FRESH: Cassie STYLES IT UP For April's ASOS Magazine Posted: 27 Feb 2013 05:06 PM PST She's effortlessly gorgeous whether she's glammed up or casual'd out.  So it's only right the British clothing brand/store ASOS made the model/singer their newest cover model for the newest April 2013 issue of their magazine.   Check out Cassie's summer fresh pics in clothes from the upcoming season of ASOS... Cassie's rocking crop tops with matching pants, sneakers, gold chains, jersey dresses, and varsity jackets for a euro-fresh shoot for ASOS' new magazine. She's modeling the latest looks the store is selling.  And the "King of Hearts" chick looks hot as usual:   Cute.       Cassie tweeted that she's dropping the release date for her upcoming album RockABye Baby soon.  But with these cute pics, we still think she should stick with modeling... Pics: Cassie-Ventura.com

Nicki Minaj Says She Hasn't Had Plastic Surgery Y'all...At Least Not On Her Face Posted: 27 Feb 2013 04:15 PM PST Nicki Minaj recently talked about her "changing" appearance and denied ever having surgery on her face.  She chalks up her appearance to good make-up and contouring.  And we believe her.  Watch the interview inside...   For a recent interview of Extra, "American Idol" judge talked to Nicki Minaj about rumors of plastic surgery and her second-run collection with MAC.  Here are the highlights: On  plastic surgery rumors:   “I’ve never had surgery on my face…They'll see contour and they'll think you had surgery on your nose, no no no, look at RuPaul's drag race and you'll see how you can make your nose look any shape you want.” On why her looks have seemed to change: “When people see my makeup they think all types of crazy things that I'm doing to my skin, but it's makeup.” On her second MAC lipstick: “It's a bit more grown and sexy and like... less is more.” What she wears on a regular day:  “...scarf on my head, t-shirt, Uggs.” On who would win if she and Mariah were the last two contestants competing on American Idol Me of course! Oh, I wouldn't sing, I would just stand there and flash my boobs.   So there you have it.  Nicki has no plastic surgery....on her face.  With all that said, chick looks hot in the above pic from the upcoming "Freaks" video with French Montana. Watch the clip here:

SPEAK ON IT: Should These NY High School Parents Be ANGERED Over ALL-WHITE Casting of "The Wiz" Posted: 27 Feb 2013 03:51 PM PST One high school in New York is attempting to bring "The Wiz" to the stage in a way that differs drastically from the both the movie and Broadway versions of the play....starring an all-White cast! Find out how the outraged parents are responding inside and speak on it... "The Wiz" a musical became a star-making vehicle for Stephanie Mills when it hit Broadway in the 70s and big career moves for Michael Jackson and Diana Ross in the movie version.  It's been re-made several times over off-Broadway, through traveling tours/companies and on school campuses around the country.   And while we understand that musicals are supposed to re-made and reinvented...a few parents at Cicero-North Syracuse High School in Cicero, New York are a little peeved that an upcoming version of the play will star a predominately White cast. And before you go thinking that there weren't enough Black actors at the high school to go around, parents say that just isn't that case. In fact....the Black actors were passed over. It's actually been a full week of Blacks being passed over for Black roles as French fashion magazine Numéro reportedly may have passed over casting a Black model to celebrate African beauty and hired a white model for their "African Queen" spread! What's going on?! Numéro apologized today saying they are sorry people are offended, and they believed in the artistic nature--which was in line with his previous images of "melting pots of cultre"--of the photgrapher, Sebastian Kim. And after more backlash on the net, the photgrapher himself put out a statement saying, in part: It was never my intention (nor Numero’s) to portray a black woman in this story. Our idea and concept for this fashion shoot was based on 60's characters of Talitha Getty, Verushka and Marissa Berenson with middle eastern and Moroccan fashion inspiration. We at no point attempted to portray an African women by painting her skin black. Hmmm. But back at the high school with "The Wiz" drama, there will be ONE Black actor in the play, Kierrah Titus, who was one of seven Blacks to audition, BUT she was relegated to the ensemble dance troupe. Her mom, Letrice Titus, is speaking out asking a reporter at the Post-Standard. “Was there any outreach to the African-American students in the school? Why didn’t the school just do The Wizard of Oz?”  Preston Fagan, Cicero’s NAACP chapter president, sides with Letrice saying,  “To not let a black student have an acting role in this play is appalling. It’s almost an insult.” Both Letrice and Preston spoke at a meeting with the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education this week and voiced their concerns. For now, many African American parents and students plan to boycot the musical.   Speak on it....should the community feel some kid of way...or does the school have every right to put on whatever productions they please, and cast whomever they please? The Randomness: 1.  Former singer Michael Winans, Jr. was just sentenced to 14 years in jail in Detroit for running an $8 mill scheme over many years...and for running away once he was caught.  STORY

