While Officer Darren Wilson, the cop who actually killed an unarmed teen is on paid leave, another Missouri cop has been fired for pointing a semi-automatic rifle at a peaceful protestor in Ferguson.

On the video that had gone viral on YouTube and World Star Hip Hop, an unnamed St. Ann, MO cop was filmed threatening a protestor saying, “I will f*****g kill you!” A man is heard saying, “Oh my God! Gun raised!” as the officer approaches. The identity of the man who shot the video is not known.

“My hands are up, bro! My hands are up!” the man said on the video filmed just before midnight during Tuesday’s protests of the killing of unarmed teen Mike Brown.

St. Louis County police spokesman Brian Schellman said a county police sergeant took immediate action, telling the officer to lower the weapon and escorting him away from the area.

The officer was suspended indefinitely on Wednesday afternoon.

[Main image: Shutterstock]

Meanwhile in California, a state highway patrol officer faces serious charges after video surfaced of him assaulting an older homeless woman.

Officer Daniel Andrew was videotaped July 1 beating 51-year-old Marlene Pinnock who had been walking along Interstate 10, near the LaBrea Ave. exit in Los Angeles. She was headed to an underpass accessible only by the highway. The violent footage went viral on YouTube and generated angry criticism of Andrew’s actions. Officer Andrew was relieved of active duty after the video showed him straddling the woman, using closed fists to hit her in the head and face repeatedly.

Pinnock was taken to a hospital and held on a psychiatric hold for 72 hours. According to reports, she plans on suing the California Highway Patrol agency.

By Pinky Shannon

Envisioned in 1986, with then-Governor Thomas H. Kean as a grand champion, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center opened its doors at 1 Center Street in Newark on October 18, 1997. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Savion Glover, among many others, participated in the celebration, which later aired on PBS’s Great Performances.

“The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is a theater that comes with an attitude, a personality that resonates as if it’s been here forever,” says the legendary Judith Jamison, artistic director emerita, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, via email. “The diversity of its audience and variety of events are assets that make the place so accessible.”

In 2011, executive producer David Rodriguez, who has helmed the Apollo Theater and Aaron Davis Hall in comparable capacities, was happy to return to Newark, where he was born, and build on the institution’s growing legacy. And, as Jamison notes, diversity is the key to NJPAC, as it is more affectionately known.

“It’s a performing arts center that is committed to the urban aesthetic. Having come from a place like the Apollo in Harlem, to a place like this in Newark, was like coming home. The aesthetic, the diversity, the passion that exists and that can be shown on a stage like this is really like no other,” Rodriguez beams. Comprised of the 2,800-seat Prudential Hall, the 511-seat Victoria Theater, the 88-seat Horizon Theater and cabaret-friendly The Chase Room, NJPAC puts on 450 events a year.

“We really try to have distinctive programming that can span from a local level, working with Trilogy Opera on a new opera based on Paul Robeson, to having a new series with the best new voices from the worldrenowned Metropolitan Opera,” he explains. “We are bringing Lula Washington here next season specifically related to her doing two new pieces, one with McCoy Tyner and the other with Terence Blanchard.”

Celebrating past greats is important too, especially those with Newark ties. Through the James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival, featuring the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, NJPAC salutes two of its best. Contemporary greats aren’t missed either. “We were so, so honored this past year, before he left us, to commission a special program for Amiri Baraka with Craig Harris and poets giving tribute to him,” Rodriguez says.

Investing in the future, NJPAC works closely with New Jersey schools to provide arts programming and regularly hosts free performances for children. Recently, it’s made a conscious effort to put itself out there more, primarily through television, with great success.

Last year, Black Girls Rock!, which airs on BET, taped at NJPAC. Kevin Hart hasn’t taped anything there yet, but he is so fond of the venue that, even when he was headlining much-larger Madison Square Garden, he showed up at NJPAC for a performance. There’s something special about NJPAC, insists Rodriguez.

“To see Misty Copeland dancing alongside Patti LaBelle, who is doing a program here next year, [during Black Girls Rock!] is a special, special moment. And to see Marian Wright Edelman and Venus Williams in the audience, people really making a difference, these are the times when NJPAC really shines.”

And, going forward, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is primed and ready for even more starring roles.

For more info on NJPAC and upcoming events, visit njpac.org

In the largest settlement by a single company in history, the Bank of America Corp. will pay $17 billion dollars to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The settlement includes $9.65 billion paid in cash and $7 billion in aid to communities and homeowners hit hard by the housing market crash that triggered the Great Recession. Included in the aid is funding for some mortgage reductions and more affordable rental housing.

