Courtesy of Clutch Magazine

On Friday, Jada Pinkett Smith set the record straight about the divorce rumors that have been going around for months about her marriage with Will Smith. She told the French magazine Gala that she doesn’t know why these rumors won’t go away.

“I have no idea! Every year, one celebrity couple is under the microscope. This year, unluckily, it’s us! I almost want to say that we should have been expecting it. Will and I know the truth. We’re waiting peacefully for the storm to blow over.”

In all actuality, Will and Jada have been under the microscope from the moment they said “I do.” For some reason it seems as though the public has always been counting down to the demise of the power couple. From the speculation that they are swingers to the recent divorce rumors, one could conclude that the idea of a black celebrity couple making it is unthinkable.

Continue at Clutch Magazine…

Being described as a “massive talent” by Billboard or “first-class” by Entertainment Weekly doesn’t happen by chance. Two-time Grammy nominated artist Ryan Shaw is the real thing.

From electrifying performances at the historic Apollo Theater to an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and a role in Tyler Perry‘s I Know I’ve Been Changed, Shaw is a breath of fresh air in an ever-changing music industry.

UPTOWN got the opportunity to connect with the rising soul singer to discuss his background, what it was like opening up for acts such as Van Halen and John Legend and the essence of his second album, Real Love.

UPTOWN: You’ve been compared to Sam Cooke and Cee Lo Green. Ellen DeGeneres even called you “the next Stevie Wonder.” How do you describe yourself?
Ryan: I like to describe myself as a gumbo infused with soul, rock and two tablespoons of gospel.

U: How has your religious background prepared you for the glitz, glamour and temptation of Hollywood?
R: I think my religious background, not being “the background”–is the key. I am very active in my church.  I do my best to stay in the word and keep an active prayer life. I have my faults, but each day, I strive through faith try to surrender them to God.

While some of music’s hottest acts rocked the stage at Week 1 of Coachella 2012, Lauryn Hill was in London delivering her first U.K. performance in five years.

Related: Lauryn Hill: ‘Be Patient With Me, New Is Coming’

Hill wowed the audience at IndigO2 with performances of “Lost Ones,” Ex Factor,” “How Many Mics?” and a cover of Bob Marley‘s “Could You Be Loved,” among other hits.

“It’s been a long time coming, I’ve missed you,” said Hill to the anxious crowd chanting her name. The two-hour set provided fans with an intimate opportunity to enjoy the ultra-private star at her best.

Check out her performance of “Lost Ones” below!

These photos of celebrity children are going to give you an itch to squeeze cheeks and subconsciously repeat, “Awwww!” These famous tots and tykes are just too cute!

Courtesy of Essence.com

For the last four days, we’ve seen a high-profile reemergence of what’s commonly dubbed the “Mommy Wars” — that is, the seemingly never-ending battle between stay-at-home moms and working moms. The conflict emerged when political pundit and Democrat Hillary Rosen critiqued likely Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who implied that he takes cues from his wife, a stay-at-home mother of five, about the concerns of women. “Guess what?” Rosen observed. “His wife has actually never worked a day in her life.”

All political hell broke loose, and President Obama and Michelle Obama were quick to distance themselves from the remarks, advocating that raising children is indeed work, hard and important work at that.

“There’s no tougher job than being a mom,” President Obama said. “Anybody who would argue otherwise, I think, probably needs to rethink their statement.”

Continue reading at Essence.com

Courtesy of The Frisky

It’s spring! The trees are blossoming! All six of them! Or maybe that’s just on my block. The several tufts of grass are violently green. I suddenly want to buy at least two pairs of gladiator sandals. Because suddenly one doesn’t feel like enough. And also, because it’s spring, weight-loss advice is blooming. It’s everywhere. Shed those extra pounds before summer! Be able to fit into those shorts! Get your bikini bod on! Or, you know, catchier slogans.

I am going to the Caribbean in a couple months. My dad won a trip at an auction, and he’s taking the family, significant others included. When I found out, my first thought was “Yay!” and my second thought was, “Shit.” The “shit” related to the fact that I have not put on a bikini in well over a year, and since then, I’ve gained about 15 pounds.

I figured I should immediately go on a diet. And then, by the time the trip rolls around, I’d be sleek and beach-ready. I figured I’d start tomorrow. And then tomorrow came, and I ate a bunch of pizza. And then the next day came, and I had a generous slice of cake for dessert, with friends. And so on. It quickly became clear that the diet was over before it’d begun. The way that it is for most people. Instead of dieting, I was feeling guilty for not dieting. That was the only change.

