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Taraji P. Henson Apologizes To Police Officers After Racial Profiling Accusations

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uptown-taraji-feb-2015-cover-upcUPTOWN Magazine’s February/April issue cover star, Taraji P. Henson issued a public apology to the Glendale, California police department for accusing them of racially profiling her 20-year-old son.

The accusations were initially made in an interview in our latest issue where Ms. Henson speaks of her son’s run in with police officers saying,

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“My child has been racially profiled. He was in Glendale, California and did exactly everything the cops told him to do, including letting them illegally search his car. It was bogus because they didn’t give him the ticket for what he was pulled over for. Then he’s at University of Southern California, the school that I was going to transfer him to, when police stopped him for having his hands in his pockets. So guess where he’s going? Howard University. I’m not paying $50K so I can’t sleep at night wondering is this the night my son is getting racially profiled on campus.”

Back in October Taraji’s son, Johnson was pulled over in Glendale for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a cross walk. During the run-in with officers Johnson agreed to have his car searched, a search where officers found marijuana and paraphernalia.

After her remarks became public, both the Glendale Police Department and the University of Southern California addressed her allegations. Glendale Police released dash cam video of the encounter on Friday. The footage clearly contradicts her son’s claims.

In response to Henson’s allegations, Police Chief Robert Castro says, “Misinformation that was reported in the story in Uptown Magazine with Taraji P. Henson impairs and weakens the relationships between law enforcement and the communities.”

John Thomas the Public Safety Director at the University of Southern California has also expressed his concern with the incident, saying “We encourage reporting of allegations of bias and I hope for the opportunity to have a conversation with the young man and his mother.”

Now Taraji is making a statement of her own. Click next to see what the Empire’s formidable Cookie Lyon star had to say.

In a message she posted to her Instagram account, Taraji addressed her comments in UPTOWN Magazine and issued a public apology.

“I would like to publicly apologize to the officer and the Glendale Police Department. A mother’s job is not easy and neither is a police officer’s. Sometimes as humans WE overreact without gathering all of the facts. As a mother in this case I overreacted and for that I apologize.”


Will Nene Leakes and Kim Zolciak Star In Their Very Own Reality Show?

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Day one “Real Housewives Of Atlanta” fans may have something to be excited about. Looks like on-again-off-again frenemies Nene Leakes and Kim Zolciak are going to be starring in their very own reality show for Bravo.

As you may recall, the original ATL Housewives starred in the franchise together and had us hooked on their magnetic spirits and fabulous friendship. Over the years, their relationship took a sour turn and became quite volatile. Who could forget the countless screaming matches and low blows the two would make?

After years of bad blood, Nene and Kim were able to sort of patch things up. The two former besties repaired their friendship during an episode of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” in December 2014. Now the two original peach holders will join forces for the second time on the small screen. Will they be able to sustain their friendship, or will their relationship experience the same untimely demise?

While there is no confirmation or show title for the reality series just yet, rumor has it that the show will only feature the two “best friends”. It will act as a day in the life of Atlanta housewives, Nene and Kim.

For all those here for a series featuring the two outspoken reality stars, we’ll be sure to keep you updated with additional details about the show. Will you be watching?

The Very Best From The Kids Choice Awards’ Orange Carpet

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zendayaThe Kids Choice Awards went down Saturday night and stars showed up and showed out for the annual event’s orange carpet. Before the festivities began and folks started get slimed — a signature occurrence of every KCA — celebrities and their kids strutted their cool ‘fits for the photogs. From Chris Rock and his adorable kids to Zendaya Coleman and her transformative ‘do, this red carpet — excuse me, orange carpet was one to remember.

Take a look at our gallery of style from the 2015 Kid Choice Awards. Let us know whose look was your fave.


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Jennifer Hudson debuted a very trendy bowl cut and had an even trendier date, her adorable son!

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Mr. Nickelodeon himself, Nick Cannon, walked the orange carpet in all-orange-everything, a look that can only work for the Kids Choice Awards.

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Comedians Nick Cannon and Chris Rock shared a laugh on the KCA orange carpet.

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Despite being in the middle of a divorce, the Rock family showed solidarity by walking the red carpet at the KCA, a tradition for the family.