The deal settles claims from the Justice Department, the Securities Exchange Commission, and other federal agencies, as well as California, New York, and four other states. This is the largest settlement since the economic fiasco in which millions of Americans lost their homes to foreclosure.

California will receive $300 million from the settlement to reimburse its two biggest public pension funds, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System.

The deal requires Bank of America to admit making serious misrepresentations about the quality of its residential mortgage-supported securities issued by itself, Countrywide Financial, and Merrill Lynch.

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“Today is a miraculous day. I’m thrilled to be alive.” Two American doctors have been cured of the Ebola virus have been released from an Atlanta hospital. They contracted the disease while working as health aids in West Africa and were transported to America to be treated.

Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol were admitted into a specialized isolation ward at Emory University and discharged after two weeks of strenuous treatment. When the news broke about the American doctors having the disease, it caused fear and many debated whether they should be allowed to return.

“I am forever thankful to God for sparing my life, and I’m glad for any attention my sickness has attracted to the plight of West Africa in the midst of this epidemic,” said Dr. Brantly while at a press conference with his wife by his side.

Related: New Cases of Ebola Feared In USA And GermanyThroughout his heart filled speech, he addressed the experimental drug that may have saved his and Nancy Writebol‘s life- Zmapp, a drug produced by American company Mapp Bio-pharmaceutical. “He can return to his family, his community and to his life without public health concerns,” said the of Emory’s Infectious Disease Unit. 

 Nancy Writebol had quietly been released on Tuesday and did not show for reporters but per Dr. Brantly, released a statement. “Nancy is free of the virus, but the lingering effects of the battle have left her in a significantly weakened condition,” her husband wrote. “Thus, we decided it would be best to leave the hospital privately to be able to give her the rest and recuperation she needs at this time.”

Despite what people feared, workers at Emory claimed that they “always suspected that we had a good chance of helping these patients survive” and still back that the risk of contracting the disease is low.

Supermodel Chanel Iman and her rumored fiance, Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky, appear inside the pages of the famed Vogue September Issue. Iman revealed the news of “The Dance of Seduction” editorial on Instagram, and highlighted a photo of the couple locked tight in an embrace as if they’re about to kiss.

Both Iman and Rocky have been immersed in the fashion world, but the editorial will be the first time the two models have appeared together in a fashion magazine. Iman and the rapper have been keeping their relationship under the radar instead of becoming fodder for the tabloids, which makes this pairing all the more interesting. Here’s your opportunity to get a first look at the spread before it hits newsstands.

[Image: Chanel Iman/Instagram]

Vogue’s September Issue might be one of the issue’s most diverse and welcoming for models of color this year. Joan Smalls, who is of Puerto Rican descent, appears on the cover as a trio of models. Smalls is the first woman of color on the magazine’s September cover in over 25 years. Yes, Halle Berry and Naomi Campbell were featured in other September Issues of the women’s fashion magazine, but only on the fold-out pages and not as the main feature.

Models of color have spoken out about the fashion’s industry lack of inclusion for women and men of color on the runways and in magazine’s pages. Iman spoke about being excused by designers because they had already found their one “Black girl.” Vogue Italia has embraced models and celebrities influential to the fashion world in “Vogue Black,” a separate subsection of their site. But for all its intentions to be diverse, even Vogue Italia has had a recent blackface hiccup.

Hopefully the American Vogue takes the hint that people of color want to see themselves featured in the magazine also.

Keep clicking for more images from Chanel Iman and A$AP Rocky‘s editorial in Vogue.

[Image: Vogue]

[Image: Vogue]

[Image: Vogue]

[Image: Vogue]

When Don Lemon decided to interview Talib Kweli, he should have been aware that the rapper doesn’t take kindly to disrespect. Kweli, along with a group of other activists including famed poet Jessica Care Moore, traveled to Ferguson to physically take part in the protests instead of just being a social media activist.

CNN put Kweli and Lemon on-air together to discuss the latest developments. The interview took a turn for the worse when Kweli commented that media had been doing a horrible job of making sure that the stories get out in the right way. Lemon disagreed and attempted to defend CNN’s coverage.