But when I gave it some thought, it occurred to me that I shouldn’t diet anyway. And you shouldn’t either. Unless you have a medical problem or something, in which case, disregard this because I don’t want to be responsible for the demise of your health. Here are eight very important reasons why. So pay close attention:

1. Dieting is boring. Food is delicious. And usually the kind of food you’re not supposed to eat when you’re on a diet is especially delicious. Like pizza and cake.

Continue reading at The Frisky

[Woman eating hamburger image via Shutterstock]

Michelle Obama is a time-tested fashionista.

Related: Michelle Obama, Josephine Baker & More Make TIME’s 100 Fashion Icon List [PHOTOS]

On Monday’s episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the FLOTUS and Ellen swapped prom pictures as they spoke via videocam.

“That split was a little high,” she admits. ”I don’t know if I’d let my kids go out with a split that high, so let’s not show this at Malia and Sasha.”

Michelle made an appearance on the show to speak with a group of teenage girls whose parents are in the military. They were each given a $250 gift card to JCPenney to use for their upcoming proms.

Courtesy of EURWeb

President Obama has not only the most powerful man in the world, he’s made a difference that is not easily summed up in a few eloquent words.

Someone figured that there had to be a fundamental lesson taught that examines the mind and times of our beloved president and his administration.

Continue reading at EURWeb

Courtesy of Sister 2 Sister

Nicki Minaj claims that her music isn’t for kids, but her image and choices of music say otherwise. The mixed signals might be really confusing for impressionable kids!

Nicki has done it again. She has become something of a virtuoso in the skill of commanding attention—whether it be negative or positive.

Most recently, she did so by releasing her video to her single “Beez In The Trap”. The video, directed by Benny Boom, is reminiscent of the atmosphere you would find at an Atlanta strip club: Ample amounts of half-naked booty strutting around in each scene, and Nicki offering admiration to the ladies in the video with pseudo-lesbianism.

It’s not lost of on us that this plays on rumors from earlier in her career that speculated she might be into girls. 

The song is “ehh,” but the video is meant to keep you entertained. After all, some would argue that there can never be enough booty jiggling around in the Hip-Hop videos of today.

Continue reading at Sister 2 Sister

by Iman A. Jefferson

Chicago undoubtedly has one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world, thanks to brilliant architects such as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, and Dina Griffin. You may not know Griffin by name, but you know her work—the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago for instance. As president of the Chicago-based firm Interactive Design, Inc. (IDEA), her team won the assignment of Architect of Record and the opportunity to work with renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano to construct the 264,000-square-foot building. With more than 20 years of experience and as one of the less-than-300 African-American women architects in the U.S., Griffin, 48, is already a legend in her own right.

THE ANTI-REAL HOUSEWIFE
The Chicago native admits her initial introduction to architecture in high school was a result of avoiding a home economics course. “It was either home economics or industrial education. My knowledge of home economics was limited to all things related to the kitchen, of which I had no interest. Fortunately for me, and my future, the curriculum for the year was architectural drafting. I knew then what would be my major and my career.”

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
Despite her groundbreaking work with the Modern Wing project, Griffin cites her work on two small multiunit projects for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago— designed for senior citizens in African-American neighborhoods—as one of her most gratifying professional experiences. “My goal was to provide the residents with a space they could call home, with their needs in mind. I wanted the same attention given to them that is also paid to the likes of the Art Institute or other high-profile clients.”

MOVING ON UP
Griffin, a former president of Illinois Chapter of National Organization of Minority Architects, pushes for diversity to remain a priority in the architectural industry. “We are all shaped by our environment. Each of us, no matter the background, has a contribution to make to the process of creativity ad ideas.” Griffin also notes that her dream project would be constructing a downtown high-rise. “Every morning during my commute on Lake Shore Drive to downtown, I admire our slowly changing skyline, while always envisioning a high-rise designed by IDEA.”

Photography by Taylor Castle

By Aydrea Walden

With a Presidential election just seven months away, there are plenty of things worth arguing about in the political landscape. There are some complex economic issues that should probably be sorted out and nuanced international situations to understand. But in order to make room for the real discussions that need to happen, there are some issues we need to stop pretending are worth haggling over. A few concerns are just too cut, dry and obvious to warrant any more hand-wringing and side choosing. Here’s what we all should be able to agree upon.