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Zendaya Coleman rocks a short ‘do and looks spring time ready in this two-piece striped number.

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Oscar nominated actress Quevanzhane Wallis looks age appropriate and quite adorable on the orange carpet.

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Iggy Azalea looked stunning in a white crop top and flowy floral skirt.

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Child-athlete Mo’ne Davis showed off her toned gams in a cute romper and flats.

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Model/actress Garcelle Beauvais chose to rock out in orange just like Nick Cannon. Per usual she looks great!

Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina King & More Celebrate Black Girls Rock! 2015 [Photos]

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"Black Girls Rock!" BET Special

Dr. Helene Gayle, Erykah Badu, Nadia Lopez, Michelle Obama, Regina King, Tracee Ellis Ross, Beverly Bond, Debra Lee, Ava DuVernay & Cicely Tyson

 

Hundreds of women (and men) lined the streets in anticipation of the 2015 Black Girls Rock! Awards taping last night (March 28) at the NJ Performing Arts Center. Extending down the block, they seemed to be making a pilgrimage to be a part of the star-studded event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the talents, power and impact of women of color.

It’s quite clear that Black Girls Rock!, hosted by the always amazing and fun duo Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, is more than just about awards and performances. It’s also a source of encouragement and empowerment for women everywhere.

This event is about “continuing to empower young women so that we have generations and generations of Black girls who rock,” said Ross when asked why she’s hosted the event since its broadcast debut in 2010.  “This show is very fun, but what Beverly Bond and Black Girls Rock! stand for as an organization is really what’s important to me. And, I do love the aspect of this show [in which] we get to see this different side of all these women that we know things about. Now, we get to hear about their humanitarian efforts [and] the services that they’ve done.”

The women honored this year included Ava DuVernay (Shot Caller Award), Erykah Badu (Rock Star Award), Cicely Tyson (Living Legend Award), Nadia Lopez (Change Agent Award), Jada Pinkett Smith (Star Power Award) and Dr. Helene D. Gayle (Social Humanitarian).

FLOTUS Michelle Obama also made a special appearance. Standing on stage with three young ladies from M.A.D., she encouraged young girls across the country to reach higher and believe that they are “good enough”.

Tune in Sunday, April 5 at 8 p.m. ET on BET to watch the full Black Girls Rock! 2015 ceremony.

Until then, click through for pics and stay tuned for honoree and performance clips, including Ciara, Fantasia and Lalah Hathaway.

Photo Credits: Getty Images for BET

Watch Destiny’s Child Reunite Onstage

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dc1Rumors have been circulating that another Destiny’s Child on stage reunion is eminent. Ever since their blow-out medley performance during the 2013 Super Bowl, DC fans have been impatiently waiting for another dose of Destiny’s Child. Well it finally looks like their prayers have been answered, because Michelle Williams, Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland emerged onstage last night to perform Michelle’s single “Say Yes” for the 30th annual Stellar Awards.

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The Stellar Awards, slated to air on Easter Sunday, April 5th was taped last night in Las Vegas, Nevada. Beyonce and Kelly joined their sister Michelle on stage for a phenomenal performance of her gospel hit “Say Yes”. Per usual, the crowd went absolutely crazy when they realized they were getting not just one former Destiny’s Child member but all three.

During the performance you can watch the three ladies belt their hearts out, dance, and possibly catch the Holy Ghost. There was a moment Beyonce got lost in the music and just let go.

You can watch a video phone recorded version of the historic performance if you click next. However, be sure to tune in next weekend to watch the full performance on TV ONE.


Chris Brown, Ludacris, Zendaya And More On The iHeart Music Radio Music Awards Red Carpet

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The iHeart Radio Music Awards went down Sunday night and thousands flocked to see which stars would go home with one of music’s top honors. The star-studded event went down at Los Angeles’ famed Shrine Auditorium and as per usual the celebs showed up and showed out. Lots went down during the big event, from Justin Timberlake going home with the Innovator Award and Rihanna performing her hot new single, “B**** Better Have My Money” for the first time on live television.

While people can’t stop talking about the awards and epic performances, we can’t keep our eyes off of the red carpet looks. Take a look at our gallery of music’s biggest stars on the 2015 iHeart Music Radio Music Awards red carpet.


