With an eclectic style and closet to die for, would you expect Solange Knowles‘ home decor to be anything less than spectacular?

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The “I Decided” singer recently invited ELLE magazine inside her Brooklyn brownstone to show off her one-of-a-kind digs and share the inspiration behind the stylish apartment.

“I had a moment when I looked at my closet and I was like, ‘Whoa, I really don’t have any basics,’” Knowles explained. “And with my house, I wanted to find a balance of having great colors and patterns but also a really livable, warm, serene space.”

Solange admits it took the persistent nagging of big sister Beyonce to move the free-spirited fashionista from her Los Angeles home to her current residence.

“Even though it was her superstar sister who’d been prodding her for six years to move to Brooklyn, setting up here allows her to stay close to family—Beyoncé and baby Blue stop by for family dinners, and Solange uses Bey and Jay’s TriBeCa home to get ready for events—while establishing a life that is refreshingly distinct from her older sister’s spotlight.”

Get a peek of Solange’s fabulous pad (and her hipster friends) after the jump!

Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times

Three Delaware day-care workers are accused of urging two 3-year-old toddlers to fight each other while the adults egged them on — and videotaped it, police said.

“No pinching, only punching,” one of the adults allegedly coaches the children. It’s the story that is setting the Internet on fire Tuesday, along with “toddler fight club” headlines.

The suspects have been charged with assault, endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment and conspiracy. They were identified as Tiana Harris, 19, and Lisa Parker, 47, both of Dover; and Estefania Myers, 21, of Felton.

Continue at the L.A. Times…

Looking quite wind-blown, Rihanna is out and about in L.A. on Aug. 22. Photo: AKM-GSI

Tyra Banks gets in bed with new ANTM judges Kelly Cutrone and Rob Evans to celebrate the premiere of the model competition show in NYC on Aug. 22. Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty

Christina Milian hits up the studio with Lil Wayne and Mack Maine, members of her new Young Money family, in Miami on Aug. 22. Photo: Instagram

Eva Mendes stands guard with her dog Hugo in West Hollywood on Aug. 20. Photo: JB Lacroix/WireImage

Mariah Carey looks very low-key on the set of The Butler in New Orleans on Aug. 20. Photo: FameFlynet

First Lady Michelle Obama greets the attendees of the first-ever Kids State Dinner at the White House on Aug. 20. Photo: Olivier Douliery/ABACA

Wearing her best beachwear, Halle Berry goes shopping with fiance Olivier Martinez in L.A. on Aug. 19. Photo: INF

Nick Cannon lends his support to the Do Something Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. on Aug. 19. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty

Jennifer Hudson films a scene from Smash in NYC on Aug. 17. Photo: X17online

Nicole Richie arrives at Virgin’s Sunset Strip Music Festival VIP party at SkyBar in West Hollywood on Aug. 17. Photo: Splash News Online

Jordin Sparks shares a moment with Bobbi Kristina and her boyfriend Nick Gordon after the Hollywood screening of Sparkle on Aug. 17. Photo: Eric Charbonneau/WireImage

Talk about an awkward moment! Jaguar tapped Jane Krakowski; Tracy Morgan, who has made homophobic jokes; and Johnny Weir, who came out publicly after achieving figure skating fame, for Jaguar’s Chill Event on Aug. 17 in NYC. Photo: Amanda Schwab/Startraks

Camila Alves, who is pregnant with her third child, takes hold of her tots, Levi, 4, and Vida, 2, after leaving a doctor’s appointment in Santa Monica, Calif. on Aug. 16. Photo: AKM-GSI

Gabby Douglas does the red carpet just as well as the uneven bars while attending a post-show event for “America’s Got Talent” on Aug. 15.

Camila Alves shows off her pregnancy curves at the Nylon Guys party in Santa Monica on Aug. 15.

Viola Davis looks beautiful in a white sheath dress while attending the Teachers Rock benefit in L.A. on Aug. 15.

Rihanna arrives at Tokyo Narita airport on Aug. 15 to perform in Japan over the weekend.

Jordin Sparks rocks a fiery peplum ensemble to the premiere of Sparkle in NYC on Aug. 14.

Kelly Rowland attends the David Jones 2012/13 season launch in Sydney on Aug. 14.

Halle Berry looks a little sauced after celebrating her birthday at Little Door club with fiance Olivier Martinez, Salma Hayek, and Francois-Henri Pinault on Aug. 14.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Gabby Douglas share some laughs with Jay Leno on his late-night talk show on  Aug. 13.

Soon-to-be parents Tamera Mowry-Housley and Adam Housley are positively glowing at their baby shower, where she also threw him an impromptu birthday celebration on Aug. 12.

Jennifer Hudson mismatches a pair of studded loafers with a pink mini dress while attending Apollo in the Hamptons event in East Hampton, N.Y. on Aug. 11.

Kerry Washington strikes a pose in a fun Dior frock while attending the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Installation Luncheon in Beverly Hills on Aug. 9.

Khloe Kardashian-Odom dons a leather dress to celebrate InStyle magazine at a party in California on Aug. 9.

Ciara and photographer Yu Tsai share a photo on Instagram on Aug. 9.

Olympian Allyson Felix celebrates after winning the gold medal for the 200-meter race on Aug. 8. Photo: Getty Images

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Brandy performs at the MDA Show of Strength held at CBS Television City in L.A. on Aug 8. Photo: Getty Images

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Kim Kardashian photographs her favorite subject while wearing a pair of Celine leather sweats, a Helmut Lang top, and $6,0000 Guiseppe Zanotti booties designed by Kanye West on Aug. 7.

Spike Lee gives us a wry smile as he poses with his wife Tonya Lewis Lee and their children at the premiere for his film Red Hook Summer on Aug. 6 in NYC.

Harry Belafonte poses with his Life Achievement Award at the 65th Locarno Film Festival in Locarno, Switzerland on Aug. 6. Photo: Getty Images

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Drake and guest Nicki Minaj rock the stage at Toronto’s third annual OVO Fest at Molson Amphitheater on Aug. 5.

Someone actually hired Joseline Hernandez of “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” to host a party at Atlanta’s Mansion Elan on Aug. 4. Of course her side-kick Stevie J. was there too.

Robert Townsend, Melanie Fiona, and Laz Alonso on August 3rd at the Studio Museum of Harlem where Alonso was announced as the new travel ambassador of BlackAtlas.com.

U.S. Olympic swimmer Lauren Perdue poses with fellow Olympian Lebron James in an Instagram. She started a firestorm after tweeting that Lebron had asked her to dinner, which really turned out to be an invitation to the dining hall.

Ray J poses with his new boss Rickey Smiley, who will star in a TV One sitcom loosely based on his life alongside Ray J, on Aug. 1 at the Beverly Hilton, the same hotel in which Ray J’s former lover Whitney Houston died.

Carmelo Anthony poses with the “Fab 5,” Team USA’s women’s gymnastics team, after they won gold on July 31.

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys Instagram a pic of them on their second anniversary date that began in front of Harlem’s Apollo theater on July 31.

Tika Sumpter and Jessica White were on hand for the launch of Kelly Rowland‘s special-edition pink TW Steel Watch at The Standard hotel in NYC on July 31.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian look ill-prepared for an NYC summer as they catch Fela! on Broadway on July 30.

“Flying Squirrel” Gabrielle Douglas soars through her routine on the uneven bars during the 2012 London Olympic Games on July 29.

Child star Tiffany Evans, who shocked fans when she not only revealed she was married but also divulged that she was with child earlier this year, shows off her baby bump with Instagrams over the weekend.

Feisty Olympic wrestler Elena Pirozhkova sweeps First Lady Michelle Obama off her feet in London on July 28.

Usher puts on a happy face, despite a recent tragedy, while walking in Long Island City, New York on July 25. Photo: Splash News Online

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Jessica Alba ignores the paps and fans by listening to her iPod while heading into her NYC hotel on July 25. Photo: Javier Mataeo Garcia/StarTraks

Tamera Mowry-Housley and Tia Mowry-Hardict look stunning in turquoise and royal blue, respectively, while attending the Television Critics Association’s NBC Universal 2012 Summer Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on July 25.

Eva Marcille poses with her ‘Girlfriend Confidential: L.A.” co-stars, Kelly Marie Dunn, Nikki Chu and Denyce Lawton, at the TCA NBC Universal 2012 Press Tour on July 25 in Beverly Hills.

Taye Diggs takes his hardest B-boy stance while clubbing at Surrender Nightclub inside the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas on July 25.

Romeo Miller has a shady moment on the red carpet for the Billabong’s 6th Annual Design For Humanity Event at Paramount Studios in L.A. on July 25.

Chris Brown and girlfriend Karrueche hit up club Gotha in Cannes on July 25 and quash rumors they were dunzo.

Dez Bryant and his mother Angela Bryant appear at a press conference where it’s revealed that she will not press charges against her son on July 24.

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Nas and Rick Ross spend some time chillin’ and tweeting photos on July 24.

Angela Simmons emerges from the Miami waters wearing a jeweled two-piece swimsuit from her sister Vanessa‘s swimsuit line, Rose by Vanessa, on July 24.

Luke James performs at Taste of Chicago Petrillo Music Shell on July 12. Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Redferns via Getty Images

Freida Pinto eases her way through a gang of paps and fans to reach the Today show in NYC on July 11. Photo: Pacific Coast News

Jennifer Hudson graces the stage at the Taste of Chicago Petrillo Music Shell on July 11.