Çolor-blocking has invaded our wardrobes of the last few seasons with no signs of retreating. And because of the trend’s resilient nature, many of us have subconsciously become pros at strategically mixing and matching our favorite complementary colors — creating fun and vibrant looks. And this spring — with neon and brights having a major moment — is no different and color-blocking has become a no-brainer styling method. But some days you just want to stick to your basic blue jeans and a white shirt, and not wear a full-on chromatic ensemble. That’s when a two-tone shoe will keep you chicly in the color-block loop. These two-tone shoes are smart wardrobe additions for spring days when you crave a simple look with just a dash of color.

Courtesy of HuffPost BlackVoices

As previously reported, next month Terry McMillan is scheduled to participate in the upcoming Anguilla Literary Festival. In addition to celebrating various authors, the event also aims to influence aspiring authors with its informative workshops and empowering panel discussions.

During a recent interview with The Huffington Post, the former University of Arizona at Tucson English professor opened up on her involvement with the festive five-day event, her thoughts on Oprah Winfrey playing Whitney Houston’s role in the sequel to “Waiting To Exhale” and her idea of a futuristic gang story hitting the silver screen.

[...] And speaking of distinguishing yourself from other authors, the sequel to your New York Times best-seller, “Waiting To Exhale,” is slated to hit theaters sometime in the future. How much are you involved in the development of the film?
Myself and [screenwriter] Lori Lakin Hutcherson wrote drafts for the film and then Whitney passed away. And so now the studio is trying to take a moment to think about how best to proceed. They’ve made it crystal clear that they want to proceed, but it’s just a matter of how. I have mixed feelings about which way might be best to tell the story. I have critics who feel like they are casting directors, and they know more about what should happen. You have no idea. People have said that we should just kill off the Savannah character, or have her go get a job somewhere and move out of the state. I mean, all kinds of things. And then I have people who think they have in mind who should play Savannah. And right now I’m not in a position to be an advocate one way or the other, with the exception of the fact that it’s hard to imagine the story without the Savannah character in it. Even though I know how other people may feel the opposite. I feel terrible about Whitney, just like everybody else, but there’s a part of me that also feels that she would want the film to go on. That’s just my gut feeling. And it has nothing to do with me not having an allegiance to her or respect for her. I just have a feeling that Whitney would love from heaven, to sit up there and watch who else can do the character.

What are your thoughts on the reports and rumors that were circulating that Oprah would play the role?
Someone told me this and I said, ‘Oh, really?’ I mean, I don’t have any thoughts one way or the other. I love Oprah. I know that I heard that she would like to be able to act again. When she would possibly have the time, who knows? But I haven’t thought that far, because again, I am not a casting director. That is not my area. I mean, I also love Viola Davis, but we’re not there yet. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that Whitney is no longer here with us.

Continue at BlackVoices!

As the case of Trayvon Martin continues to unravel, many artists around the country are using the pain and frustration of the tragedy as inspiration to create remarkable projects in memory of the slain Florida teen.

Related: Trayvon Martin Is Emmett Till

Musician Wyclef Jean, artist Chaz Guest and others are just a few of the many using their talents to bring awareness and peace to the unthinkable situation.

While season four of The Real Housewives of Atlanta dealt with much the same antics as previous seasons — who’s not talking to whom, who’s broke, who’s paid, who’s messing with so-and-so’s money, who was talking ish behind whose back, etc. — the three-part reunion is shaping up to be one of the most explosive ever! So we just had to give you a sneak peek of the second part of the RHOA reunion special. It seems Kim Zolciak will have a lot of explaining to do … even though she hardly interacted with her fellow cast members this season. Take a sneak peek at The Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion special with two more videos.

Denver artist Andy Bell has taken an interesting route in artistically expressing his feelings for the Trayvon Martin tragedy. The graduating art student constructed a 3-by-4 foot portrait of suspected killer George Zimmerman made entirely out of Skittles, the candy Martin was holding at the time of his death.

Related: Pain Fuels Art For Trayvon Martin [PHOTOS + VIDEOS]

The portrait, entitled “Fear Itself,” used more than 12,000 pieces of the sugar-coated candies to flesh out the image of Zimmerman’s mug shot.

RedLine Gallery explained to The Huffington Post, “Zimmerman’s fear directly resulted in Trayvon Martin being shot and killed. But in the end, the only thing he had to fear was a 17-year-old and a bag of Skittles.”

Bell told the Denver Post he created the portrait to raise awareness about the case but has sympathy for Zimmerman, who may have a history of mental illness. He said he is waiting to hear all the facts before making his own judgement.