Kweli pointed out that CNN’s headline “Ferguson streets were calm until bottles fly” inaccurately shaped the narrative of what’s happening in Ferguson. Kweli told Lemon events that were reported from the night prior didn’t transpire as CNN reported. He attempted to explain that men, women and children were chased by police when he felt the anchor interrupted him before he could fully make his point. That’s when a heated back and forth started over their pre-interview meeting and it went downhill from there.

Kweli pointed out to Lemon that the anchor was too busy on his phone to greet him and only asked him how to pronounce his name before launching immediately into the on-air interview. “I would have the respect to greet you if I had never met you before, brother. To say, “How are you doing? It’s nice to meet you,” Kweli told Lemon.

Lemon attempted to steer the conversation back unsuccessfully as Kweli threatened to walk off if he didn’t get the respect he needed to be able to fully finish his thought. The two argued on air until both sides finally gave up, leaving viewers unaware of what’s really happening on the streets of Ferguson.

Unable to fully explain his position on CNN, Kweli took to his Twitter timeline to explain his perspective. He posted a link to a report from Rosa Clemente.

For those who saw me on CNN saying Lemon didn’t greet me I only raised that point to counter the fact he said he invited me. He did not.

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 21, 2014

I have respect for Lemon. But I dont care whether he knows/greets me or not. Just didn’t think he should’ve got away w saying he invited me

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 21, 2014

To bring the focus back to what I was able to say, the night I was there, it wasn’t peaceful until “someone threw a bottle.”

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 21, 2014

It wasn’t just men that were chased down & tackled like prey. It was women & children too. That’s an important detail.

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 21, 2014

Oh, Columbus has fallen Short yet again. Former “Scandal” actor Columbus Short was arrested again on Thursday in a Van Nuys, California courtroom.

This comes after Short decided frolicking in Barbados was a better choice than appearing in court in his criminal domestic violence case last month. An arrest warrant was issued with bail set at $40,000. Short also failed to show up for another hearing earlier this week, because there’s something about Barbados, so he just couldn’t leave yet. The same judge then upped Short’s bail to $500,000.

That’s not the only “Scandal” Columbus Short is facing. He had another hearing Thursday in the criminal case involving the bar fight he was in last year. Since Short was already in custody, he didn’t show up, so that judge issued a second warrant and set his bail at $250,000. Short gives new meaning to Beyoncé and Jay Z’s “On the Run Tour.”

We’re not sure if Olivia Pope can swoop in and save the day, but we sure hope he saved money for a rainy day.

A Florida pageant mom fed daughter tapeworms, so the teen could lose weight. Nurse Maricar Cabral-Osori admitted a teenager to the ER after she complained about severe stomach pains. The girl’s mother initially thought her daughter was pregnant, until an ultrasound ruled that out.

The teen was found screaming in pain over a toilet bowl of live tapeworms. Cabral-Osori said the teenager had passed the tapeworms, some of which were “very long and trying to get out of the toilet bowl.”

She said the victim’s mother admitted to buying tapeworm eggs in Mexico and feeding them to her daughter. The eggs hatched after the girl swallowed them.

[Image: Shutterstock]

Tapeworms attach themselves to the intestinal wall of the teenage host, sucking nutrients and calories.

Certain tapeworms can grow up to 30 feet long and can live within a host for up to 20 years.

Tapeworms have been used for nearly 100 years to stimulate weight loss, but doctors have warned the practice is extremely dangerous, citing unstable side effects and the possibility of death.

Source

[Image: Shutterstock]

50 Cent and Floyd Mayweather pose after a movie screening in 2011 in New York when they were on friendly terms.

Did someone ring the bell? 50 Cent has issued his former friend and boxer Floyd Mayweather in a challenge that’s a little different than the current ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that’s freezing the nation.

The rapper posted a video on Instagram saying he would donate $75,000 to any charity of the boxing champ’s choice. The challenge? Mayweather has to read one page from a Harry Potter book all the way through without stumbling.

50 Cent captioned the Instagram post with: “Floyd will you except my ALS/ESL CHALLENGE: I will donate $750k to a charity of your choice, If you can read a full page out of a Harry Potter book out loud without starting and stopping or f–king up. lmao.” Oh, Fiddy.

In the video, it seems the rapper-actor is about to accept the ASL Ice Bucket Challenge himself, instead he tosses the bucket to punctuate his offer with, “F–k the bucket of ice, man!”

If Mayweather was worried about how to show the world he can in fact read, late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has made an offer that 50 Cent is only too happy to relay.

No word yet if Mayweather is going to come out swinging and jabbing. Somebody ring the alarm!