Raven-Symoné shoots promos for Sister Act the musical in NYC on July 11. Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

Camila McConaughey debuts her baby bump for her and husband Matthew‘s third child at the London Magic Mike premiere on July 10. Photo: Solarpix/PR Photos

Sofia Vergara celebrates her 40th birthday on July 10 with a relaxing trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Photo: Jesse Grant, GettyImages

Nineties femme fatale Salli Richardson-Whitfield attends An Evening With Syfy’s Eureka at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills on July 9. Photo: John M. Heller

Erykah Badu performs at the Nice Jazz Festival in France on July 8. Photo: VALERY HACHE/AFP/GettyImages

Oprah and Hugh Jackman share a moment at a special screening of Walt Disney Pictures’ The Odd Life of Timothy Green at the Crosby Street Hotel in NYC on June 27. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Eric Benet performs at the Beacon Theatre in NYC on June 27. Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images

Chaka Khan sails out of AMV Studios in NYC after taping a segment for The Wendy Williams Show on June 27. Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson leaves the New Museum in NYC after taping a special for QVC on June 27. Photo: Demis Maryannakis/PacificCoastNews.com

New York Knick Carmelo Anthony checks out his wax figure at Madame Tussauds in NYC on June 27. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Tatyana Ali attends Spotify’s Quincy Jones Media Event at Andaz in West Hollywood on June 26. Photo: Stefanie Keenan/WireImage

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Grace Jones attends the the 2012 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on June 26. Photo: Neil Mockford/FilmMagic

Angela Simmons attend the after party for the premiere of Madea’s Witness Protection on June 25 at the Hudson Hotel in NYC. Photo: PCNphotos.com

Gabrielle Union helps to commemorate the Miami Heat during the Miami Heat 2012 NBA Championship Celebration at American Airlines Arena in Miami on June 25. Photo: Alexander Tamargo/WireImage

Rachel Roy attends the screening of People Like Us, hosted by The Cinema Society with Linda Wells & Allure, at Clearview Chelsea Cinemas in NYC on June 25. Photo: Jim Spellman/WireImage

Boris Kodjoe attendeds the Soiree By the Bay event hosted by Grab Media and HBO at the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 25.

DeVon Franklin and wife Meagan Good hit up the New Edition concert at the Nokia Theatre in L.A. on June 25. Photo: Splash News

Jill Scott wears a whole lotta print as she takes the mic at her annual Summer Block Party 2012 at the Mann Center For Performing Arts in Philadelphia on June 23. Photo: Mychal Watts/WireImage

KEM performs during Jill Scott’s Summer Block Party 2012 at the Mann Center For Performing Arts in Philadelphia on June 23. Photo: Mychal Watts/WireImage

Jay-Z and his protege Rihanna rock the mics at day one of the BBC Radio 1 Hackney Weekend 2012 in London on June 23. Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images

MC Lyte, the Recording Academy Los Angeles chapter president, speaks during the Grammy FUTURENOW Conference at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, Calif on June 23. Photo: Jesse Grant/WireImage

Anthony Mackie visits SiriusXM Studio in NYC on June 22. Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images

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Tracee Ellis Ross, looking fab as usual in a sheath and high bun to beat the Miami heat, attends the Winners Circle Award presentation at the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach on June 20. Photo: Terrence Jennings

Niecy Nash attends a screening of her new show, The Soul Man, at the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation and Heritage Center in Washington, D.C. Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images

Keri Hilson helps the students of Osborne High School in Atlanta, on June 20, by co-designing a mural as part of the Bing Summer of Doing. Photo: Ben Rose/Getty Images

Vivica Fox practices her best blank stare at Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios Daytime Emmy and Fall 2012 Launch at the Four Seasons Hotel in L.A. on June 20. Photo: Earl Gibson III/FilmMagic

UPTOWN June/July cover man Anthony Mackie attends the premiere of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, in which he plays William H. Johnson, the 16th president’s caddy and chauffeur, at AMC Loews Lincoln Square in NYC on June 18. Photo: Getty Images

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Derek Luke gets dapper for the premiere of Seeking a Friend for the End of the World during the Film Independent’s 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival on June 18. Photo: Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Christina Milian takes daughter Violet to the premiere of Disney Pixar’s Brave, during the Film Independent’s 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival, in Hollywood on June 18. Photo: Davd Livingston/Getty Images

Regina King attends the Critics’ Choice Television Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on June 18. Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Sisters Venus and Serena Williams attend the Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens in London on June 16. Photo: Stuart Wilson/Getty Images

Kelly Rowland and Usher help Hot 107.9 celebrate its 17th birthday at a bash held in Atlanta’s Philips Arena on June 16. Photo: Prince Williams/FilmMagic

Michael Ealy takes his fine self to Montblanc Presents The 24-hour-Plays A Benefit for Urban Arts Partnership in Santa Monica, Calif. on June 16. Photo: Michael Bezjian/Getty Images

Bill Cosby plays host at the Girard-Perregaux Beverly Hills Hotel event to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the famed hotel on June 15.

Mary J. Blige performs at the Girard-Perregaux Beverly Hills Hotel event to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the famed hotel on June 15.

Jesse L. Williams wears harem jeans (?!) to the L.A. premiere of To Rome with Love, during the Film Independent’s 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival, at the Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 on June 14. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Solange and Chanel Iman strut out of a President Barack Obama campaign fundraiser at the NYC home of Sarah Jessica Parker on June 14. Photo: Christopher Sadowski/Splash News

L.A. Dodger Matt Kemp sits down for a chat on Jimmy Kimmel Live on June 14. Photo: Karen Neal/ABC via Getty images

Jenifer Lewis (love her!) attends the grand opening of Cars Land at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif, on June 13. Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

President Barack Obama shares an early Father’s Day feast of Kenny’s BBQ Smokehouse with two soldiers and two barbers on June 13 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/GettyImages

John Legend participates in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on June 13 in Edinburgh. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Jada Pinkett Smith and son Jaden Smith share a tender moment on June 13. Photo: Facebook

Hip Hop legends Ice-T and Chuck D attend the premiere of Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, Ice-T”s directorial debut, at Lincoln Center in NYC on June 13. Photo: Bennett Raglin/WireImage

Looking fabulous as usual, Zoe Saldana attends Persol Magnificent Obsessions: 30 Stories Of Craftmanship In Film at the Museum of the Moving Image in the Queens, New York on June 13. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Ne-Yo visits SiriusXM Studio in NYC on June 13. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Alicia Keys tickles the ivories and croons for a City of Hope event at the Museum of Contemporary Art in L.A. on June 13. Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images

Diahann Carroll steps and repeats upon arrival to the 2012 Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on June 12. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Usher, who is promoting his recent album Looking 4 Myself, performs in London at HMV Hammersmith Apollo on June 12. Photo: Christie Goodwin/Redferns via Getty Images

Tichina Arnold attends Motown Mondays at The Red Rooster restaurant in New York’s Harlem on June 11. Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Solange and son Juelz get playful at the Stella McCartney spring 2012 presentation in NYC on June 11. Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

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Audra McDonald, wearing an Emilio Sosa gown, poses with her Tony Award for the Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for her role as Bess in Porgy and Bess at 66th Annual Tony Awards at The Beacon Theatre in NYC on June 10. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

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Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier share a moment at the 66th Annual Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre in NYC on June 10. Photo: Bennett Raglin/WireImage

Condola Rashad attends the 66th Annual Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre in NYC on June 10. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Naomi Campbell and boyfriend Vladislav Dorodin hit up the Cipriani opening in Ibiza on June 10. Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Singers Shingai Shoniwa of The Noisettes and Leona Lewis look festive for the MINT Polo In The Park in London’s Hurlingham Park on June 9. Photo: Brittany Somerset

D’Angelo steadily climbs back to the top while performing during Day 3 of the 2012 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn on June 9. Photo: Gary Miller/WireImage

Queen Bee Lil’ Kim performs at L.A. Gay Pride in West Hollywood on June. 9. Photo: Splash News

Vanessa Williams and her mom Helen Williams attend the Covenant House California 2012 Gala and Awards Dinner, given in the Hollywood powerhouse’s honor, at the Skirball Cultural Center in L.A. on June 7. Photo: Maury Phillips/WireImage

Eva Marcille steps into the OK! Magazine Sexy Singles Party at The Roxbury Hollywood on June 7. Photo: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Happy couple Paula Patton and Robin Thicke attend the Celebrate Sundance Institute L.A. benefit at Soho House in West Hollywood on June 6. Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Looking more like best friends than mother and daughter, Lisa Bonet and Zoe Kravitz attend The Little Black Jacket Event, hosted by Chanel, at the Swiss Institute in NYC on June 6. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Princeton University awards Aretha Franklin an honorary Doctorate of Music during the commencement ceremony on June 5. Photo: AP Photo/Mel Evan

Kerry Washington rocks a bold graphic print dress to the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis on June 2. Photo: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for GLAAD

Alek Wek strikes a pose at the 5th Annual Vevue Clicquot Polo Classic at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey on June 2. Photo: Paul Zimmerman/WireImage

Maxwell goes low-key while chilling in the VIP Marquee at the star-studded Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Jersey City on June 2. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Tina Turner attends the Armani fashion show, the first in China in six years, at 798 Art Zone in Beijing on May 31. Photo: ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images

LL Cool J and his decidedly uncool doo-rag hit up the Global Television’s 2012 Fall Launch for Shaw Media at Trump International Hotel and Tower in Toronto on May 30. Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage

Michelle Williams graces the red carpet at the 2012 Clarins Million Meals Concert for FEED at Lincoln Center in NYC on May 30. Photo: Donna Ward/FilmMagic

Viola Davis and husband Julius Tennon arrive at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Berkeley Square Gardens in London on May 29. Photo: PCNphotos.com

Rumored new couple Angela Simmons and Romeo Miller leave a lunch date in L.A. on May 29. Photo: Owen Beiny / WENN.com

President Barack Obama shares a laugh with Toni Morrison before awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, at the White House in Washington, D.C. on May 29. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Michael Ealy struts into the studio housing The Wendy Williams Show in NYC on May 29. Photo: PCNphotos.com

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First Lady Michelle Obama promotes her book American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America at The View in NYC on May 29. Photo: Lou Rocco/Getty Images

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Bobby Brown performs for the Today at NYC’s Rockefeller Center on May 28. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Fitness fanatic Craig David shows us what he’s working with in Miami on May 28. Photo: Splash News

Meagan Good celebrated her bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas and performed a burlesque routine at the Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on May 26. Photo: Mindy Small/FilmMagic

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Condola Rashad attends the The New Dramatists’ 63rd annual Benefit luncheon at The New York Marriott Marquis in NYC on May 24.