FOR THE DOGS: Taraji P. Henson STRIPS DOWN & SPREADS HER WINGS For PETA Posted: 27 Feb 2013 03:24 PM PST Taraji P. Henson has loaned her gorgeous face and body to PETA for her second campaign with the organization...and this one is for the dogs. Find out how Taraji wants you to bring pooches into the fold inside...   First Taraji P. Henson bared her whole body for PETA in an anti-fur campaign, and now the 42-year-old "Person of Interest" star is rocking nothing but angel wings to spread awareness about being kind to dogs.  She stars alongside her own Shih Tzu "Uncle Willie" in the visual campaign as she encourages people to bring their dogs indoors, where they will be safe and warm.  Shot by top celebrity photographer Don Flood, the ad stresses that "chained dogs suffer day in and day out. They are cold, hungry, thirsty, vulnerable, and lonely. Keep them inside, where it's safe and warm." In this behind-the-scenes video, Taraji shares how viewers can help dogs forced to live at the end of a chain and how PETA is helping to get a roof over their heads. And she speaks about her pup Uncle Willie saying, "I never thought that I could be so in love with an animal until I had Willie. He's our family. … He's just the best companion. Dogs to me are like children … they're the closest thing to God. They're so pure in their love, and all they do is aim to please." Awww! Watch the video here:

Blacks MAKING History -- True 'YBF Chicks' Help Make History As 2013 Rhodes Scholars Posted: 27 Feb 2013 02:14 PM PST As we continue our Blacks Making History campaign to close out Black History month, we're continuing to showcase YBF people doing amazing things you don't hear much about.  For the first time in U.S. history, a total of 32 people from America were selected as prestigious Rhodes Scholars...and three are YBF ladies.   Meet one of the young, black and fabulous 2013 Rhodes Scholars who graduated with honors from Yale, and has a fierce and fun persona.  Plus, we dig her love for hip hop... Southside Chicago native Rhiana Gunn-Wright is putting the windy city in the headlines for all the right reasons.  Amidst the chaos and the drama plaguing the city, she's been featured on the front page in top news publications for receiving one of the biggest honors in the country.  She's joining the company former Presidents and world leaders, and she's barely in her 20's. The prestigious Rhodes Scholarship is one of the top international awards bestowed on VERY few of the world's most impressive intellects who show through their scholastic and extracurricular endeavors.  And they are world changers.  They're the type of people who show you from the first impression that they're going to do "something."  You might not know what that something is....but it's going to be big.  Award recipients range from former President Bill Clinton to former US Ambassador Susan Rice to Newark Mayor Cory Booker (to name a few). Rhiana, who graduated magna cum laude from Yale University in 2011 with majors in African American Studies and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, is the newest Rhodes Scholar....and a true YBF chick.  TheYBF.com spoke with her and we're extra impressed by her commitment to improving the world around her.  And doing so while maintaining her rigorous academic schedule and active social life.  She embodies what it means to be young, Black and fabulous.  She works hard...lives her life...and keeps focused on her goals.  Here's our chat: What does it feel like to be named a Rhodes Scholar?   It feels insane and incredible all at once. It’s still hard for me believe that it actually happened. I want to hit a wall slide whenever I think about it. I just feel so incredibly blessed and grateful for the opportunity; it’s really amazing to see the Lord use my life like this. How did you find out you were selected--and what was your initial response? I found out a couple of hours after my one-on-one interview. I was sitting in a room with all of the other finalists from my District—all of whom were lovely, extremely impressive people—and the selection committee just came out and read the names of the candidates who won. I was shocked. It felt like everything was moving in slow motion. I was just staring at the Chairman with my mouth wide open after he said my name. Then I started making that real surprised Taylor Swift face. And THEN I started doing that thing beauty queens do when they win where they fan themselves real fast and cover their mouths. Basically, I was in a glass case of emotion and looking real foolish.   Do you remember when you first learned about the Rhodes Scholars and what led you to apply?   The first time I seriously learned about the Rhodes was my sophomore or junior year in college when my academic advisor told me I should consider applying. I researched the scholarship a little bit, but I didn’t want to go straight to graduate school after graduation so I decided not to apply. Then earlier last year, I was at work, and one of my co-workers told me about Cory Booker saving his neighbor from a burning building. (The man is basically a superhero.) So I started googling Cory Booker, and I learned that he was a Rhodes Scholar. Something just clicked. He is so committed to service, and it seemed like the Rhodes helped him to get to a place where he could serve others on a very broad scale. I knew that I wanted to do that same kind of work, so I decided to apply.   You seem well on your way to making your mark on Black History.  How important has education been to you on this journey?   Education has been extremely important. I mean I’ve always been a nerd. I’ve always liked to read and learn and think. But school gave me a place to channel that energy, and it taught me how to use it to create things—ideas, stories, whatever—that I thought could make life better. Plus, school has been where I have met some of my best friends and teachers. I would really be nowhere without my education.   What are you plans after you complete your studies?   I want to work on public policy, mostly related to poverty. It sounds kind of corny, but I really believe that it is our duty as Americans to care for one another in our times and places of need. Poverty is a factor in so many problems in our society, and I don’t think our country addresses the issue as well—or as humanely—as we should. I want to help us figure out how to do that better, so that we’re better serving those who are poor AND helping people climb out of poverty.      Who do you consider to be "YBF" in your mind?   Beyoncé. Solange. Gabby Douglas. Many, many of my friends.  Really, I consider anyone “YBF”  who works hard, is honest about who they are, and lives their life in a way that brings them joy. They also need to at least be trying to make wise choices. Can’t be acting a mess out in these streets.   When faced with adversity, what do you pull from to stay motivated and focused?   I pray a LOT. During my Rhodes application process, I know God must have been like “Girl, HUSH.”   I also try to find some songs that speaks to how I’m feeling. I played out Big KRIT’s “Boobie Miles”, Kendrick Lamar’s "Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” and Lianne La Havas “Is Your Love Big Enough?” when I was applying. I have to play some music that just knocks from time to time too. I gotta get hype! Who are you listening to on your IPOD/Pandora station/Spotify? Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Miguel, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. A lot of Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child. Some Gap Band and Anita Baker. I’ve had some Chicago hip hop artists like Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper in heavy rotation too.     What can someone (school students) do now to prepare to be a Rhodes Scholar?   You have to do the things that prepare you to excel in school. If you don’t have good study habits early on, it can be hard to hustle backwards and get it together later. Just get used to going hard when it comes to school. Also, find some interests outside of yourself. It doesn’t have to be volunteering necessarily; it can be music, art, math, whatever. Find something that feels important to you and commit yourself to it. You will be across the pond soon-- what are some must haves you're taking with you?   Hair products. My Netflix and Hulu+ subscriptions. A bottle of hot sauce. Lay’s Tangy Carolina BBQ chips and a couple bags of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Garrett’s popcorn. If you could bring 5 people across the pond with you to keep you company (dead or alive)--who would they be?   That’s hard! Probably my family, my girls, Ashley and Christina, and my goddaughter Amaya.   You're a Chicago native--and with all the recent press about the violence happening there-- what are some words of encouragement for young people there? I am so saddened every time I hear about another person being gunned down in my city. So much of the violence is happening in the neighborhood where I grew up and in areas where I have family and friends. Honestly, it’s really hard for me to talk about.  I would just tell the young people in Chicago that they should be encouraged by their own strength and bravery. To walk around in communities that are basically war zones, much less to go to school, to take care of yourself, to do right by the people you love—that takes real courage. And that’s what they’re doing every day. They should be proud of that and know that they have the type of heart that can carry them wherever they want to go in life. If they can make it in Chicago, they can make it anywhere.   And Rhiana (who will begin her studies at Oxford in October) wasn't the only young, black and fabulous individual to be name a Rhodes scholar this year.  She will be joined by two other YBF ladies in her cohort.  According to the Journal of Blacks In Higher Education,  Joy A. Buolamwini is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she majored in computer science. She is currently working at the Carter Center in Atlanta. She has founded or co-founded three businesses. She plans on a degree in African studies at Oxford. Nina M. Yancy is a senior at Harvard University where she majors in social studies. Yancy grew up in the Dallas area but her family recently moved to Chicago. Yancy has had internships at CNN, the Center for American Political Studies and in the British House of Commons. She is a member of the Harvard Ballet Company. She plans on pursuing a master’s degree in global health science as a Rhodes Scholar.   Congratulations to all of the ladies!   Photos via IWPR/Georgia Tech/Yancy