This week in celebrity quotes: Nick Cannon confirms divorce rumors, Don Lemon thinks Talib Kweli should be more grateful, Kevin Hart claps at haters suggesting his recent proposal was shade towards ex-wife. Plus Tina Knowles shoots down Beyonce and Jay Z divorce rumors and Diddy calls out POTUS out over his absence in Ferguson.  AND I QUOTE…

“There is trouble in paradise.  We have been living in separate houses for a few months.”

Nick Cannon, legally barred from formally discussing his divorce to Mariah Carey, instead drops strong hints that indeed, their marital union is over in an interview with The Insider

“I wish my X Wife nothing but the best in life…I’ve moved forward with my life & have been doing so for the last 6 years. The only thing that was on my mind yesterday was making sure my lady had an amazing 30th B Day. I’m happy to say that my now FIANCÉ was blown away by the entire evening. #MissMeWithTheBullsh*t #KillNegaitivityWithPositivity”

Kevin Hart clapping back at haters that felt his proposal to girlfriend was meant to overshadow ex-wife’s Torrei “Atlanta Exes” show premiere, via Instagram.

Continue reading at UPTOWN.

“Focus on the fact that all mainstream media is giving you the oppressors narrative. We need to take it back & we ain’t gotta be polite.”

Following his on-air spat with Don Lemon, Talib Kweli reiterates his irritation with how the media has spun the Ferguson story via Twitter.

“She wanted attention because we don’t give a f–k about that India.Arie a– music. No offense against India.Arie because I love her. We like India because she’s India. [Elle's] not India. Go sit down trying to be K. Michelle and India with the guitar. It just don’t work.”

K. Michelle revealing why she is mad with former BFF Elle Varner, whom she accused of trying to steal Meek Mill and imitate India.Arie,  in an interview with Hot 97.

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“A happiest of Bdays to my mother chucking ninja, @Madonna!! Hope you have a great one, M!”

Justin Timberlake sending out a questionable birthday message to pop icon Madonna, via Twitter.

“This sh-t ain’t right. Obama, get on a plane — it’s serious. These are your people, baby. These are your people.”

Diddy calling out President Obama over the recent Ferguson protests, via Instagram.

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“Haters gone be haters!”

Tina Knowles speaks on the rumors surround daughter Beyonce and Jay Z’s troubled marriage, via TMZ.

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“She’s fresh. I’m super fresh. It ain’t hard. There is no temptation for me. You gotta keep the THOTs in their place. I smoke with ‘em, chill, but it doesn’t go past that. You know? They know what it is though.”

Wiz Khalifa breaks down how to keep a THOT in her proper place, in an exclusive with S2S Magazine.

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“@TalibKweli Re: invite. U were gonna be canceled. I said no. I did not know who u were but wanted ur perspective. Just so ur aware. peace”

Don Lemon semi-tries to make amends with Talib Kweli by explaining how he saved the rapper’s segment from being cancelled via Twitter.

The remains of Malaysian victims of the MH17 disaster arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

It’s a somber day in Malaysia as the first remains of the 43 victims killed in the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy have arrived in Kuala Lumpur. It’s been over a month since Flight MH17 was shot out of the skies above eastern Ukraine.

Friday, the bodies of 20 Malaysian passengers returned home. Families gathered at the airport to await their arrival from Amsterdam. Uniformed pall-bearers from Malaysia’s armed forces carried the coffins that were draped in the Malaysian flag.

[Image: Vincent Thian/AP]

There were 298 passengers and crew on Flight MH17 that died in the July 17 crash. Authorities believe the plane was shot down by a missile fired by pro-Russian rebels, who have since denied their involvement. According to ABC News, of those aboard the flight, 193 were Dutch and 43 were Malaysian, including 15 crew members. There were also 38 Australian citizens killed.

As the bodies returned home, a day of mourning has been put into place, along with a moment of silence in the country of 28 million people.

Dutch authorities are leading the investigation on the incident.

Source

NFL star Victor Cruz has landed a sweet smelling deal as the new face of Hugo Boss.

The New York Giants wide receiver joins other professional football athletes as Hugo Boss re-launches three of its classic men’s fragrances, Hugo Man, Boss Bottled, and Boss Bottled.Night. in the “Success Behind the Game” campaign.

Denver Broncos’ DeMarcus Ware is representing Boss Bottled.Night., and Green Bay Packer Clay Matthews III has taken on Boss Bottled.