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The cast of A Streetcar Named Desire, Daphne Ruben-Vega; Nicole Ari-Parker; Blair Underwood and Wood Harris, ring the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on May 24. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Jada Pinkett-Smith shows off her uber-toned physique in an orange gown at the NYC premiere after party for Men In Black 3 at the USS Intrepid on May 23. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Fantasia sports a whole lotta look to the American Idol live final results show at the Nokia Theatre in L.A. on May 23. Photo: Getty Images

Christina Milian, in a distracting and matching mini dress and eyeshadow combo, attends the 7th Annual Music Saves Lives event at St. Felix in Hollywood on May 23. Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Cassie attends the Killing Them Softly premiere during the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 22. Photo: Getty Images

Spokeswoman Halle Berry attends the Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Makeup launch at the Gramercy Park Hotel in NYC on May 22. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

“What baby weight?” says Tia Mowry-Hardict in an electric blue gown at the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s 37th Annual Gracie National Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on May 22. Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images

Always the style maven, Solange rocks an asymmetrical look that leaves one leg heavily exposed to the 2012 Party In The Garden Benefit at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC on May 22. Photo: Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic

Dancing With the Stars contestant Donald Driver and his coach/partner Peta Murgatroyd celebrate their win on May 22 in L.A. Photo: Kelsey McNeal/ABC via Getty images

President Barack Obama greets Joplin High School graduates before the class of 2012 graduation on May 21 at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri, which was hit by an EF-5 tornado in 2011. Photo: Rich Sugg-Pool/Getty Images

Viola Davis delivers the keynote address during the 2012 Providence College graduation at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on May 20. Photo: Marc Andrew Deley/Getty Images

Chaka Khan brings the heat to the 40th annual Fifi awards at Lincoln Center in NYC on May 21. Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic

Fellow baldies Wyclef Jean, Harry Belafonte and Boris Kodjoe unite at the Brotherhood/Sister Sol Voices 8 annual benefit at Lincoln Center in NYC on May 17. Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Lil Kim hits up the “Return Of The Queen” after party given in her honor at Culture Club in NYC on May 19. Photo: Michael Stewart/WireImage

Erykah Badu entertains the audience at the USA Network Upfront show at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in NYC on May 17. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Tyra Banks, looking much thinner than normally, arrives for an appearance on Good Morning America on May 16. Photo: ÊHall/Pena/PCN News

Willow and Jada Smith look more like sisters than mother and daughter while walking in Cannes on May 16. Photo: Splash News

Dawnn Lewis attends the opening night of Chicago at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on May 16. Photo: Araya Diaz/WireImage

President Barack Obama hosts David Beckham and the rest of the Major League Soccer champions Los Angeles Galaxy at the White House on May 15. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

John Legend attends the Entertainment Weekly & ABC-TV Up Front VIP Party at the Dream Downtown in NYC on May 15. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Egypt Sherrod poses with mothers during the 3rd Annual “Egypt’s Mommy Makeovers” Celebration presented by the Egypt Cares Family Foundation, in partnership with Atlanta’s V-103 FM, Black Opal Cosmetics and Hair Design by Future Vision Salon on May 15. Photo: Taren Marsaw-Pure Conceptions Photography

Selita Ebanks does her best cake topper impression at Screen Gems Presents The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC on May 14. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

June Ambrose looks like the belle of the ball at the 2012 American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala at The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC on May 14. Photo: Andy Kropa/Getty Images

Alek Wek attends the 2012 American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala at The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC on May 14. Photo: Gary Gershoff/WireImage

Rachel Roy goes really casual for the 2012 American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala at The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC on May 14. Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images

Wendy Williams looks statuesque at the 2012 American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala at The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC on May 14. Photo: Gary Gershoff/WireImage

Tamron Hall opts for a cocktail dress at the American Ballet Theatre’s 2012 Gala at The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC on May 14. Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images

Tonya Lewis Lee attends The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Gala, presented by Screen Gems, at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC on May 14. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Meagan Good ditches her signature cut-off shorts for an all-white frock at NBC’s Upfront Presentation in NYC on May 14. Photo: Paul Zimmerman/WireImage

Keri Hilson plays captain while performing the 21st Annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival at Pigeon Island National Landmark on May 12. Photo: Andrea De Silva/Reuters /Landov

Janet Jackson joins the NYC art scene by attending the Marco Glaviano “Supermodels” exhibit opening at the Keszler Gallery on May 10. Photo: Jim Spellman/WireImage

Melanie Fiona hits up the 2012 SESAC Pop Music awards at Skylight SOHO in NYC on May 10. Photo: Robin Marchant/FilmMagic

Solange attends the D’Usse Cognac Launch Party at The Standard Hotel in NYC on May 9. Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage

Sharon Leal attends Morgan Spurlock’s New Comedic Documentary Mansome LA Premiere at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood on May 9. Photo: Jonathan Leibson/FilmMagic

An all-grown-up Romeo makes an appearance at the NYLON Magazine Annual May Young Hollywood Issue party held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood on May 9. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Toni Braxton, wearing slinky black, attends the 10th annual Ailey at the Apollo at The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY on May 8. Photo: Charles Eshelman/Getty Images

Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz and their son Egypt head to game 4 of the Knicks and Miami Heat NBA playoff game in NYC on May 6. Photo: Splash News

NeNe and Gregg Leakes prove their differences weren’t irreconcilable while strolling on a Miami beach on May 6. Photo: Splash News

Rihanna entertains on Saturday Night Live on May 5. Photo: Dana Edelson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Mary J. Blige and sister LaTonya put on their finest for the 138th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 5. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

The Biggest Loser‘s Dolvett Quince attends the Self Magazine 19th Annual Workout In The Park at Little Marina Green in San Francisco on May 5. Photo: Steve Jennings/WireImage

Shaquille O’Neal towers above the rest at a press conference after receiving his doctorate for education from from Barry University at James L. Knight Center in Miami on May 5. Photo: Vallery Jean/Getty Images

Tika Sumpter, dressing a little like Meagan Good, attends the New York Knicks 2012 Playoff Celebration at Madison Square Garden in NYC on May 3. Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Raven Symoné shows off a new look at the Wendy Williams Show in NYC on May 3. Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Image

Chefs unite on May 6: Via @chefroble “I just met @carlahall @questlove party.”

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas via @drayaface on May 6: “Me and the boss @shaunieoneal”

Common poses with Kindred the Family Soul in DC at a Dr. Maya Angelou event on May 3. Via @common

Mariah Carey looking very motherly in a vintage Azzedine Alaia dress, boarding a plane with baby Monroe. Via @mariahalerts.

Serena Williams goes 100% natural on May 3. Via @serenawilliams

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz don’t shy away from PDA’s while attending the 4th annual Bronx Charter School For The Arts Art Auction Fundraiser at Marquee in NYC on May 2. Photo: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images

Broadway star Audra McDonald attends the 2012 Tony Awards Meet The Nominees Press Reception at Millennium Broadway Hotel in NYC on May 2. Photo: Jemal Countess/WireImage for Tony Award Productions

Jessica White grabs the photogs’ attention with a thigh-high slit at the Dream Big – The Jacob’s Cure 2012 gala at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC on May 2. Photo: Simon Russell/Getty Images

Talk about a mommy-and-me gig. Tia Mowry-Hardict and son Cree host the TheBump and AMC Theatres’ “Bring Your Baby Matinees” at AMC Promenade 16 in Woodland Hills, CA on May 1. Photo: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

Glee star Amber Riley arrives at the TV Academy special screening and Q&A of the hit show at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood, CA on May 1. Photo: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

Broadway heavy-hitter Heather Headley, who plays the lead in The Bodyguard musical based on the film of the same name, gracefully attends a photocall at The Savoy Hotel in London on May 1. Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage

Kimora Lee Simmons shimmers in sequins at the East West Players 46th Anniversary Visionary Awards Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction, where she was honored, at Universal Hilton Hotel Universal City, California on April 30. Photo: Jonathan Leibson/WireImage

Chrissy Teigen and beau John Legend strike a pose on the red carpet of the 98th Annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC. on April 28. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Kerry Washington proves all-over color is a do at the 98th Annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in D.C. on April 28. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Mary J. Blige and husband Kendu Isaacs attend the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in D.C. on April 28. Photo: Getty Images

Solange takes a moment away from deejaying to pose at the NPR Party at The Gibson Guitar Showroom in Washington, D.C on April 27. Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images

Alicia Keys snapped in “nails done, hair done, everything almost did” mode by hubby Swizz Beatz on April 26. Via @therealswizz

Dre Kirkpatrick wears pink pinstripes at a pre-NFL Draft event in New York on April 25. Via @nfl

Nicole Richie strikes a very coy and rawr pose at the H&M Celebrates NBC’s Fashion Star Event in NYC on April 24. Via @nicolerichie

Marcus Samuelsson joins Isaac Mizrahi in New York at his 2nd Annual Spring Party for Good Shepherd Services at the Highline Stages on April 25. Via @marcuscooks

Post- Slow Jam the News, President Barack Obama talks with Jimmy Fallon at Memorial Hall on the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill campus on April 24. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Standing next to Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker rocks a curly blonde fro at opening night of her new limited engagement play “A Streetcar Named Desire” in New York on April 22. Photo credit: Lisa Pacino Duvet

Monica rocks an off-white sheath for Us Weekly’s Hot Hollywood 2012 event at Greystone Manor Supperclub in West Hollywood. Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Ashanti looks much less tragic than she did here while out and about in LA on April 18. Photo: Owen Beiny / WENN.com

Angela Bassett attends the Paul Simon Songbook to Benefit Jazz at Lincoln Center gala in NYC on April 18. Photo: Charles Eshelman/Getty Images

Cicely Tyson attends the Paul Simon Songbook to Benefit Jazz at Lincoln Center gala in NYC on April 18. Photo: Charles Eshelman/Getty Images

Ziggy, Robbie and Rohan Marley attend the premiere of Marley, their film about their father Bob Marley, in LA on April 18. Photo: Getty Images

Rick Fox and his sister Jeanene attend the LA premiere of Marley on April 18. Photo: Rex USA

Jessica White attends the Vanity Fair Party during the TriBeCa Film Festival at the State Supreme Courthouse in NYC on April 17. Photo: Jim Spellman/WireImage