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Snoop Dogg strolled the red carpet with his pride and joy, his son Cordell Broadus.

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Zendaya had a busy weekend. She strutted the orange carpet at the Kids Choice Awards and made her way over to the Shrine to show off her signature style and forever changing hair at iHeart Music.

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Iggy Azalea also had a busy weekend. She performed at the KCAs and made her way over to iHeart Music in a netted black blazer and funky patterned pants.

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Chris Breezy sported a bright leather jacket while he walked the red carpet.

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Ludacris looks dapper in a grey suit and kicks on Sunday night’s red carpet.

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Hit-maker Jason Derulo rocked all-black-everything on the red carpet.

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Mike Tyson wore an unusual blazer and khakis for the iHeart Music Radio Music Awards Sunday night.

On the Move: The 2015 Infiniti Q50S

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There are a few car brands with a reputation for almost never getting it wrong. Infiniti happens to be one of those fortunate few. Admittedly, it’s not as storied as Beamers and Benzes. When is the last time your favorite rapper name-checked an Infiniti? But take a stroll in the hood, especially during the weekend, and chances are you will still stumble upon a guy shining up his Infiniti pride. And to that end, the 2015 Q50S deserves to be shown off.

Not sure what a Q50 is? You are so not alone. Since Infiniti switched to its new numbering system, it’s been a tad confusing but just know that the Q50 takes over the G37 line. So true to that reputation, the Q50 is as stylish as ever. Well-designed, sleek, sophisticated, it’s a class act inside and out. Leather seats, dual temperature control, push button start, no-need-to-pull-out-your-key entry, power-sliding moonroof; it’s just so fresh and so clean all the way around.

The 2015 Infiniti Q50S in Hagane Blue

Under the hood, the Q50 is working with a 3.7 liter V6 engine and the power is so evident wit every drive. It’s definitely an unexpected bonus or boost, rather. Supposedly the Q50 can drive itself a little bit too. Try this out on an open road? Maybe. Atlanta? Absolutely freaking not. Still just know it’s an option.

Now, Infiniti InTouch is pretty balleristic. Just Google to find the address to that restaurant where you’re meeting friends but forgot to email directions to yourself and then navigate right there. These days everybody pretty much has Bluetooth but hands-free text messaging assistant is still making the rounds. Here iPhone users can only receive text messages but Androiders get the full shebang of sending and receiving.Close-up of the 2015 Q50S

Fuel economy is respectable at 20 in the city and 29 on the highway for a combined 23. But the price for the Q50 might just be the best part of it all. MSRP starts at $43,650. Toss in goody packages like Navigation, which includes the Infiniti InTouch and Connection (basically the anti-stranded package), and the Performance Wheel (aka 19-inch aluminum alloy stunners) and it’s still under $50,000. Something to love for “infiniti” for sure!

Marlon James: Weird Jamaican Kid to Literary Phenom

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“Nothing is off limits,” says Marlon James, the 44-year-old Jamaican-born author of 2014’s A Brief History of Seven Killings (Riverhead), which The New York Times celebrated as “vaulting ambition and prodigious talent.” His previous works—John Crow’s Devil and The Book of Night Women—earned James several literary prizes, including an NAACP Image Award. But Killings, a fictionalized retelling of the underworld conflict that led to the real-life 1976 assassination attempt on Bob Marley, does more than prove James’s consistency as a writer, it confirms his considerable range of skill.

The complex, and oftentimes brutal story spans 15 years and involves “The Singer” (Marley), an American writer (“Alex Pierce”), and the narcotic trafficking, “Storm Posse” (similar to its notorious true-life counterpart, The Shower Posse), who find Pierce in Brooklyn and demand that he alter an upcoming article to their liking. “Many people in the book are versions of people I know, [but] creating convincing characters takes imagination and empathy. I even respect the bad ones,” says James.uptown marlon james

James, the son of a police detective mother and lawyer father, developed his imagination during a “typical” 1980s suburban childhood outside Kingston. The self described nerd revered alternative rock bands and unpopular comics. “Nobody cool was reading X-Men,yet, or listening to The Smiths and The Cure. By Jamaican standards, I was pretty weird.”