“I’m really into Hugo Man right now, especially during these warm months,” Cruz says of his collaboration. “It’s a really fresh scent, but it’s energizing and not at all common. It’s got a unique character, which really complements my individuality and modern style.”

Raised by a Puerto Rican mother and African American father, Cruz, 27, signed to the Giants in 2010, after playing at the University of Massachusetts.

Hugo Boss Man was first released in 1995 and “represents that most original ideas and performances happen when a man challenges himself,” according to the label.

The family of Michael Brown and thousands of marchers are expected to protest the death of Eric Garner, the unarmed Black man killed by a chokehold by a White NYPD officer.

The “We Will Not Go Back” march on Saturday is being led by the Rev. Al Sharpton‘s National Action Network and will bring together both grieving families to shine a light on the senseless killings. The protest will begin at 11 a.m. on the street where 43-year-old Garner was placed in the fatal chokehold and end with a rally at the office of Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan, who sent the case to grand jury earlier this week.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed Brown’s family would be in attendance at the march. They will hold Brown’s funeral and memorial service on Monday (Aug. 25).

The deaths of Garner and Brown happened less than a month apart. Garner was stopped by police on July 17 for allegedly selling loose cigarettes and subsequently put in a chokehold (which is prohibited by NYPD departmental policy) following a verbal dispute. A medical examiner has since ruled the death a homicide.

On Aug. 9, 18-year-old Brown was shot at least six times by Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson after an alleged physical altercation. The shooting is currently being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

In the case of Garner, the Justice Department has said it will likely wait for the local investigation to conclude before making a decision on its plan of action. Sharpton and other activists have demanded that Donovan bring criminal charges against the officers involved.

Oh the irony. A dancer for Nicki Minaj was bitten by a 6-foot long snake, believed to be an anaconda, during a rehearsal for the MTV Video Music Awards, reports TMZ.

During a run-through for Sunday’s show, sources say the rapper was on stage performing her single “Anaconda” when a female dancer was bitten by the reptile. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she was treated, but her condition is unknown.

The snake was promptly removed from the stage in a container. Anacondas are non-venomous but can transmit bacteria that can lead to serious infections.

Photo courtesy of Young Money Entertainment

It’s unknown if the snake will make it into the live performance.

It was a chaotic scene at 1OAK nightclub in West Hollywood early Sunday morning as shots rang out and former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight was among those injured. TMZ reports two other partygoers were shot.

The incident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. at a pre-VMA party hosted by Chris Brown. Sources say Knight was shot six times, including in the stomach and arm.

The hip-hop mogul was reportedly able to walk out of the club on his own power and was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance where he was rushed into surgery. Knight was said to be in the ICU, but is expected to recover.

“It’s disappointing that we as a society can’t have fun or enjoy ourselves without any altercations sometimes,” Brown tweeted. At least one person shot was listed in critical condition.

Sources say the night got off to a rocky start with rapper The Game and his crew getting into a physical altercation with security an hour and a half before the shooting. The star tried to get in 1Oak, but was denied. He left, but his buddies stayed behind; it is unknown if they were involved in the altercation.

Photo courtesy of PacificCoastNews.com

The MTV Video Music Awards will take place Sunday night at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

The sounds of “Motown the Musical” are set to take a pause on Broadway. The show will temporarily take a break to prepare for its U.K. production, producers said Friday.

The Tony-nominated musical will play its final performance at the Lunt Fontanne Theare on Jan. 18. It will then take a break and return in July 2016 at a yet-t0-be-announced Nederlander-owned theater.

Producer Kevin McCollum said the show’s break will give them “an opportunity to use the production assets from Broadway for the U.K. production next year.” The show is slated to hit the Dominion Theater in London next summer.

Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

“Motown the Musical” follows Berry Gordy‘s story of how he created the legendary record label with acts such as The Jackson 5, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and more. Since its opening in 2013, the show has grossed more than $18 million and spawned a national tour.

It was only a matter of time before the Ice Bucket Challenge would go wrong. Four Kentucky firefighters were injured last week when they attempted to spray college students with cold water. 

The firetruck’s aerial ladder came a bit too close to a main power line at Campbellsville University. Although the ladder did not hit the line, the energy from the line struck two of the firefighters who were in the bucket.

According to police, Capt. Tony Grider, 41, and Simon A. Quinn, 22, were airlifted to The University of Louisville Hospital. Grider, a 16 year veteran is listed in serious condition as Quinn, a part time firefighter was upgrades from serious to fair condition. Both men were treated in the central burn unit.