Boyz II Men, the most successful R&B group of all time, promotes their new single atop the Empire State Building in NYC on April 16. Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Lauryn Hill performs at L’Olympia in Paris on April 16. Photo: David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns via Getty Images

Tika Sumpter attends a screening of Safe, hosted by Lionsgate and IM Global with the Cinema Society, at Chelsea Clearview Cinema in NYC on April 16. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio sport matching scruffy beards at the Django Unchained photocall at Summer of Sony 4 Spring Edition held at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cancun on April 15. Photo: Matt Dames/Sony via Getty Images

Rihanna enjoys the vibes at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA on April 15. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella

Alek Wek and a friend make their way through Coachella on April 15 in Indio, CA. Photo: Splash News / Getty Images

Common hosts the Common Ground Foundation Annual Gala and Fundraiser at Chicago’s Ritz Carlton Hotel on April 14. Photo: Nikki Bruce of Grey Matter Photography

Mary J. Blige performs at the 2012 Jenesse Silver Rose Awards gala and auction at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills on April 14, instead of singing about Burger King chicken. Photo: Venus Bernardo

Brandy departs the ABC Lincoln Center Studios, where she taped a segment of Live with Kelly, in NYC on April 11. Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images

Beyonce takes a break from daughter Blue Ivy to ride a jet ski in the waters of St. Barths on April 11. Photo: X17 Photo

RELATED: Beyonce Posts Her Most Intimate Moments [PHOTOS + VIDEO]

Rihanna rocks a Stella McCartney jumpsuit for the Australian premiere of Battleship at Luna Park in Sydney on April 10.

Christina Milian looks stunning as she poses on the red carpet for the NYLON Magazine 13th Anniversary Celebration held at Smashbox in West Hollywood on April 10. Photo: Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images

Anthony Mackie still looks hot while rocking a green unitard on the set of Pain and Gain in Miami on April 11. Photo: Splash News

Paula Patton, UPTOWN‘s April/May cover girl, launches Pepsi NEXT’s campaign at The Grove in LA on April 9.

RELATED: Paula Patton Lands Pepsi Gig, Takes On ’2 Guns’ With Denzel [PHOTOS]

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President Barack Obama proves the country is safe in his strong hands while doing pushups on the White House tennis court during the Easter Egg Roll on April 9. Photo: Getty Images

Janelle Monae and a pint-sized friend walk to the White House’s annual Easter Egg Roll on April 9.

Forrest Whitaker escorts daughter True to the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House on April 9.

Halle Berry and fiance Olivier Martinez take her daughter Nahla Aubry to a Malibu beach on April 7. Photo: Splash News

Usher takes his sons to Disneyland for some quality time on April 6. Photo: Splash News

Keri Hilson has a sartorial moment while exiting Fuse Studios in NYC on April 5. Photo: Cindy Ord/WireImage

Erykah Badu attends the launch of the Hennessy “Wild Rabbit” campaign at the Highline Ballroom in NYC on April 5. Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

First Lady Michelle Obama and “bunny dog” Bo bring cheer during a pre-Easter celebration with military families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD on April 4. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

NeNe Leakes aims to be crowned Queen of Herve Leger Dresses during the Bravo Upfront Event 2012 on April 4. Photo: Rex USA

Phaedra Parks rocks a sexy red number also during the Bravo Upfront Event 2012 on April 4. Photo: Rex USA

RELATED: Author Angela Stanton Reveals RHOA Phaedra Parks’ Criminal Past [VIDEO]

Kandi Burruss stands out in purple during the Bravo Upfront Event 2012 on April 4. Photo: Rex USA

Steve Harvey and wife Marjorie attend the Think Like a Manscreening at the AMC Empire 25 theater in NYC on April 4. Photo: Bennett Raglin/WireImage

Christina Milian looks festive and retro in a stripe asymmetrical maxi skirt as she leaves Katsuya in Hollywood on April 4. Photo: Splash News

Nicki Minaj hits up a Best Buy in Harlem to promote her album on April 3. Photo: Rex USA

Keshia Knight-Pulliam goes understatedly sexy for the Think Like A Man premiere at the Regal Atlantic Station in Atlanta on April 3. Photo: James Pray and Jazmyne Simmons

Taye Diggs attends The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Presents “Welcome To ShondaLand: An Evening With Shonda Rhimes & Friends” at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in Hollywood on April 2. Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker perform Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 2. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Image

Nicole Richie lends her support at Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 2. Photo: Kevin Winter/ACMA2012/Getty Images for ACM

Toni Braxton and son Diezel pose outside The Wendy Williams Show in NYC on April 2. Photo: Splash News

Chris Paul and Reggie Bush get chummy at the the 2012 Playboy Golf finals and Pajama Party at The Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills on March 31. Photo: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Willow Smith looks pretty in pink hair while attending Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards in LA on March 31. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Kerry Washington makes an appearance on Extra to promote Scandal, her new TV show, at The Grove in LA on March 30. Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Extra

First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia attend Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards held at Galen Center in LA on March 31. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The always-sexy Blair Underwood attends the 2012 Drama Desk panel discussion and luncheon at Sardi’s in NYC on March 30. Photo: D Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Beyonce tries out a boho-chic look while running errands in NYC on March 30. Photo: A. Ariani/Splash News

Rihanna, looking an awful lot like Goldie Hawn, promotes her first film, Battleship, at the Corinthia Hotel London on March 28.

Solange, a reported shoe whore, attends The Man Repeller event at the Stuart Weitzman boutique in NYC on March 28.

Chrisette Michelle proves lace is a do at the Remy Martin presents Chris Bosh Comedy Club & Boardwalk Casino Night at Prelude at Barton G in Miami on March 28.

Seal walks through LAX, and has finally taken that wedding ring off, on March 28.

Naomi Campbell continues to be the baddest bitch in the game while attending the Renault Twizy Launch by David & Cathy Guetta at Atelier Renaulton in Paris on March 27.

Raven-Symone makes her stunning debut in Sister Act on March 27.

Morticia Addams, er, Ciara attends the the Valentino Rodeo Drive Flagship opening in Beverly Hills while wearing a floor-gazing, cleavage-baring black dress on March 27.

Nicole Murphy shows off her toned abs in an asymmetrical top while leaving Urth Caffe in Beverly Hills on March 27.

RELATED: Will Smith & Eddie Murphy’s Former Wives Gear Up For VH1′s ‘Hollywood Exes’

Jennifer Freeman punctuates her monochromatic look with a bright lip at the premiere of Bully at the Mann Chinese 6 Theater in LA on March 26.

Lionel Richie and Muhammad Ali put up their dukes backstage during Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night XIII at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix on March 24.

Esperanza Spalding rocks a curly ‘fro while promoting her new album Radio Music Society at J&R Music World in NYC on March 23.

Nick Cannon hosts The Badoo Project, a public photo shoot where four top photographers snap 1,000 New Yorkers in the hopes of landing them on billboards, in NYC on March 22.

Tyson Beckford attends a soiree for the product launch of Emilio Cavallini’s Mantyhose at Sketch in London on March 21.

Melanie Fiona croons at the Fuse Studios in NYC to promote her sophomore album The MF Life on March 21.

Ciara shows off her new ‘do and duds while out and about in NYC on March 20.

In a celebrities are just like us moment, Boss cast members, T.I., Sanaa Lathan, Rotimi and Kathleen Robertson, pose for a phone pic during a cast dinner in Chicago on March 20.

RELATED: Actor Rotimi Akinosho Talks Love and Relationships

First Lady Michelle Obama chats with David Letterman during her first appearance on the Late Show on March 19.

Rihanna dines at Scarpetta at Montage Hotel in LA on March 19.

Rachel Roy looks casual-chic as she attends the Giorgio Armani & The Cinema Society screening of Intruders at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in NYC on March 19.

Solange arrives at the Greenwich Hotel in NYC for an Obama election fundraiser, hosted by Michelle Obama, on March 19.

LaLa Anthony and son Kiyan play hide and seek in NYC on March 18.

The family that cheers together stays together. Will, Jada, Willow and Jaden watch the Miami Heat vs. the Philadelphia 76ers game at Wachovia Center in Philadelphia on March 16.

Zahara Jolie-Pitt sports blue box braid extensions as she and sister Shiloh leave their Amsterdam hotel with mom Angelina Jolie and two furry friends.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk to a White House State Dinner given in honor of British Prime Minister David Cameron in Washington, D.C. on March 14.

Idris Elba brings the sexy to a White House State Dinner in Washington, D.C. on March 14.

June Ambrose celebrates the premiere of her new reality show, Styled By June, at the Crosby Street Hotel in NYC on March 14.

Ashanti promotes her new album Braveheart and single “The Woman You Love” at Power 99 FM radio station in Bala Cynwyd, PA on March 14.

Eva Marcille tapes her reality show, Taking Hollywood, with her friends on March 14.

Keke Palmer attends the Nickelodeon Upfronts at Lincoln Center in NYC on March 14.

Halle Berry, who recently confirmed her engagement to Olivier Martinez, struts while wearing an orthopedic boot on her right foot on March 14.

A very pregnant Kourtney Kardashian walks around Hollywood on March 14.

Fat Man Scoop poses with host Robin Thicke, who also celebrated his birthday, at the Rémy Martin Ringleaders Bash at Son Cubano supper club and lounge in NYC on March 6.

A mature-looking Melanie Fiona hits up the Rémy Martin event in NYC on March 6.

Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly and strike a pose at the Rémy Martin Ringleaders Bash in NYC on March 6.

First Lady Michelle Obama and North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan get moving to promote “Let’s Move!” during the CIAA basketball tournament in Charlotte on March 2.

Selita Ebanks ups the va-va-voom-factor with big hair and a body-conscious dress at the BET Rip the Runway event in NYC on Feb. 29.

Pooch Hall attends the BET Rip the Runway special in NYC on Feb. 29.

Estelle stands out in bright orange at BET’s Rip the Runway event in NYC on Feb. 29.

Angela Simmons takes her look simple and youthful for the BET Rip the Runway event in NYC on Feb. 29.