After college at the University of the West Indies, he became an art director, working on photo shoots and album covers (including those for high school buddy Sean Paul) and still finds inspiration in films by directors like Robert Altman and Alejandro González Iñárritu and his Mexican noir classic Amores Perros, which James noted for its gripping depiction of “violence and the memory of violence in a story with lots of characters.”

Next up for James, who has worked as a creative writing professor at Macalester College since 2007, is a new project he cryptically describes as “the African Lord of the Rings.” His work ethic is enviable, yet he views it as no-frills. “I get up in the morning, sit down to work, starting with an empty page, and, hopefully, I end up with a full one. I invent what I want.”

By Denise Burrell-Stinson | Image: Jeff Skemp

 


‘Meet The Tuckers’ Spin-Off Coming to Bravo

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It seems fans get can’t enough of the newlywed drama surrounding Real Housewives of Atlanta couple Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker, so Bravo is giving them a brand new platform in the form of their own spin-off show.

Rumor has it that Kandi and Todd have signed a deal for a spin-off show titled Meet The Tuckers, which they’ve been secretly filming for the past few weeks. The new series will follow the couple’s efforts to blend families, build their production company and overcome financial issues.

This isn’t the first time Bravo has offered Kandi opportunities separate from RHOA. She’s hosted the songwriter competition, The Kandi Factory, and then had a five-part wedding show centered around her nuptials to Todd and her difficult mother Mama Joyce.

Kandi and Todd obviously bring the kind of drama and energy that Bravo viewers love, but considering some of the rocky moments fans have seen so early in their marriage (Kandi feels the sex is lacking in their relationship while Todd still feels slighted by the pre-nup), is this a good time to let cameras right back in?

No word yet on an air date.

Tasha Smith Ordered to Pay 7K/Month in Alimony

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New York special screening of 'Addicted'Why Did I Get Married? actress Tasha Smith has been ordered to pay $7k/month in spousal support to her ex-husband Keith Douglas. Smith’s ugly divorce to Douglas has been well documented in the media over the past year, with both parties filing restraining orders and slinging around accusations of extramarital affairs.

Smith has already been forced to pay Keith $50K this past year, but after reviewing the financial income of both parties, the judge deemed that Smith was the more financially stable of the two. 

Smith isn’t walking away empty handed…Douglas will have to hand over the family Mercedes.

 

 

Does Mariah Carey Have a New Beau?

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Legendary singer Mariah Carey is not officially a single woman, but rumor has it that she’s already moved on.

Lately, Carey has been seen cozying up with director and long-time creative parter Brett Ratner. Carey spent her 46th birthday weekend in St. Bart’s with the X-Men: The Last Stand director, along with a mutual female friend of theirs, having dinner and shopping throughout the island. Carey and Ratner have an extensive history, having collaborated on many of Carey’s music videos including “I Still Believe,” “Heartbreaker,” 2000’s “Thank God I Found You,” “We Belong Together,” “Touch My Body” and many others. Sources close to the pair say, aside from their business relationship, they’ve maintained a good friendship over the years.

Carey’s reps told People the rumors of a budding romance between them are “ridiculous” and insists that the relationship is purely platonic. If Carey and Ratner really are dating, she has good reason to keep the courtship under wraps. Her divorce to mogul Nick Cannon is not yet finalized. Cannon is rumored to be dating model Jessica White, but both Cannon and Carey are reportedly keeping their respective dating lives private out of respect for their 3-year-old twins.

Who Is Trevor Noah?

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Trevor Noah is a man who’s buzzing in the entertainment industry today because he’s about to fill some big shoes. Comedy Central announced Monday that Noah would take over hosting The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Jon Stewart is expected to step down later this year.

Noah is a biracial South African comedian who appeared on The Daily Show as an on-air contributor three times before receiving the promotion. In December, the 31 year old was brought on to give his perspective on the United States as an outsider.

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“I never thought I’d be more afraid of police in America than in South Africa,” he said with a smile, joking about the very real fear men of color experience in the U.S. “It kind of makes me a little nostalgic for the old days, back home.”

Noah has Stewart’s blessing. He is expected to bring a youthfulness and an international perspective — much like John Oliver on HBO’s Last Week Tonight.