Also injured were Capt. Steve Marrs, 37, who has been with the department for 11 years, and Alex Johnson, 28, who has been there three years.

About 4,500 people lost power for about an hour, including the university, said Natasha Collins, a spokeswoman for Kentucky Utilities, which owns the line.

No students were harmed.

At this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, all hailed Queen Bey. After a chart-shattering year filled with surprise albums, world tours, adorable Blue Ivy photos and “surfborts,” MTV finally presented Beyoncé with the Video Vanguard Award. The honor is reserved for popular music’s most innovative contributors whose visuals have left an unmistakable mark on our culture. The winner’s circle includes David Bowie, The Beastie Boys, both Janet and Michael Jackson (whom the award was renamed for in 1991), The Beatles, Madonna, LL Cool J, Britney Spears, and director Hype Williams. And after the year she’s had, it’s only right that Mrs. Carter take home the award herself. While it’s hard to choose between her extensive body of work, you can read on to relive some of her most iconic music videos to date. And let us know which is your favorite!

Let’s start at the beginning. Like her Video Vanguard predecessor Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé wouldn’t be the powerhouse she is today without her backup singers, er, group, Destiny’s Child. Their color-coded video for “Say My Name” had it all: two new band members, a PVC-clad dance break, and those precious blonde cornrows. (I may or may not still reenact the stop-and-pose choreography when this song comes on.)

When Destiny’s Child announced they would be splitting up in 2002, it was unclear which of their individual careers would flourish and which would flounder. “Crazy In Love” left no doubt. The vid was incredibly sexy; there were burning cars, opened fire hydrants and signature booty pops. And when Jay-Z showed up to deliver his guest verse, rumors of romance began brewing.

Bey has always loved a good dance anthem, and the extended version of “Get Me Bodied,” from her second album had more than enough moves. In addition to a DC reunion, the ’60s-inspired video gave us such moves as the weave-pat, the scissor-leg and the tick-fight. And if you didn’t pull a muscle while dropping down low and sweeping the floor wit’ it, you weren’t doing it right.

“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” might be Beyoncé’s paramount production. The simple, black-and-white video had British flash mobbers, diapered babies, and SNL castmates alike donning black leotards and heels and hitting the choreography. And, when Taylor Swift won the “Best Female Video” award at the 2009 VMAs, a Hennessy-filled Kanye West took to the mic to declare it “the best video of all time.”

Beyoncé is no stranger to the alter-ego. Like many pop stars, she juggles a variety of identities, including Sasha Fierce and 3rd Ward Trill. But my personal favorite is the pinup-inspired B. B. Homemaker. In the video for “Why Don’t You Love Me,” B. B. is an emotional housewife (think Betty Draper, but thick). She washes dishes, does laundry, swills martinis, and dusts off her many Grammys, all while making runny mascara look chic.

Unlike many celebs (ahem, Kim Kardashian West), Queen Bey is relatively private about her marriage to Jay. Not Kerry Washington private, of course. But, save for the pictures she posts on her site, her song lyrics, a few tabloid rumors, and a pesky elevator video, we don’t know much. To this day, we’ve only seen snippets of the wedding. So, the “Best Thing I Never Had” video gave fans a glimpse at what she might have looked like as a blushing bride.

The visuals for “Run The World (Girls)” played like the dystopian thriller we’ve all been waiting to see: policemen with riot gear freaking out as an army of fierce, cape-wearing women terrorize them with jungle cats and synchronized moves. Beyoncé also dances alongside Tofo Tofo, a dance group from Mozambique, who adorably had no idea who she was before making the video.

“Countdown,” from Bey’s 2011 album, 4, received mixed reviews. While some hailed the brightly colored vid for its playful, vintage feel, others accused the Queen of stealing from various works. (Those people have apparently never heard of an homage.) But the crowd was unanimous in their love for Ton Do-Nguyen, a sixteen year-old from Pennsylvania who did a shot-for-shot remake, all while wearing a Snuggie.

In between diamond cream facials and six-star pimp suites (“Upgrade U,” anyone?), Mrs. Carter loves to embrace her inner ratchet. The video for her summer jam “Party” was set in a trailer park, and looked like a cross between House Party and “My Name Is Earl.” Still, despite the silly string, hair foils, and plastic kiddie pools, Beyoncé, Kelly, and Solange looked flawless.