A decidedly un-Barbie-like Lil Kim arrives at BET’s Rip the Runway event in NYC on Feb. 29.

Blue Ivy Carter experiences her first Big Apple outing, while parents Beyonce and Jay-Z head to lunch at Sant Ambroeus in the West Village on Feb. 25.

Zoe Saldana shows off her toned gams while attending the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, CA on Feb. 25.

Rashida Jones wears a festive print to the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, CA on Feb. 25.

Garcelle Beauvais rocks one of the hottest spring colors as she arrives at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, CA on Feb. 25.

Jesse Williams, Common and Ne-Yo, who played for the west, plot their losing strategy during the Sprint NBA All Star Celebrity Game at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Feb. 24.

Dwyane Wade and Boris Kodjoe look dashing as they attend the NBA All-Star Weekend Kickoff Party, hosted by Rémy Martin V, in Orlando on Feb. 23.

Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou attend the Vanity Fair and Ermenegildo Zegna dinner at Chateau Marmont in L.A. on Feb. 22.

Pres. Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C., on Feb. 22.

Bobby Brown leaves ex-wife Whitney Houston‘s funeral early, citing a problem with seating arrangements, on Feb. 18 in Newark.

Sanaa Lathan steps out in a tangerine frock for the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in L.A., where she co-hosted the event with Anthony Mackie, on Feb. 18.

Regina King looked red-hot while attending the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in L.A. on Feb. 18.

Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo perform at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in L.A. on Feb. 18.

Keke Palmer looks young and fresh in shocking pink as she arrives at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in L.A. on Feb. 18.

Viola Davis shocks onlookers with her revealing dress as she arrives at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in L.A. on Feb. 18.

Laz Alonso looks sexy as hell at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in L.A. on Feb. 18.

Tracee Ellis Ross shows off her new red locks at the Michael Kors show on Feb. 15 in NYC.

Angela Simmons rocks a floral jumpsuit for the Jeremy Scott fall 2012 show in NYC on Feb. 15.

Miss Jay Alexander‘s smile rivals the brightness of his ensemble at the Marc Jacobs fashion show in NYC on Feb. 13.

Ashanti shows off all that she’s working with at the Falguni & Shane Peacock show in NYC on Feb. 12.

Solange Knowles sports a decidedly DVF printed suit to the Diane von Furstenberg runway show on Feb. 12 in NYC.

Tracy Reese, one of only two individual black designers to officially show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, poses backstage of her runway show in NYC on Feb. 12.

Trey Songz is having a really good time at the Cleveland Cavaliers game with his new boo on Feb. 9.

NeNe Leakes and Aubrey O’Day pose outside Mr. Chow’s in Beverly Hills on Feb. 9.

El Debarge heats up in leather.

Halle Berry hobbles to her car after picking up daughter Nahla from her West Hollywood school on Feb. 2. Photo: Vladimir Labissiere/Splash News

Kim Kardashian takes a walk down Lincoln Road in Miami Beach on Feb. 2. Photo: Keshishian/London Ent

Jennifer Lopez is mad for plaid as she departs a hotel in NYC on Feb. 1. Photo: Janet Mayer/Splash News

Kenneth Michael Williams attends the premiere of Dysfunctional Friends supported by HPNOTIQ Harmonie at Harmony Gold Theatre in Hollywood on Feb. 1. Photo: Suntzulynn for LE/Splash News

Meagan Good (and her girls) also attends the premiere of Dysfunctional Friends on Feb. 1. Photo: Suntzulynn for LE/Splash News

Ziggy Marley arrives at The Late Show With David Letterman in NYC on Feb. 1. Photo: Janet Mayer/Splash News

Zoe Saldana arrives at a dentist’s office in LA on Jan. 31. Photo: Fern/Splash News

Nicole Murphy, Eddie Murphy‘s ex-wife steps out a Beverly Hills nail salon in her workout attire, showing off her amazing physique, on Jan. 31. Photo: Vladimir Labissiere/Splash News

Octavia Spencer has a good time at the Lakers game on Jan. 31. Photo: London Ent/Splash News

Angela Simmons goes out to dinner with a friend in Beverly Hills on Jan. 28. Photo: JD Pht Bx & MCGM/Splash News

Christina Milian arrives at 1 OAK nightclub, where Katy Perry and J. Molinari Jewelry host the club’s grand opening weekend with the GiveLove charity event, at the Mirage Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Jan. 27. Photo: STARPICZ/Splash News

Rihanna leaves the Staples Center after watching the first night run of the Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil in LA on Jan. 27. Photo: Non Exclusive Candid Credit: Mr Photoman/Splash News

Seal stops by to talk with Mario Lopez on a private balcony set on Extra! at The Grove in LA on Jan. 26. Photo: Suntzulynn for LE/Splash News

Chris Tucker and his son have a good time at the LA Lakers on Jan. 25. Photo: London Ent/Splash News

Jessica Alba stops by to talk with Mario Lopez about baby clothes on the set of Extra! at The Grove in LA on Jan. 25. Photo: Suntzulynn for LE/Splash News

Maya Rudolph sits with a friend at Joan’s Cafe in West Hollywood on Jan. 25. Photo: Vladimir Labissiere Splash News

NY Giants star wide receiver Victor Cruz makes an appearance at Modell’s in Times Square for some salsa dancing and an autograph session with fans on Jan. 25. Photo: David McGlynn/Splash News

Oprah Winfrey praises the contrast of calm and chaos in India at the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, which is fast becoming a global cultural gala, on Jan. 24. Photo: Excel Media/Splash News

Dr. Dre arrives at Prime 112 for dinner in Miami on Jan. 24. Photo: Momo/Splash News

Chris Brown leaves The Greystone Manor, where Rihanna was also spotted, in West Hollywood on Jan. 22. Photo: SHARPSHOOTER IMAGES/Splash News

Alicia Keys pushes son Egypt in a swing at the playground, as his half-brother Prince Nasir pedals a foot scooter in NYC on Jan. 22. Photo: Jackson Lee/Splash News

Rihanna arrivies at LAX, coming from Honolulu, on Jan. 22. Photo: SWAP/Splash News

Zoe Saldana gets sushi while having lunch with friends in a Beverly Hills supermarket on Jan. 20.

Jay Z attends the re-opening of his 40/40 Nightclub in NYC on Jan. 18. Photo: Splash News

Ashanti also hit up the grand re-opening Of Jay-Z’s 40/40 club on Jan. 18. Photo: Demis Maryannakis/Splash News

Swizz Beatz drives his custom-made Lotus Evora GTE to the grand re-opening of the 40/40 Nightclub on Jan. 18. Photo: Splash News

Ciara heads back to her car after leaving the nail salon in Beverly Hills on Jan. 18. Photo: SWAP/Splash News

Acclaimed actress/rapper Queen Latifah reenacts a scene from “Mob Wives” with host Wendy Williams on “The Wendy Williams Show” on Jan. 18. Photo: Rahav Segev/Splash News

Kim Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian-Odom and Kris Jenner support Lamar Odom as the Dallas Mavericks take on the LA Clippers at the Staples Center in LA on Jan. 18. Photo: London Ent/Splash News

Jessica Alba takes a call on her iPhone as she goes about NYC on Jan. 18. Photo: Sharp Images/Splash News

Bill Cosby and nephew Braxton Cosby conduct a book signing and reading at the Hue Man bookstore in Harlem on Jan. 18. Photo: Ron Smits/London Ent/Splash News

Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas says “peace out” as he leaves the Trump SoHo hotel in NYC on Jan. 18. Photo: Splash News

Wayne Brady walks the streets of Beverly Hills on Jan. 18. Photo: Marcus/Zodiac/Splash News

UPTOWN editor at large Star Jones is all smiles while leaving Marty Richards’ birthday party in NYC on Jan. 17. Photo: Said Elatab/Splash News

Ne-Yo signs autographs after appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in Hollywood on Jan. 17. Photo: Cathy Gibson/Splash News

Amber Rose has an interesting idea of business-appropriate attire, as she attends business meetings in NYC on Jan. 10. Photo: Demis Maryannakis/Splash News

Viola Davis is all smiles as she attends the National Board Of Review Awards Gala 2012 in NYC on Jan. 10. Photo: Nancy Rivera/Splash News

Rapper Tyga poses for his mugshot after he was arrested in Las Vegas on Jan. 10. Photo: Splash News

Fabolous unleashes “Anarchy” at the AXE Anarchy Kickoff Party in NYC on Jan. 10. Photo: B. Giacomazzo/Splash News

Tia Mowry flashes a smile outside her NYC hotel on Jan. 10. Photo: Mitchell/Drummond/Splash News

A busy Brandy takes breakfast on the run as she leaves her NYC hotel on Jan. 10. Photo: Mitchell/Drummond/Splash News

Vivica A. Fox turned up the heat on the “Joyful Noise” premiere red carpet in Hollywood on Jan. 9. Photo: John Salangsang/LEP/Splash

“Joyful Noise” cast members, Queen Latifah, Keke Palmer and Dolly Parton pose at the premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Jan. 9. Photo: CL/Splash News

Ne-Yo looks like a regular dude as he goes around NYC on Jan. 9. Photo: Santi/Splash News

Jennifer Hudson heads back to her NYC hotel on Jan. 9. Photo: Mitchell/Drummond/Splash News

Rihanna rocked a pair of Louboutins and sipped some suds, as she and a girl friend sit court-side at a Lakers game in LA on Jan. 8. Photo: London Entertainment/Splash

A slimmed-down Jordin Sparks celebrates her birthday at RPM Nightclub in Las Vegas on Jan. 7. Photo: STARPICZ/Splash News

Will Smith leaves Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami on Jan. 7. Photo: Momo/Splash News

LL Cool J shows off his muscles in a tight shirt while filming “NCIS” in LA on Jan. 5, 2012. Photo: Whittle/Splash News

Ne-Yo helps La La Vasquez Anthony support her NY Knick Carmelo Anthony as his team hosts the Charlotte Bobcats on Jan. 4, 2012. Photo: Anthony J. Causi/Splash News

Octavia Spencer greets her fans after her apperance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in Hollywood on Jan. 4, 2012. Photo:Cathy Gibson/Splash News