The Post reports, “The piece isn’t about condemning Zimmerman, but a way of tapping into the conversations that have sprung up in a country divided by judgement on the case. Some believe Zimmerman killed an innocent kid. Others think he was acting in self-defense.”

“It’s a symbol of what happens when you let fear rule your life,” Bell said.

Courtesy of Sister 2 Sister

Romany Malco didn’t just act in Think Like a Man, he read Steve Harvey’s book and learned a lot from it.

While he admits that past abandonment issues caused him to spoil women he dated, the advice Steve offered persuaded him to change his ways.

“When I dated, I would overcompensate. I’d spoil the girl. I’d do uber-nice things. I would start off with the honeymoon and work up from there,” he said. “The book gave me permission to be a man.”

For women who like being spoiled, that may seem like a cop out, but Romany explained that he still knows how to treat a lady. It’s just that he takes his time before reaching that level now. That frees him to be himself and not just play the Romeo part.

Continue reading at Sister 2 Sister

[Romany Malco image via Patricola Public Relations, Inc.]

Courtesy of Madame Noire

President Obama was asked to give his opinion on probably one of the most pressing issues of our time: Kanye West or Jay-Z?

The question was part of a larger story in The Atlantic on the often troubled public perception of Kanye West.  According to David Samuels, author of American Mozart, the President not only gave his stamp of approval to Jay-Z but he also added this little amendment on his impressions of Kanye:

“Although I like Kanye,” Obama continues, with an easy smile. “He’s a Chicago guy. Smart. He’s very talented.” He is displaying his larger awareness of the question, looking relaxed, cerebral but friendly, alive to the moment, waiting for me to get to the heart of the matter. “Even though you called him a jackass?,” I ask. “He is a jackass,” Obama says, in his likable and perfectly balanced modern-professorial voice. “But he’s talented.”

If that doesn’t get you going, later that day came news that Beyonce recently wrote an open letter to Michelle Obama thanking the First Lady for being the “…ultimate example of a truly strong African American woman. She is a caring mother, she’s a loving wife, while at the same time, she is the First Lady!!!!” She continued. “No matter the pressure, and the stress of being under the microscope — she’s humble, loving, and sincere. She builds and nurtures her family, while also looking out for so many millions in so many ways.”

In response, Michelle Obama tweeted: “@Beyonce Thank you for the beautiful letter and for being a role model who kids everywhere can look up to. –mo.”

Aww, isn’t that special.

The well-documented friendship between the Obamas and the Carters seems endearing enough and it is easy to get all gushy over this public love fest. After all, we are talking about the most politically powerful couple in the Free Nations and the richest entertainment couple in the world. And together, they definitely play that angle up to a tee: Not only have Jay and Beyonce been special guests to the Obamas at the White House, but Michelle has also enlisted Beyonce’s expertise (i.e. singing and dancing) for the “Let’s Move”campaign. Likewise, Jay-Z has dropped Barack Obama’s name in his rhymes, and Obama referenced Jay’s lyrics when he dusted his shoulder off during a campaign appearance before he ascended to the White House.  And recently there was a girl’s day out which included a brunch/lunch with Beyonce, her mother, her mother-in-law, her cousin and the first lady.

Continue reading at Madame Noire

Back in 2007, Halle Berry swore off marriage telling InStyle magazine she would “never, never get married again.”

“I think two people can share their lives without the ring, without the piece of paper,” she explained. Just five years later, the Oscar winner is singing a new tune.

Related: Halle Berry Gets Engaged

Berry sat with Extra over the weekend to discuss her recent engagement to French actor Olivier Martinez.

“Who knew [I'd get engaged again]? I swore it off, right?” she said during her first red carpet interview since Martinez popped the question.

“Never say never, people!”

Source

Courtesy of VIBE.com

For the first time, the ever-sexy soulstar Maxwell (and his eleven piece band) will be performing his four platinum albums in their entirety. The BLACKsummers‘night singer has announced six arena dates, with two-night stands in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Newark.

The first night in each city will be packed with the catalogs of Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite(1996) and Embrya (1998), and on the second night of the live show, he will play Now(2001) and BLACKsummers’night (2009). As an added bonus, the 18-year veteran will put on a show-stopping set that includes songs that have never been performed live.

Not only can audiences enjoy the sultry sounds of his artistry, but also they can support Obama’s election campaign by purchasing Obama-Biden merchandise at the venues. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Obama for America.

Get all the dates at VIBE!