Courtesy of The Grio

Kid Cudi’s attorney Lauren Blair is calling a TMZ report her client “gave up” custody of his daughter due to a “history of violence and drug addiction” false.

Blair points out her client and the daughter’s mother reached an “amicable agreement” in August which solves any dispute over “parenting time” and “legal custody.”

The details of that agreement, according to Blair, will remain private.

The full statement is below:

“There has been several reports that “Kid Cudi gives up full custody of daughter” which several gossip sites re-ran under the headline “Kid Cudi Gives Up Full Custody of His Daughter Due to ‘History of Violence and Drug Addiction.’”  The statement that Kid Cudi gave up full custody due to a history of violence and drug addiction is simply false.”

Continue at The Grio…

The post Kid Cudi’s Attorney Issues Statement Calling Custody Reports ‘False’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of the Associated Press

Egypt has announced a cease-fire agreement to end a week of fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr said the truce would take effect at 9 p.m. local time (2 p.m. EDT.) He made the announcement alongside visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal, saying he had agreed after consulting with President Barack Obama.

The deal is to end a week of fighting that has killed more than 140 Palestinians and five Israelis.

Courtesy of USA Today

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned from Congress on Wednesday, ending a once-promising political career.

House Speaker John Boehner has received Jackson’s letter of resignation, Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said.

Jackson, the son of the civil rights leader, was first elected in 1995. He has been on medical leave since mid-June and twice sought treatment at the Mayo Clinic for bipolar disorder.

Continue at USA Today…

Kelvin Doe, 16, is your typical teenager. In his downtime, he enjoys hanging with friends, listening to music, playing football, as well as building radio transmitters and batteries from materials he finds in trash bins.

You know, normal stuff.

The self-taught engineer from Sierra Leone has now caught the attention of MIT for his outstanding inventions and inspiring work. Doe is the youngest person in history to be invited to the “Visiting Practitioner’s Program” at the university with the help of his Ph.D student mentor David Sengeh.

Doe’s homemade battery of acid, soda and metal parts has helped light several homes in his community which would otherwise be in complete darkness. More impressive, the spirited inventor built a radio transmitter and generator to power his own radio station where he broadcasts news and music under the moniker DJ Focus.

“They call me DJ Focus because I believe if you focus, you can do an invention perfectly,” he said in a video released by THNKR. Doe says he would also like to see residents debate issues on his radio show that affect their community and Sierra Leone as a whole.

Check out his amazing story below!

Source

This year, shop smarter not harder. Black Friday can be overwhelming for the majority but if you follow these simple tips, you’ll leave stocked and satisfied.

1. Shop Online

Even before Cyber Monday, get your fix with e-retailers offering insanely discounted prices to kick off the shopping season. Save time & energy with email marketplaces like Groupon & Living Social. These are some of the best places to find unique gifts on extreme discount.

2. Get there early.

If you do decide to brave the crowds for Black Friday, be prepared. Rest up the night before and get there at the crack of dawn so you can get in and out quickly. Doorbuster deals on Black Friday can start as early as 4:30AM.

3. Make A List. Check It Twice.

Don’t fly blind. Make a rough draft of all the items you plan to purchase so you can focus when you get in the store. Strolling & window-shopping isn’t your best bet on Black Friday, as die-hard shoppers will be running circles around you.

4. Coupon Clip

Coupons aren’t just for your Aunt Patty. Clipping a group of coupons will not only help you stay on track with your list (see #3) but it will help you stock up on discounts you may miss if you don’t check out the circular beforehand. If you’re online shopping, check sites like RetailMeNot for discount codes.

5. Shop Small & Specialty.

Don’t let the Walmarts & Targets of the world occupy all your time on Black Friday. Though big ticket items like electronics are heavily discounted, mega retailers don’t offer the best variety or creativity when it comes to small,  personalized gifts. Small businesses are just as important to support on Black Friday. Seek out local boutiques and specialty shops in your area for unique, under-the-radar products that are discounted upwards of 50% off.

6. Craft a Realistic Budget.

Be realistic when crafting a holiday gift budget and don’t overspend.  Use nifty tricks to keep yourself within budget. Something simple like purchasing gift cards at the stores you plan to shop in, for only the amount you plan to spend, can help you stay within budget and avoid credit card debt during the holidays. Your wallets will thank you later.

7. Have Someone Do It For You.

Not into the holiday rush? Hire a personal shopper! There are people readily available who specialize in personal shopping in your area. Check local sites like Craigslist for experienced shoppers ready for work during the holidays. Mass luxury department stores like Bloomingdales & Saks 5th Avenue offer personal shopping services, often at no extra charge.

8. Divide & Conquer

Make it a shopping party! Bring your friends (or family) and split up. Have each person in your group responsible for one section of the store or one product group so everyone gets what they want and nothing goes overlooked.

As rumors of a split between Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou have been circulating for months, the 37-year-old model and fashion designer has finally confirmed what many have been speculating.

Simmons took to Twitter on Wednesday, stating:

“There have been quite a few hurtful rumors circulating. The truth is Djimon+I have been separated for some time. We have remained happy, loving, co-parenting friends+family. We all have much to be thankful for. #HappyThanksgiving”

A rep for the actor told PEOPLE, “Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons have officially separated after 5 1/2 years. Though never married, they have one child together, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, who is 3 1/2 years old.”