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Trevor Noah’s Funniest Moments

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On Monday, comedian Trevor Noah was announced as the successor to Jon Stewart as the host of “The Daily Show.” The South African native was on the comedy scene for awhile before joining the show as a correspondent a few months ago. However, there are a lot of people who aren’t familiar with him.

Those who don’t know of Noah outside of his three appearances on the show may have questioned his promotion, but Stewart supported the move. “I’m thrilled for the show and for Trevor,” Stewart said in a statement. “He’s a tremendous comic and talent that we’ve loved working with.” Mr. Stewart added that he “may rejoin as a correspondent just to be a part of it!!!”

Get familiar with the 31-year old’s comedy before he steps into his role as host.

At a live show in the UK in 2013, Noah discusses his experience being from a mixed family while growing up in apartheid South Africa. He also touches on how he was determined to find his “blackness” in America.

Noah recounts meeting a girl in Malibu and her ignorance about Africa.

Noah takes a stab at sports reporting in America

Noah explains why Oprah’s school in South Africa ran into some scandal.

And lastly, Noah’s introduction to “The Daily Show.”

Really? Michelle Obama Called Racist for Attending ‘Black Girls Rock!’

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It’s no secret that many have deemed the annual Black Girls Rock! ceremony racist and offensive. The televised celebration recognizes budding entrepreneurs and successful trailblazers, who also happen to be Black, but this year, one attendee was specifically called out by the GOP for attending.

First Lady Michelle Obama was slammed on social media for taking the stage at the event that celebrates Black women. Her Instagram account was plagued with negative comments after her personal aide Kristin Jones announced she would be taking over FLOTUS’ account on Saturday, the day of the taping:

“I am all for the empowerment of disadvantaged groups, I just don’t see how alienating an oppressed group i.e. women by focusing on a subset of that group, helps anyone,” wrote one commenter.

“If a white person posted this and it said white girls rock…the sh-t would hit the fan,” wrote another.
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“Black Girls Rock is leaving out all other girls of color. Brown is a color, yellow is a color, red is a color and yes, white is still a color. One day racism will end because we no longer NOTICE the color of our fellow human beings. ALL girls rock,” said another Instagrammer.

And the comments didn’t stop there. Racist posts about the First Lady were blasted over Twitter:

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UPTOWN-BGR-michelle-obama-backlashSince when was celebrating a culture, i.e. specifically your own, such a bad thing? When did loving and accepting your culture mean that you hate the next? You can’t win for losing.

 

Tamar Braxton Called Out For Appearing To Shade Ciara’s Singing

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Just last week, Tamar Braxton poured her heart out on The Real over being cyber bullied, and cried over the fact that people continuously called her a “muppet.” Well, the “All The Way Home” singer might have put her foot in her mouth once again, as she appeared to have thrown some slight shade at singer Ciara on Instagram this week.

A fan posted a meme of the “Promise” artist singing very enthusiastically to a song, and the pic’s text read, “I want to know what song required this much from Ciara.” Tamar was caught liking the photo.

As soon as fans got word of her actions on social media, they called her a hypocrite, reminding her of the bullying segment on The Real. After seeing all of the comments calling her out, Tamar posted a response on the photo, writing, “I’m calling JESUS on you!! She sings fool.”

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Apparently, it was all a misunderstanding, as Tamar was calling the supposed critic out for the post, rather than agreeing with the joke. She then posted a screenshot of a note that read, “A simple ‘my bad’ will do…” as a way of asking for an apology from the person who got her into the mess.

Many fans continued to call out Tamar on the original “like” of the picture, suggesting that it would be a problem if CiCi clapped back at her, and would make her want to go back on her talk show to cry over it.


Ludacris Denies Marrying Just Because of His Baby

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Ludacris has had quite a year filled with ups and downs, and he’s documented a lot of it on his new album Ludaversal, which hits stores today. The “Good Lovin'” rapper recently sat down with Sway Calloway to talk about his new project, as well as to open up on a slew of topics.

Luda discussed his child custody battle over his daughter with Tamika Fuller, and how he deals with facing temptation from groupies as a newly married man to Eudoxie. He also dished on growing up in an abusive household, being sued by a relative who was bitten by a dog, and much more.