Kim Kardashian cheers loudly for Lamar Odom at her first basketball game since divorce from Kris Humphries on Jan. 4, 2012. Photo:Brian Prahl/Splash News

Jessica Alba makes a double Starbucks run in Santa Monica, CA on Jan. 4, 2011. Photo: Splash News

Zoe Saldana and a flare-legged friend shop at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills on Jan. 4, 2012. Photo: Roshan Perera/Splash News

Diana Ross hits up Barneys New York in Beverly Hills too on Jan. 4, 2012. Photo: Roshan Perera/Splash News

Halle Berry leaves a medical building in Santa Monica, CA on Jan. 3, 2012. Photo: Splash News

Eve rocks a scowl and fabulous leopard-print hat while going through security with her boyfriend Maximillion Cooper at JFK airport in NYC on Jan. 3, 2012. Photo: Splash News

Carmelo Anthony chats with a Toronto Raptor before the Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in NYC on Jan. 2, 2012. Photo: Rick Davis/Splash News

Rocsi Diaz walks to a beach in Miami on Jan. 2, 2012. Photo: Pichichi/Splash News

Angela Simmons spotted taking a stroll in South Beach on December 28, 2011. Credit: Biz/ Juan C Garces /Splash News

Jay-Z has a chuckle during the NJ Nets game at the Prudential Center in Newark on Dec. 28, 2011 Credit: Anthony J. Causi / Splash News

Cuba Gooding Jr. looking cocky poolside in Miami Beach on Dec. 28, 2011 Credit: Biz/ Juan C Garces/Splash News

Hand in hand, Melissa George and Russell Simmons take a romantic sunset stroll in St. Barts on Dec. 27, 2011. Credit: Splash News

This is kind of an awkward situation, but an unfazed Katherine Jackson poses with Michael Jackson impersonator William Hall at the “Legends in Concert” show at Harrah’s Hotel in Vegas after watching his performance on Dec. 27. Hall is one of the show’s regular tribute acts. Credit: Caesars Entertainment/Splash

Donald Faison arrives in Maui the day after Christmas. Credit: Dave /Splash News

Common does some last minute Christmas shopping on Rodeo Drive. Credit: Splash News

On the other side of the country, Serena Williams spends Christmas on a yacht in a white bikini. Because that’s how you celebrate Christmas in Miami. Credit: Pichichi / Splash News

Lil Wayne and his touchy-feely row-mate watch from the sidelines of the Lakers Vs. Bulls on Christmas day in Los Angeles. Credit: Splash News.

Snoop Dogg attended the Lakers’ Christmas game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with his family. Credit: JMA / Splash News

Kanye West chows down at the Lakers game on Christmas Day just before da Chicago Bulls defeated the home team by the final score of 88-87 at the Staples Center. Credit: London Ent / Splash News

Lady Gaga does a Miss America wave, in her everyday travel wear, as she arrives at JFK airport on Christmas Eve. Credit: Ron Asadorian

Melanie Amaro, Simon Cowell and the rest of “The X Factor” judges and finalists all join in the festivities after Melanie wins a $5 million dollar recording contract at CBS Television City on Dec. 23, 2011. Credit: Suntzulynn / Splash News

Actress Rosario Dawson was all peace and smiles strolling through SoHo, NYC on Dec. 23. Credit: StarFeine.com/Splash News

Zoe Kravitz gives a wry smile while attending a screening of “Albert Nobbs,” hosted by Giorgio Armani and The Cinema Society on Dec. 13, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Demis Maryannakis/Splash News

Taraji P. Henson shows off her color-blocking skills while also attending the “Albert Nobbs” screening on Dec. 13. Demis Maryannakis/Splash News

Katherine Jackson and the rest of the Jackson clan attend the Amway Japan charity event in Tokyo on Dec. 12. Aflo/Splash News

Paula Patton attends the premiere of “Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol” at Callao Square in Madrid, wearing a fabulous purple animal-print number, on Dec. 12. Michael Murdock/Splash News

Oprah Winfrey holds hands with actor Sean Penn at a refugee camp in Haiti, where his J/P Human Relief Organization provides assistance, on Dec. 12. Splash News

“Extra” correspondent Mario Lopez interviews Stevie Wonder in the rain at The Grove in Los Angeles on Dec. 12. KmJ/Splash News

Khloe Kardashian-Odom and Kourtney Kardashian sign copies of Kardashian Konfidential at Barnes & Nobles in Calabasas, CA on Dec. 12. Splash News

Mariah Carey, pictured with Prince Azim of Brunei, attends the Noble Gift Gala at The Dorchester in London on Dec. 12. Mirrorpix/Splash News

Rihanna rocks a festive two-piece and neon boots while performing at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan on Dec. 12. Leopix/Splash News

Alex Rodriguez hosts a pool party with his ex-wife Cynthia and their children on Dec. 11. Jcgo/Juan Garces/Splash News

Queen Latifah grabs a bite to eat with friends at Rock and Reilly’s in Los Angeles on Dec. 11. julitrico/Splash News

Morgan Freeman leaves Craig’s Restaurant in West Hollywood, wearing what appears to be a white surgical glove on his left hand, on December 7, 2011. SPW / Splash News

Quincy Jones and Chris Tucker dine at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood on December 6, 2011. Mr. Photoman / Splash News

Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa visit Power 99 FM iHeart Radio Performance Studio in Bala Cynwyd, PA, on December 6, 2011, to promote the highly-anticipated collaborative soundtrack to their upcoming film “Mac and Devin Go To High School.” Gilbert Carrasquillo/Splash News

Method Man attends “The Sitter” premiere in New York on December 6, 2011. Splash News

Jennifer Lopez floors a competitor with good news on her talent show, “Q’Viva,” in Chile on December 16, 2011. Agencia Uno / Splash News

Nick Cannon let his Kool-Aid grin shine while leaving a hotel in New York City on December 6, 2011. Santi/Splash News

50 Cent, flanked by two beauties, debuts his new headphones, the SMS by 50 headphones, at the James Hotel in New York City on December 5, 2011. B. Giacomazzo / Splash News

Janet Jackson greets fans during her Miami concert at Fillmore Stadium on December 5, 2011. Jcgo / Juan Garces / Splash News

Shakira promotes the book Al viento y al azar written by her father, William Mebarak, in Bogotá, Colombia on December 5, 2011. Splash News

Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson gives a huge thumbs-up while departing his Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 5, 2011. Doug Meszler / Splash News

Russell Simmons takes a walk in West Hollywood on December 5, 2011. Capo / Splash News

Will Smith and his daughter Willow Smith leave their hotel in New York on December 5, 2011. Santi/Splash News

Willow Smith also hit the streets of New York without her dad on December 5, 2011. Nancy Rivera / Splash News

Chanel Iman puckers up to the DKNY Golden Delicious Million Dollar Fragrance Bottle during its unveiling in NYC on December 5, 2011. Demis Maryannakis / Splash News

Jordin Sparks shows the country gals how to dress simply yet stunningly at the 2011 American Country Awards in Las Vegas on December 5, 2011. Ciao Hollywood / Splash News

Ray J and Evander Holyfield shared a moment of boxing at the Music Box in Los Angeles on December 4, 2011. Mr Photoman / Splash News

Chris Bosch and his pregnant wife Adrienne Williams take in a Miami Dolphins game from owner Steven Ross’ suite at the Sun Life Stadium on December 4, 2011. Mike Jachles / Splash News

In the heat of the Miami night, Lala Vasquez (in Missoni) and Melanie Fiona pose poolside at a Missoni fashion show and “Evenings in Vogue” cocktail party on December 3, 2011. Getty/Wire Images

There’s a meeting in the ladies room with Rocsi Diaz, Gabrielle Union, and Lala Vasquez at the “Evenings in Vogue” event in Miami on December 3. Getty/Wire Images

Diddy, slightly injured and looking like Tony the Tiger, strikes a pose at Art Basel Miami Beach on November 30, 2011.  Pichichi / Splash News

Beyonce walks into her Manhattan office on November 29, 2011. JosiahW / Splash News

Jessica Alba smiles and wears polka dots while feeding a Starbucks addiction in Beverly Hills, CA on November 29, 2011.  Splash News

Mommy-to-be for the second time Kourtney Kardashian shopping with her friend in Studio City, CA on November 29, 2011. StarHunter / Splash News

David Guetta and Usher performing at “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on November 29, 2011. KmJ / Splash News

Serena Williams arrives for Annual FOOTWEAR NEWS Achievement Awards at MoMA in NYC on November 29, 2011.

No Adriana Lima isn’t doing the walk of shame; she’s just leaving the FOX Building in NYC on November 29, 2011. JosiahW / Splash News

Garcelle Beauvais is all smiles while shopping at the Grove in Hollywood on November 28, 2011. Zodiac / Marcus /Splash News

Seal arrives in Paris, France on November 28, 2011. Splash News

By Charles D. Ellison

It was just under a year ago when I had the opportunity to interview former Congressman Artur Davis in what was described at the time as a “candid” one-on-one about his political past, present and future.  It was December 2011, and the once rising star Alabama gubernatorial candidate was flowing a bit hot over grapevine whispers about a planned party switch.

“When people say that, they mean it to be some kind of a smear, or some kind of attack. I don’t believe in that kind of politics,” Davis snapped, a noticeable spark of irritation that someone would even ask or hint that he’d go Republican.

What a difference eight months can make.  Somewhere along the line, Davis got the deal he wanted or felt comfortable enough to go public with his new age Black Republicanism.  However, this is by no means a “sell out” move.  Nor is Davis staging a one-man “Uncle Tom” show as many a stale Black commentator has suggested in recent days.  This is, instead, a very shrewd (if clumsy attempt) at political revenge and relevance.

Davis, frantically scraping for limelight under the shadow of his very outdated high top fade haircut, must feed the lurking fire in his belly.  If anything, his demise in Alabama politics and present rise among Republican rank-and-file is a cautionary tale of what happens to Black politicos who spurn the first Black president.  They are relegated to the fringes – see Tavis Smiley and Cornel West for more reference.  Or, they find themselves begging for crumbs of forgiveness – see Newark Mayor Corey Booker.