Because each song on her most recent album was accompanied by a music video, it’s hard to choose which ones are the most memorable. But the visuals for “Yoncé” look like they were torn from the cover of Vogue (or maybe Maxim). Bey teamed up with Victoria’s Secret models Joan Smalls, Chanel Iman, and Jourdan Dunn for one of her sexiest videos yet.

Beyonce – Yoncé

The “Partition” video, which follows “Yoncé” on the track list, is equally sexy. The cabaret-themed production centers around Bey trying to show her man something new, and features a handful of stripper poles, a few barely-there lingerie sets, a brief cameo from Mr. Carter himself, and an especially acrobatic routine on that famous chaise lounge chair.

The most theatrical video on the visual album, the after school special-like “Pretty Hurts” was gritty and heartbreaking. In it, Beyoncé attempted to pull back the curtain on her world by comparing the crushing pressures of the public eye to a beauty pageant. We see her and other contestants battle with eating disorders, low self-esteem, and even each other, all for the sake of a crown.

This year the Video Music Awards red carpet was full of heavy metal. Stars stunned in silvery ensembles at the brand new Forum in Inglewood, Calif. for MTV’s biggest night. There were strappy sequined dresses, glittering floor-length gowns, and even metallic sneakers. Of course, some celebs shined brighter than others. See all of the showstopping looks from the VMA red carpet here.

Before delivering a ***flawless VMA performance, accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and snuggling with Jay Z and Blue Ivy on stage, Beyoncé arrived wearing a slinky lace gown with sequin detailing.

RELATED: Beyoncé’s Video Vanguard Award: 12 Legendary Videos

When Jesus say yes, Michelle Williams smolders on the red carpet. She stayed classy in a flowing halter number in a black and white giraffe print, before cheering on her Destiny’s Child sis during the show’s finale.

Everyone’s favorite carefree Black girl, Solange, kept it simple in a menswear-inspired look. She paired a shimmering black suit and ankle-strap heels with thick, wavy tresses.

His name was hot on everyone’s lips this year, but Sam Smith kept it cool in his signature look. The “Stay With Me” singer wore a sleek dark suit and clean brown monk-strap shoes.

Before the wardrobe malfunction during her opening performance, Nicki Minaj was sinfully sexy on the red carpet. The “Anaconda” rapper opted for a skin-tight snakeskin minidress, nude heels, and black curls.

New bride and mommy-to-be Kelly Rowland was blushing over her baby bump on the red carpet. She looked goddess-like in a pale sequined halter gown, silver accessories, and a highlighted crown braid.

Brit bombshell Rita Ora was a devil in a red dress before her “Black Widow” performance. She flaunted every curve in a strappy, floor-sweeping dress, sleek blonde hair, and simple diamond jewelry.

Cute couple Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo were all smiles in matching white ensembles. Jordin showed off some leg in a slitted midi dress and ankle-strap heels, and Jason showed off his boo.

Amber Rose took a page from Rose McGowan‘s 1998 VMA playbook while walking the carpet with hubby Wiz Khalifa. She stole the show in silvery shoes, matching chains, and well, not much else.

Always a sight to behold, Jennifer Lopez proved she can still rock a a red carpet. She sparkled in a sequined silver gown with cutout detailing, a thigh-high slit, and matching shiny slippers.

Kim Kardashian‘s red carpet look was met with mixed reviews. Some praised Mrs. West’s beaded Balmain number for its dangerously low neckline and eye-catching pattern, while others weren’t impressed.

Victoria’s Secret model Jourdan Dunn was sleek and slim in a black two-piece set. She paired the bandeau top and high-waist skirt with a honey-brown bob and silvery accessories.

“Orange Is The New Black” breakout star Laverne Cox traded in her jumpsuit for a daring sequined minidress on the red carpet, before teaming up with cast mates Taylor Schilling and Uzo Aduba on stage.

Model Chanel Iman chose all black for the red carpet, like her “Yoncé” video costars Jourdan and Bey. She wore a leathery, figure-hugging midi dress with strappy sandals, door-knocker earrings and a black bob.

Iggy Azalea and Nick Young sported coordinated couple looks for this year’s VMA red carpet. His was a smooth black suit with tuxedo stripes and silver oxford shoes. Hers was a metallic strapless gown and slicked-back blonde locks.

Katy Perry made quite the entrance on this year’s red carpet. She and rapper Riff Raff recreated Britney Spears‘ and Justin Timberlake‘s classic (and hilarious) all-denim-everything outfits from 2001.