In the interview, which is nearly an hour long, Luda refuted Tamika’s claims that he got married just to get full custody of their daughter. “This is a person I went to high school with and with the marriage thing, the only reason why there was controversy is because there were people trying to say that the only reason why I got married was because I was in a situation or a child custody situation,” he said. “That couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth. I got married for all the right reasons.”

Luda also detailed two of his songs, “Grass Is Always Greener,” and “Money.” One talks about being tempted by groupies, but realizing what a great thing he’s got at home, and the other is about having to take a paternity test for a woman he never even met.

Michel’le On Abusive Relationship With Dr. Dre: ‘He Shot At Me’

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In recent years, R&B singer Michel’le has become candid about her abusive six year relationship with famed producer Dr. Dre. The R&B Divas: LA reality star shared intense details of alleged abuse from Dre, born Andre Romelle Young, who is also the father of her 22-year-old son, Marcel.

In an interview with VladTV, the “Something in My Heart” singer claimed the hip-hop mogul had given her five black eyes, and many more injuries from domestic violence incidents.

The 44-year-old went into gruesome detail, alleging the Cali producer pulled a gun on her after the two got into a heated argument. She said he missed her by just a few inches while she was running to the bathroom.

She also claims the N.W.A. rapper didn’t just pull a gun to threaten her, but believes he had intent on hitting her with a bullet. She left the bullet in the wall, as a reminder to him of what had happened.

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This isn’t the first time Michel’le spoke about Dre’s alleged violence during their 1990’s relationship. In an interview with The Breakfast Club radio show, she dished on the first time he was abusive:

“I tried [fist fighting] but I was losing. I had five black eyes. I have a cracked rib; I have scars that are just amazing. It was normal. Everybody that knew, it was the norm. No [I never called the police]. He used his fist, closed fist.

He hasn’t apologized to this day and it wouldn’t do any good because it’s the past. We’re past that.

But I do remember when he first hit me. When he first gave me my very first black eye, we laid in the bed and cried. He was crying and I was crying ’cause I was in shock [and] hurt and in pain. I don’t know why he was crying, but he said, ‘I’m really sorry.’ I think that’s the only time he ever said he was sorry. And he said, ‘I’ll never hit you in that eye again, okay?’ And I was like, ‘yeah,okay.’ And we fell asleep.”

 

 

NeNe Leakes Previews ‘RHOA’ Reunion: ‘But God! Won’t He do it!’

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The Georgia peach-holders of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta taped the highly anticipated reunion to the series’ seventh season last week. Although details from the cast can’t be revealed, NeNe Leakes took to her personal blog, giving fans a sneak peek of what to expect during the reunion:

“I can’t speak on it but I can say these things… (1) I feel like I been in a daze for the past few days! Really mentally drained (2) I went in feeling very at peace and I had mentally accepted things I could not change. (3) I had made my mind up that there were people I would NEVER talk to again in life…. but God! Won’t he do it! #RHOAReunion #Wait4It”

But what’s a NeNe blog without a bit of shade? She went in on a suspected “jealous hater:”

“I’ll let you tell me what you think of my NEW jealous hater & the rest of the girls. I’ll post more information on how to do that. Come on help me out…write my blog & keep it real even if you say something about me, I’ll accept it.

PPS:Because you have money & things, that doesn’t mean you’re not a jealous person! Think people.”

Maybe former bestie-turned-enemy-turned-back-bestie Kim Zolciak will make a surprise return during the reunion? Bravo announced the two, best known for their on-camera feuds, will executive produce and star in their own series, which follows the two as they take an epic road trip.

Did T-Pain Suggest Aaliyah’s Legacy Inflated By Her Death?

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T-Pain is known to be a really nice guy, who sometimes finds himself putting his foot in his mouth when speaking on some controversial topics. While promoting his new mixtape The Iron Way, the famed auto-tune master spoke with multiple outlets at the project’s listening session, and made some questionable comments about his song that features unreleased vocals from the late Aaliyah.