Davis didn’t want to go out like that, despite the lingering sting of his embarrassing 2010 Democratic primary loss to Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks.   That’s what this is really about.  He was supposed to be Alabama’s first Black governor, actively styling his campaign after President Barack Obama’s historic 2008 win.  In a state nearly 30% African American, Davis expected an easy path to the nomination.  Instead, he ended up with an embarrassing 62% to 38% loss to Sparks as Alabama’s Black political machine put their chips on the White guy, refusing to forgive Davis for his vote against a popular Obama health care reform bill and fed up with the Congressman’s contrarian center-right positions.  The former 2008 Obama campaign co-chair didn’t even get support from his hero president, and the Congressional Black Caucus, usually known for backing its members, barely made an effort for Davis.  As quickly as Sparks rocked him, Davis fell hard and fast into an open coffin laying only yards behind him in the political graveyard.

The problem today is that Davis never forgave Black Alabama for that, much less Black people and Black politicians in general.  It was similar to the resentment former Republican Party chair Michael Steele felt when he lost his 2006 U.S. Senate bid in Maryland, only garnering 25% of the vote in the critical majority Black enclave of Prince George’s County: his home.  Like Steele in Maryland, Davis put Alabama way behind in his rearview mirror, going so far as to physically relocate to Virginia.  And even as he pitched principled platitudes about a Democratic Party that had veered too far left, there he was tapping Democratic strategist Mo Elleithee for advice on running again as a Democrat in Northern Virginia.  Elleithee later clowned Davis on Twitter:  “Amused by @ArturDavis‘ political transformation, considering just a few months ago he called for advice on running in VA as a Democrat.” 

Davis once fashioned himself as some sort of centrist savior of the Democratic Party.  Now, he half-heartedly canvasses battleground states on behalf of the Romney/Ryan ticket.  He’s prepping for a Republican National Convention appearance, a roll-out as the GOP’s “diverse” flavor of the month, for whatever that’s worth.   In that role, he may end up belonging to more than a crack squad of Black conservatives and GOP activists who barely stand out like sprinkled chocolate chips in a sea of vanilla.

A recent Washington Post profile on his sudden Republican epiphany described the Davis conversion as “a remarkable leap out of his political grave.” The Congressman, perhaps unfamiliar with racial dynamics in the Republican Party, seemed smitten with the attention.  “You have a converted sinner who’s standing in front of you right now, and I thank you for letting me stand here,” was Davis acting out his inner-preacher before a largely White and very old Northern Virginia tea party group in July.  The religious exhortations were quite striking, a subtle nod to a stubborn evangelical wing that won’t go away. “I used to go to the Baptist church. They won’t let nobody preach on week one, or month one, like y’all will.”

Snagging an opportunity like Davis has been a tough ask for Republicans, and the mainstream Black political establishment – overwhelmingly Democratic – shows no signs of buckling anytime soon.  For most White Republicans, it’s their moment to poke Democrats in the eye.  Overnight, Davis went from curmudgeon Congressman with no political future to conservative sensation.   GOP standard-bearer Mitt Romney eagerly offers him a prime speaking slot at the RNC.  That’s a big deal considering Sarah Palin didn’t even get a call back.  So, the flame of Democratic “Benedict Arnold” is passed on to Davis, from former Georgia Senator Zell Miller in 2004 to sitting independent Connecticut Senator and former Vice Presidential nominee Joseph Lieberman.   Black Republicans see it differently, though, privately fuming at the fact they’ve been around much longer and never got the attention that was only a call away for Davis.

But being a former Democratic Congressman, gubernatorial candidate and headlining Black party “turncoat” will get you to the front line of a GOP desperately searching for like-minded African American politicians.  Davis knows this, but plays innocent in the same fashion he claimed he didn’t “have any plans to run for office” during our brief interview.  He knows the Democratic Party is saturated with ambitious Black politicos, many thinking they will be the next “Obama” and most subscribing to the usual brand of progressive coalition politics even if some don’t even believe in it.  He knows he’ll stand out.  The kid on the playground snubbed by the popular kids finds comfort in the arms of scheming geeks rubbing their hands for payback.

Davis’ political history suggests he’s an obstinate brawler, the defeated boxer in the ring who didn’t hear the last count.  That’s a good quality to have considering the position he’s in.  Switching parties is rather creative, and it sheds light on the need for more independent Black political thinking. But, with this Republican Party, he may not know what’s in store for him.

CHARLES D. ELLISON is a political strategist and widely known expert on politics, campaigns, crisis communications and media based in Washington, D.C.  He is a Washington Correspondent for The Philadelphia Tribune and Host of “Showdown 2012” on SiriusXM satellite radio POTUS Channel 124 every Thursday 7-9pm ET.  He can be reached on Twitter @charlesdellison. 

In today’s link round-up: T.J. Holmes discusses his new late-night gig at BET, LL Cool J’s home intruder gets charged and much more!

Hello Beautiful
Tracee Ellis Ross Dishes On Beauty Tips, Pinterest & “Reed Between The Lines” [EXCLUSIVE]
Will she be making her way back to the series? Find out!

Vibe Vixen
Alicia Keys Debuts New ‘Girl On Fire’ Album Cover
And the songbird looks hot.

EURweb
T.J. Holmes On New BET Gig ‘Don’t Sleep’ And Why He Left CNN
Bonus: A sneak peek of the upcoming show.

The Grio
Homeless Man Charged In LL Cool J Home Break-in
Jonathan Kirby could be looking at life in prison.

Global Grind
Hampton University Business School Bans Dreadlocks & Braids
Harsh or helpful?

The Frisky
6 Ways To Break Up Like A Celebrity
No. 2: Go on tour.

Courtesy of CBS

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK – At least 10 people were injured when gunfire broke out near the Empire State Building, CBS station WCBS-TV reports.

A police source told CBS News that the gunman was shot and killed.

Some of the victims were reportedly found inside the lobby of the Empire State Building while some were found on the street.

At least one of those wounded is in critical condition. The conditions of the other victims are unknown. It’s still not clear what led to the shooting. Details were still emerging as police worked the scene. There is a large police presence and multiple ambulances on the scene. The FBI has also responded.

Continue at CBS News…

Throughout the marriage of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, there have been rumors or swinging, infidelity, and divorce, but the couple has defied all odds and have stayed together. At a time when 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, Will and Jada seem to have found the secret to making it last. Could it be that they don’t indulge their perfectly human jealous tendency? That seems to be the case because an incident occurred this week between Jada and a deceased rapper that would have made a lesser man turn into the green-eyed monster. But not Will! Find out what happened and more celebrity couple news in this week’s “Coupled Up.”

1. So this week, Jada Pinkett-Smith released a bunch of personal and family photos, and we also learned of a letter daughter Willow Smith penned to rapper Tupac Shakur when she was younger. In the handwritten letter, Willow asks Tupac to “come back so mommy and me can be happy,” suggesting that Jada had a difficult time accepting Tupac’s death. Now it’s no secret that Jada and Tupac, who met at the Baltimore School for the Arts, had a very strong connection that some assume was a romance. Jada has gone on record saying that was never the case even though they did have those feelings for each other. And it seems she’s explained those feelings to her daughter.

So on the surface there’s nothing wrong with Jada talking about her love for Tupac to Willow. But I will say it’s a bit odd, considering that Jada is still married to Willow’s father, Will Smith, yet is carrying strong feelings for Tupac and has allowed those feelings to go public. Will and Jada’s marriage seems to last because they don’t subscribe to the traditional idea of marriage, and I guess that includes remaining jealousy-free too.

2. While in Las Vegas to debut his clothing line Trukfit at S.L.A.T.E., Lil Wayne also had some personal company. Word is that he flew Karrine “Superhead” Steffans in to join him. Now, Wayne and Karrine claim to be friends after having a past fling, one that included Karrine ditching her then-husband Darius McCrary whenever Wayne was in town. But these two just seem a little too close for comfort in this pic for nothing to be going on.

If I were Dhea, Lil Wayne’s girlfriend that he proposed to back in February, then I’d be more than a little worried. Superhead didn’t get that name for respecting the relationships of others, and Wayne has enough babies spread around the country to make it pretty clear that he’ll catch any poontang thrown at him.

3. If you’re a fan of “Love & Hip Hop,” the original, then you’re quite aware that Fabolous refused to claim cast member Emily B as his woman, even though she had bore his child. But there was a little something I noticed about the album release party for Trey Songz‘s Chapter V, Fab not only attended the event with Emily, but also posed for a few photos with her! It also seems like the couple coordinated their looks too.

I guess Emily airing all their dirty laundry on “Love & Hip Hop” sort of shamed Fabolous into stepping up … but damn is Emily patient!

4. In other “Love & Hip Hop” news, Yandy Smith and Kimbella Vanderhee had a date night at NYC’s La Marina just a month or so after giving birth. Yandy partied with her son’s father Mandisi and surprisingly Juelz Santana was there with Kimbella. Despite her being pregnant, Kimbella and Juelz weren’t on the best of terms towards the end of last season. But you know, babies have a way of bringing people together.

Too bad both Yandy and Kimbella played into the assumption that women have to bounce immediately back after giving birth.

Courtesy of Loop 21

So, you’ve finally decided to get your life together.

You wake up on Sunday morning and decide to attend that church your mother has been begging you to visit since you struck out on your own.

You went of your way not to get drunk on Saturday night so you wouldn’t stumble into church with a hangover and your football game is programmed on your DVR.

For years you’ve heard that the choir is great, the preacher is awesome and the women are fine congregation is welcoming.

You meant to get there early to beat the long lines in the parking lot and find a decent seat. You get there 20 minutes late, but you get the parking space and that seat in the pew.

How? Probably because there is not as much competition in the pews anymore.

The Global Index of Religiosity and Atheism, a study released in August of this year, found that the number of Americans who say they are religious dropped from 73 percent in 2005 to 60 percent in 2012. A 2011 poll conducted by The Barna Group revealed similar findings. Barna Group looked at church attendance from 1991 to 2011 and found that it dropped from 48 percent to 39 percent. A GIRA poll found that Americans who identify as atheist rose from 1 percent to 5 percent.