Being a Virgo places you in an elite class of being exacting, picky and critical. Which are qualities that make  these celebrity Virgos the stars that they are. Virgos tend to over think their every move but when the world’s watching and waiting for you to set trends, you have to be meticulous. That’s why it’s no surprise that some of music’s elite royalty are celebrity Virgos.

Kobe Bryant- August 23

Lakers player Kobe Bryant spent more time on the bench and in recovery than on the basketball court last season. Now he’s in training to make sure the same doesn’t happen next season.

Dave Chapelle- August 24

Dave Chappelle has evolved from his comedy sketch show The Chapelle Show and returned back to stand up comedy.

Keke Palmer- August 26

The youngest television talk show host is spending her birthday preparing for her historic role as Cinderella on Broadway.

Quvenzhane Wallis- August 28

This pint-sized actress  has been picking her roles carefully and the starring role of Annie just may be the role that earns her the critical acclaim she deserves.

Michael Jackson- August 29

Gone but not forgotten…Michael Jackson continues to inspire today’s generations of musicians. His latest release Xscape whet the appetites of fans wanting more music from the MJ vault.

Cameron Diaz- August 30

The Other Woman Cameron Diaz gets another chance to show her comedic side in the upcoming remake of Annie this December.

Chris Tucker- August 31

Comedian Chris Tucker has taken a step back from the spotlight in recent years but is working on another installment of the popular Rush Hour movies with co-star Jackie Chan.

Zendaya Coleman- September 1

Disney alum Zendaya may have dropped out of Lifetime’s biopic for the late Aaliyah Haughton but she’s pressing forward as a fashion model for Madonna‘s fashion line.

Katt Williams- September 2

Retired comedian Katt Williams said that he’s taking a break from the stage to focus on raising his family.

August Alsina- September 3

New Orleans native August Alsina has risen to the top of the charts with his brand of gritty, street-wise music that’s pushing the limits of R&B music.

Beyonce - September 4

Beyonce is the epitome of a Virgo: Perfectionist. Of course because it takes hard work and dedication to be one of today’s international icons. The Queen Bee got an extra early birthday gift courtesy of another celebrity Virgo from MTV: the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award during Sunday’s VMAs.

Foxy Brown- September 6

Foxy Brown, one of Hip-Hop’s pioneers femcees, has been fairly quiet on releasing music recently.

Pink- September 8

Mommy Pink is taking a well deserved break from music after a year long worldwide tour in support of her latest album Truth About Love.

Ludacris- September 11

Rapper Ludacris just finished up shooting the next installment of the Fast & Furious franchise for release next year.

Taraji P. Henson- September 11

Taraji P. Henson nabbed the role of rough around the edges, ex-inmate Cookie in Lee Daniels’ television debut series Empire premiering next year. 

Jennifer Hudson- September 12

Jennifer Hudson is bringing back the 80s with her new album titled after her nickname J. Hud.

Iyanla Vanzant- September 13

Iyanla Vanzant stays busy fixing lives and dishing out great advice so hopefully she takes a moment for herself to enjoy her birthday.

Nas – September 14

Nasir Jones is branching out from rocking crowds to give die hard fans a glimpse into his classic album Illmatic that premiered at Sundance.

Amy Winehouse- September 14

Jazz influenced Amy Winehouse was one of the forefront UK artists singing R&B that Americans loved before her sudden death at 27-years-old.

Doug E. Fresh- September 17

Beat boxing Doug E. Fresh continues rocking the mic worldwide bringing life to the party.

Angela Simmons- September 18

Angela Simmons became an aunt this year. Could that inspire her to think about settling down and starting her own family soon?

Jada Pinkett-Smith- September 18

Jada Pinkett Smith is back on the small screen playing a villain in the Batman spin-off series Gotham.

Jason Derulo- September 21

Jason Derulo has been recovering from a rib injury with help from his girlfriend Jordin Sparks to prepare for his Talk Dirty world tour.

Sanaa Lathan- September 19

Sanaa Lathan hasn’t slowed down since The Best Man Holiday smashed box office predictions. Next up she’s returning with her co-star Morris Chesnutt and Michael Ealy for suspense thriller The Perfect Man.

Serge Ibaka- September 18

Basketball player Serge Ibaka is one of the NBA’s best dressed men and is back with his on-again-off-again girlfriend Keri Hilson.

Tamron Hall- September 16

MSNBC’s Tamron Hall is one of the most tangible news anchors on air. She admits she likes rap music (the ones without the curse words) and her selfie game is strong.