Pain explained how he got his hands on her vocals. “First of all, let me just…a lot of people pissed off about that for some reason. I’ve seen people directly say, ‘He doesn’t deserve her vocals.’ And I’m trying to figure out what the f*ck did I do. So what happened was, they were doing the Aaliyah X album and they came to me for a feature on the album. They had bunch of sessions of her unused tracks. So, instead of being a dick and charging the sh*t out of them, I was like ‘Yo, just give me one of the sessions’ and they were like ‘Cool. We ain’t gotta pay you right?’ It was just like a swap. I did a song for her album and they gave me one for mine.”

Then things got dicey for the singer, as he talked about Aaliyah’s legacy, and how it may be much more inflated since her death.

“People tend to–I don’t know, man– I’m not trying to discredit Aaliyah in any kind of way. But you know how sometimes when people die–yeah. You know how somebody’s an asshole their whole life, but when you go to their funeral it’s like ‘This guy was the greatest man that ever walked…’ No, I’m just sayin’!” He continued, “No, I’m not saying Aaliyah, but it’s like because she passed, nobody is deserving of being next to her. Nobody’s good enough. Nobody is good enough because she passed. If she was still alive, then everybody would’ve been like, ‘Oh! She’s tryna be Beyoncé!’ If she were still alive right now. But now that she’s passed, it’s like ‘Nobody could be her! Nobody could be her!’ That’s just how I feel. That’s how it goes. And that’s how people are, man. People look for sh*t to talk about.”

 

 

Derrick D-Nice Jones’ #InspirationallyCrafted Music Career And Business Influence

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Derrick jones“My name is D-Nice” is the 1990s back in the day chorus that rang out from Derrick Jones’ Billboard number one single “Call Me D-Nice.” Fast forward to 2015 and D-Nice is still a pioneer in music and culture, but he has added a few more labels to his repertoire. Those labels are photographer, brand marketer, and technology expert. Name something that is at the intersection of urban music and technology and you will likely find DJ D-Nice their spinning tunes or orchestrating campaigns.

DJ D-Nice has #InspirationallyCrafted a career that spans industries. He learned to reinvent himself after he noticed the music business changing and found that he wanted a different place in the game. Derrick “D-Nice” Jones’ decades-long career that has taken him from the Harlem’s famed Apollo to Singapore, and seemingly everywhere in-between, and he can proudly say he’s earned it. To understand why D-Nice can be spotted spinning all over the globe you need to know where he began—the Bronx. At just 16 years old, D-Nice was a founding member of the iconic ‘80s rap group Boogie Down Productions. By 1990, he had a Billboard number one single off his self-produced debut album, Call Me D-Nice. But as the landscape of hip-hop and New York itself began to shift, D-Nice recognized the need to transcend. He says it wasn’t always easy but he managed to break through. The MC from uptown found himself being the hottest DJ downtown—and around the world. At events like Oscar night galas to parties thrown by Diddy, D-Nice could now be heard in Paris, Singapore, South Africa, and Miami.

It was also around this time that D-Nice discovered he not only possessed an ear for a mix, but an eye for capturing images as well. Strapped with a Leica camera from his expanding collection, he began documenting his life. A visit to d-nice.com can yield a portrait of Halle Berry or Kid Rock as easily as an artful street scene of Brooklyn. The photographer recently did an Instagram takeover of the Brooklyn Nets’ account, featuring his photography. D-Nice moves seamlessly between gigs, whether he’s rocking the Apollo Theater’s Spring Gala with Stevie Wonder or appearing as a featured photographer on Tyra Bank’s “America’s Next Top Model.” He also holds a DJ residency at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino and had the distinct honor of playing President Barack Obama’s 2012 Inaugural Ball. Positive and always creative, the father of two continues to evolve and owns the full service creative agency BrandNice.

UPTOWN is proud to honor Derrick D-Nice Jones as a 2015 Uptown #InspirationallyCrafted honoree in an event sponsored by Kia Motors. Similar to the Kia K900, Kia Sorento, and Kia Optima, Derrick embodies the spirit of reinvention, craftsmanship and has made a lasting impact on both culture, community and business.

Share your story of being #InspirationallyCrafted for the chance to win $250 and the opportunity to be featured on UPTOWNMagazine.com. Learn more about the Uptown #InspirationallyCrafted Contest and enter here.

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