Fantasia Gets NEW Release Date For "Side Effects Of You" + Diddy's New AQUA Business Venture Posted: 27 Feb 2013 01:10 PM PST Leave it to Diddy to now take over the beverage world after already taking over the entertainment world.  Check out his new AQUA business venture as the new water company's 'brand architect', plus Fantasia's new release date for her upcoming album... He was Mr. MTV while taking over the reality show world and of course, has been ruling the entertainment world for a couple decades now. SO it's only right that Sean "Diddy" Combs teams up with the former CEO of Fiji, John Cochran, for John's new water company AQUAhydrate. Diddy joined actor/producer Mark Wahlberg today to announce a joint venture with the Southern California-based fitness and wellness water brand.  What will the fellas' responsibilities be?  To oversee business strategy, help drive the AQUAhydrate vision and be instrumental in helping secure retail partnerships for the water brand, such as their recently signed deals with Safeway, Kroger and GNC.  In other words, they'll pump out AQUAhydrate parties like Diddy did with Ciroc, put those water bottles in every movie and music video possible, and convince everybody that THIS water is the most special thing on earth. And we think he'll pull it off.  Diddy said today in a press release: As a brand architect, I am incredibly passionate and equally committed to every aspect of the businesses that I get involved with.  Partnering with AQUAhydrate and Mark is an incredible opportunity for me and I am looking forward to making history in the process. Its important for me to be part of something that drives me and is constantly pushing the boundaries, and that's what AQUAhydrate does. Together, were going to take AQUAhydrate to the next level. Get that cash Diddy.   In music news, Fantasia recently delayed the release of her upcoming fourth studio album, Side Effects Of You.  And today, she set the new release date for April 23rd.  The album will be available for pre-order on iTunes, Amazon.com and all online retailers on March 19th (her original release date).   Fanny says about her new album: "‘Side Effects Of You’ reflects a body of work that I call ‘Rock Soul,’ where I’m exploring a new and refreshing sound that reflects my vocal versatility and appreciation for international appeal.  I wrote a great deal of the new songs alongside some great producers and songwriters and 19/RCA has allowed me to artistically express myself the way I've wanted to for years. I hope everyone will enjoy this project and experience the ROCK SOUL NATION AND JOIN THE MOVEMENT!”   Check out the behind the scenes footage for her lead single "Lose to Win" below:

CELBUSPAWNS: T.I.'s Daughter Deyjah's New Sitcom Moves Forward + Zoe Kravitz Nabs Jewelry Line + Reginae Gets OFFICIAL Contract With Young Money Posted: 27 Feb 2013 11:57 AM PST Reginae Carter just made her Young Money contract official.  Check out what the star in the making posted last night from her pop Lil Wayne, plus other celebuspawns like Deyjah Harris & Zoe Kravitz nabbing their own ish... Lil Wayne's oldest kiddie Reginae (pictured above out and about this week with her mom Toya Wright) has been talking about a singing career, fashion career and literary career on her Instagram for a while now.  Reports came out a few weeks ago that 'Nae landed a book deal with Cash Money Content.  Now, she's posted a message from her CEO dad saying he just finalized her (and her bestie LoLo's) contract as the newest signees of Young Money: She said: "Yaaaassssss The happiest day of my lifeeeee...They ain't ready suhh" Who says nepotism only exists in the corporate world?  The cutie teen, who is also a cheerleader at her school, left the OMG Girlz a few years ago as her mom wanted her to focus more on her school work.  I guess it's all good now, because she's got her won deal on a big label.  And she's already helping design the YMCMB Princess fashion line for girls.  Must be nice...   Lenny Kravitz & Lisa Bonet's daughter, Zoe Kravitz, is launching her own jewelry line for Swarovski Crystallized.  The 23-year-old actress, who was spotted above arriving at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood late kast night, will be creating a 9-piece collection of bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings incorporating her birthstones, turquoise and tanzanite, and other Swarovski Elements.  And it will all be inspired by her travels. Zoe told WWD: ''I wanted it to feel organic and fun. Something that would allow each person to make it their own.  I was inspired by places I want to travel such as India and Morocco. Those countries have such vivid landscapes so I wanted to pull in colour from there.'' The line will range from $94-$194 and will hit Swarovski Crystallized stores in New York, London & Austria, as well as on their website.   And finally, rapper T.I.'s youngest daughter, Deyjah, is moving forward with her own sitcom.  Back in December, it was first reported that the youngin, who often appears on her dad's VH1 reality show "TI & Tiny: A Family Hustle", landed a new Atlanta-based sitcom called "All For MyLove."  It also stars Oprah's Goddaughter, Hannah Cartwright. The show is about a coming of age story about a girl, named MyLove (don't ask), who is trying to make it in the industry.  Deyjah will play troubled teen Yasmin, while Hannah will play Chelsea, MyLove's best friend. And today, an open casting call wa announced to fill other roles of the show.  Here's the synopsis: Mylove, leaves the UK to live with her brother after her father dies. Mylove’s brother Quentin is a music manager and has accomplished many successes for his artists. In order to obtain his inheritance, Quentin must secure a successful singing career for Mylove. Once in the states, Mylove begins attending the Jewels Private School Of The Arts where she befriends many like minded kids. Yasmine, a 12 year old with a troubled past, 11 year old Chelsea, Quentin’s youngest artists Jabias, who starts to form a crush on Mylove, smart and business minded 12 year old named Sheldon, shy yet skillful 12 year old rapper Young D, plus many more interesting characters.   And since at least one casting call is going down March 16th in Bartlett, TN, it looks like this sitcom is a go.  Check out the trailer below:

OH: "BMF WIVES" SHARE BTS Promo Photoshoot Video Posted: 27 Feb 2013 10:49 AM PST Stars of the reality show "Black Mafia Wives" recently did a photo shoot in LA and have shared video from behind the scenes.  Watch the video inside and get the status on the show.... Around this time last year, we told you that several chicks who were aligned or formerly aligned with the Black Mafia drug cartel of Detroit were linking up to launch their own reality show called "Black Mafia Wives."  Almost immediately, Big Meech (the former drug king pin) whom Rick Ross helped turn into a household name, took to Twitter (via his momma's account) and blasted the show saying that NONE of these ladies were affiliated with the BMF. Despite his claims, that didn't seem to stop the ladies and their hustle. Though talk about the show had quieted down, the ladies recently posted a video of a photo shoot they completed in LA which would make one assume the show is going to hit the air waves soon.  Now, we've learned over the years that ANYONE can book a photoshoot AND/OR film a reality TV show....it doesn't mean that it will ever hit the air.  And since we can't find an airdate or any network/cable affiliation with the "BMF Wives," they're possibly just trying to drum up interest in the show. And since "Starter Wives Confidential" and "All My Babies Mamas" all failed....we know there are a few cable slots that need to be filled.  We know the ladies hope that someone from TLC, Oxygen or VH1 will pick up on this Youtube post.  We'll keep you posted...  Watch the BTS video of their promo shoot here: Any interest?

Zoe Saldana Responds To "Nina" Blacklash, Says She's Playing Nina Simone "Out Of Love" Posted: 27 Feb 2013 09:57 AM PST It's been a long time coming and Zoe Saldana is now speaking out to naysayers about her decision to take on the role of Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic.  Check out what she had to say inside.... There have been many outspoken ciritcs and fans who have criticized the casting of Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone in an upcoming movie about the late singer's life.  One of the most vocal critics was Nina Simone's daughter, Simone, who revealed that she had been completely shut out of the movie and had no involvment at all.   During an inteview with Hip Hollywood, Zoe spoke her piece about the criticism saying,  ”What kept me from getting stressed and being hurt by the negative comments is that I’m doing it for my sisters and my brothers and I don’t care who tells me I’m not this or I’m not that. I know who I am and I know what Nina Simone means to me.” “I did it all for love. Out of love for Nina, my people and who I am and my pride of being a Black woman and a Latina woman and an American woman. That’s my truth.” It sure seems like Zoe is COMMITED to playing the role and that's all you can ask of an actress.  Maybe she will blow audiences away.  However, we still feel some kind of way about her playing the role in what some could call "black face" (pictured above on the set).    Watch the interview here:

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