Continue reading at Loop 21

[Photo via Shutterstock]

Courtesy of Hello Beautiful

It always sounds like such a good a idea. A romantic candlelit evening, mood music, perhaps even, a little strip tease–all while wearing the sexiest lingerie money can buy. You’re imagining the night will end in a night full of passion and pleasure, and, of course, a bit gratitude from the lucky man who gets to behold you in your bedroom costume, before it ends up strewn across the floor.

This is what we call, “The Lingerie Myth”–that ill-informed notion that donning lingerie for your man is a sure fire way to a night full of lusty naughtiness. If only it were that easy! For so many of us, our best efforts are met with ambivalence, disdain, or even (dun dun dun), laughter. For every woman who has ever been humiliated while wearing a garter belt and a bustier, here are the HelloBeautiful staff’s worst lingerie horror stories. Enjoy!

Continue reading at Hello Beautiful

[Photo via Shutterstock]

Who could forget Angela Bassett‘s brilliant portrayal of Dr. Betty Shabazz in the classic 1992 film Malcolm X? Now, the seasoned actress is switching things up to tackle the role of Coretta Scott King.

 According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bassett will star in the Lifetime TV movie Betty and Coretta (working title) alongside Mary J. Blige as Shabazz. The film, previously titled Parallel Lives, will tell “the dual stories of Coretta and Betty as they carry on as single mothers following the assassinations of their husbands.”

Blige told WENN in June that she’s been studying Shabazz online and watching her interviews in preparation for the role.

Emmy Award winner Ruby Dee will also be featured in the film as a historical witness to narrate the women’s stories.

Production on Betty and Coretta begins in September.

Oh, Kimmy…

In new photographs released to her official website on Thursday, Kim Kardashian unleashed her inner diva for a Diana Ross inspired photo shoot done by Hype Williams. But did she pull off the iconic look?

“Clyde Haygood and Joyce Bonelli glammed me up and we went for a fun, crazy look, channeling Diana Ross. Definitely a new look for me. Xo,” wrote a wide-eyed Kardashian.

Big hair? Check. Faux eyelashes? Yup. A pouty lip? Mmhmm.

Courtesy of the Chicago Tribune

Nineteen people were shot across the South and West sides from Thursday evening through early Friday morning — 13 of them wounded over a 30-minute period, authorities say.

The overnight shootings peaked between 9:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. That’s when eight people, many of them teens, were shot at 79th Street and Essex Avenue about 9:30 p.m.

Then two men were wounded in the Ida B. Wells / Darrow Homes complex at about 9:25 p.m., police said. The men, 27 and 33, were shot in the 600 block of East 37th Street and taken to the University of Chicago Hospitals, police said. The younger man was shot in the head and the other in the right arm, Gaines said.

Continue at the Chicago Tribune…

Despite her recent loss, a Georgia judge has shown little sympathy for Tameka Raymond‘s current situation as ex-husband Usher Raymond has been awarded primary custody of their two sons.

TMZ reports:

It’s a shocking development — considering both sides were trying to strip each other of custody. Tameka felt the singer was an absentee father who was too absorbed in his career to be a good dad. She also accused him of using drugs in front of the kids.

Usher argued Tameka was inattentive and irresponsible.

The ruling marks the end of an emotional custody trial — involving wild accusations and name-calling … Usher even broke down at one point on the witness stand.”

While Usher will have majority custody over Usher V (4) and Naviyd (3), Tameka still maintains some custodial rights.

Food is a pleasure that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy. However, there is a thin line between food appreciation and food addiction. In any addiction case, an individual misuses a substance to self-medicate or repress underlying physical, mental, or emotional deficiencies. An unhealthy dependency occurs in which eating is no longer a source of enjoyment, but a form of internal mutilation. Food is to an addict what a knife is to a “cutter.”

Recently, I watched an episode of “Extreme Makeover: The Weight Loss Edition.” In the episode the woman used food as a coping mechanism to suppress residual scarring from childhood memories of parental abandonment. In the episode she discovered the father that she never met took his own life. She then came to the startling revelation that she too was committing suicide — “the slow way,” she said.

[Photo via Shutterstock]

A Psychology Today article reports that over 60 percent of the country is overweight.  The article also lists seven symptoms of food addiction:

1. Tolerance as seen when an individual consumes a larger quantity of a substance to reach intoxication or a desired effect; or when a person experiences a markedly diminished effect when consuming the same amount of the substance

2. Withdrawal as demonstrated by a withdrawal syndrome or taking another substance to alleviate or avoid withdrawal symptoms

3. Consuming the substance in larger amounts or for a longer period than the person intended

4. A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to reduce or control substance use

5. An immense amount of time is spent on efforts to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of the substance

6. Because of use of the substance, participation in social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced

7. Substance use continues despite knowing that a persistent physical or psychological problem is likely to be caused or aggravated by using the substance

In today’s link round-up: Bebe Winans stands behind his RNC performance, Nicci Gilbert-Daniels is staying put on R&B Divas and much more!

The Root
Chris Lighty’s Death: Celebrity Reaction
Rev. Run, Talib Kweli, Rihanna and more remember the hip-hop veteran.

The YBF
Reality Shakeup: “American Idol” Judge Randy Jackson Is Officially Out!
This is beginning to get a little confusing…

The Grio
Bebe Winans: Republican Convention Performance Not A Romney Endorsement
“Why not be here? Why not be part of the process,” said Winans.

EURweb
Nicci Gilbert-Daniels Not Getting The Boot From ‘R&B Divas’ Says TV One
The network puts the rumor to bed.

The Frisky
Mariah Carey: The Twins Are “Growing Up So Fast”
How cute are Dem Babies!

Hello Beautiful
Labor Day BBQ Playlist
The perfect soundtrack for summer’s end.

Lucimarian Roberts, mother of Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts, has died. She was 88.

The death came just hours after Robin announced her early departure from the show to begin her medical leave. She was scheduled to temporarily exit GMA on Friday but moved her last day to Thursday to be with her ailing mother.

ABC’s Facebook page said Robin traveled “home to Mississippi just in time to see her.”

WABC-TV said Lucimarian was the first African-American to head Mississippi’s board of education. She also co-wrote “My Story, My Song– Mother-Daughter Reflections on Life and Faith” with Robin.

The news anchor was recently diagnosed with a rare blood and bone marrow disease called MDS, formerly known as preleukemia. She will undergo a bone marrow transplant from her sister and will reportedly return to GMA upon recovery.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Courtesy of Clutch

There’s a phenomenon sweeping Instagram and Facebook, and it’s being referred to as “Fashion Kids.” No one can actually pinpoint where it started, but I’ll start by pointing a finger at Suri Cruise’s parents:

Suri Cruise has been in heels & grown up clothes since she was four. Although she was occasionally seen gallivanting around the streets of New York drinking out of a bottle, she still had a mean shoe game that could rival most adult women.

Continue at Clutch…

1. Celebrity kids are now celebrities by default. And Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, like Beyonce and Jay-Z, know that their fans want to watch their children grow as much as they want to be entertained. Recently, singer and actor showed off their twins Moroccan and Monroe a.k.a. Roc and Roe a.k.a. Dem Babies. The photos appear to have been taken over the course of a summer of fun, and were shared over the site DemBabies.com.

See all the photos on the next slide!

How adorable are these two! But I find it a little creepy that before the kids of celebs are able to talk they’re being branded, even though it does make sense.

2. Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe, one of Hollywood’s cutest couples, grace the cover of Rolling Out magazine. Nicole opens up about falling in love with Boris, saying, “There was immediate chemistry, and that’s not necessarily sexual. It was just immediate understanding, flow of conversation, intellect, and an instant trust.” The couple also discusses parenting their son and special-needs daughter.

Isn’t it refreshing to see a celebrity couple who is free from drama?

3. Everyone shares and overshares on social media, and celebrities are no different. Recently, Monica and husband Shannon Brown gave us a look into their Maui vacation via Twitter. Monica rocked a crochet swimsuit while lounging on the beach. And the the super-cute couple went for rides on horses Keola and Ginger.

All I have to say is “Damn, I’d love a Hawaiian vacay right now!” And Shannon definitely needs to rest up before the start of season on the Phoenix Suns.

4. OK so I’ve saved the best for last. All celebrity couple stories aren’t as romantic and loving as the previous three stories. Case in point, Shaquille O’Neal and reality TV personality Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander have split. And the culmination was a rather hilarious sounding argument.

Apparently, Hoopz went to the Orlando Metro Gymnastics facility and had a huge temper tantrum after learning that the gym didn’t teach people over 18. She cursed out the staff, was loud, and screamed at the top of her lungs. Hoopz said she had to train for the 2016 Olympics. Excuse me while I die over here of laughter!

OK, and I’m back. As could be expected, Shaq was embarrassed. And the ex-couple had a heated argument after leaving the gym. Days later they were done!

Honestly, Shaq and Hoopz seemed like an odd couple to me so I’m surprised it took this long for them to break up.

Courtesy of Madame Noire

We try not to play favorites here at Madame Noire but let’s just be real with it: we love Trina Braxton and have to admit that she’s our favorite member of “Braxton Family Values.” How can you not love that boisterous personality and fun Canadian accent? The singer and mother of two stopped by Madame Noire’s offices recently to give us the lowdown on working with her family and the status of her relationship with Gabe.

Check it out at Madame Noire!

Courtesy of The Root

Everyone’s been talking about the horrifying, is-this-seriously-happening-in-2012 incident at the convention, in which two attendees threw nuts and taunts at an African-American CNN camerawoman, telling her, “This is what we feed to the animals at the zoo.” Everyone, that is, except the camerawoman herself.

Until recently. Although she still wants to remain anonymous, she spoke to friend and journalist Jamila Bey about what happened. Her story personalizes the humiliating event, which had been recounted only in a tweet and generally confirmed by CNN.

At the Washington Post, Bey recounts her conversation with the victim of the attack, who, like most Americans who heard about it, says, “I know racism when I see it and when it’s being thrown at me.”

Continue reading at The Root