Simmons and Hounsou began dating in March 2007 after her split from ex-husband Russell Simmons. The couple considered themselves “kind of” engaged in 2008.

In addition to Kenzo, Simmons has two daughters.

Homebodies will appreciate any of these nine domestic-themed presents.

Related Gift Guides: Something for the Ladies,  Gift Guide for the Modern Gentleman, Gift Guide: For the Cool Kids

Baroness Von Neumann Capri candle ($50)

Notes of grapefruit, Italian basil, and lily are sure to liven up your senses.

Calphalon Enamel Cast Iron Panini Pan ($100)

Puiforcat Silversmith’s Knives with Pierre Gagnaire Set of six knives in Rosewood block ($4,600) 212.835.6448

Williams-Sonoma Molcajete ($50)

This mortar and pestle is the key to great guacamole. Crush spices, whip up a batch of pesto or use as a stately serving bowl.

Calypso St. Barth Faux fur throw ($350)

Kelly Wearstler Brass dish ($195)

Omega Masticating juicer ($330)

Extracted juice can be stored for up to 72 hours without souring

Fendi Casa Chandelsticks (price available upon request) 800.634.4043

Baccarat Fantome by Arik Levy ceiling unit ($2,375) white shade sold separately ($110)

Related Gift Guides: Something for the Ladies,  Gift Guide for the Modern Gentleman, Gift Guide: For the Cool Kids

Courtesy of Missaleck.com 

Comedian, musician, actor, talk show host and deacon Rickey Smiley is the source of comedy and controversy among Christians. Because of his supporters and despite his critics, Rickey Smiley is blessed to have the ears and eyes of hundreds of thousands of listeners & viewers across the country.

Clearly, Rickey Smiley introduced church folk to the joys of faith-inspired stand up comedy. His hilariously accurate depiction of a church mother in the character of Sister Bernice Jenkins will cause you to burst into a fit of laughter every time someone begins to sing the hymn, “Pass Me Not.” However, he endearingly discloses that her character is built on a pillar of strength in his life – his praying grandmother.

There is no denying that Christians’ love affair with Rickey’s portrayal of events and characters in the church culture reveals his own upbringing- rooted and grounded in faith. Can anyone in the industry rival his comedy? According to him – Yes! However, it’s not famous comics who Rickey says gives him a run for his money. It’s the gospel artists he has befriended. The names on his “Who’s who” list of side-splitting, church fan waving funny may surprise you.

“Yolanda Adams, Bishop Joseph Walker, Charles Jenkins, Fred Hammond,” he rattled names with laughter in his voice.

It’s no surprise that Fred Hammond would be on his list. His recent cameo on Rickey Smiley’s new #1 television show drew in the masses.

Rickey relayed that he’s had relationships with many of the contemporary artists in Gospel music for decades. Yet, if we pull out his Ipod and scroll through his heavy rotation we’d find gospel artists that our parents and grandparents have on vinyl.

Rickey Smiley’s Gospel Playlist

1. If I Can Only Make It Heaven – Rantz Allen

2. Lord, Don’t Move This Mountain – Ines Andrews

3. What is this? – Dorothy Moore

4. Amazing Grace – Aretha Franklin

5. Where is the love? – Donnie Hathaway

His playlist is as eclectic as his career – attempting to find the balance between living a Christian life within a secular world.

Catch the rest of the article here

This week, the celebrities making headlines for outrageous musings include a tennis great firing shots at her ex’s new boo, a bi-curious hip-hop star opens up, and a former porn star turned author bashes a VH1 reality show! Plus, guess which former Bad Boy recording artist confessed to murder and R. Kelly said what?! AND I QUOTE …

“The fact that I have to say this is repugnant. Why would I be on Basketball Wives when my husband doesn’t play basketball?”

Karrine “Superhead” Steffans shooting down any rumors that she may be joining the cast of  “Basketball Wives: L.A.,” via Twitter.

“People write without using COMMON sense. Evicted really? This s**t gets boring & sickening 2 read or hear.. Family callin’, just dumb as hell.”

Tameka Foster, setting the record straight that ex-husband, Usher, did not evict her and the family from their $3.2 million Atlanta mansion, via Twitter.

Continue reading on UPTOWN

”I don’t have a job, so I sit in the studio and think of stupid stuff.”

R. Kelly, who is currently on tour with songbird Tamia, prepping to take all 85 chapters of his “Trapped in the Closet” saga to Broadway, via The Urban Daily.

Continue reading on UPTOWN

“I think they’re kind of like poached. They’re a little crispy.  Like a burger with that fried egg that’s in there? That’s kind of what I’m feeling.”

Tyra Banks discussing fertility, her former Wall Street beau, and marriage, during her visit on “The Wendy Williams Show.”

Source

“I was happy. It sounds crazy to say you were happy about getting a fifteen-to-life sentence, but I was. It just seemed to me like the end of a nightmare … I was living in 1993 for seventeen years.”

G. Dep, former Bad Boy Records artist, revealing how he felt once confessing to killing another man almost 20 years ago, in the current issue of New York Magazine.

Source

“Dear ‘boy’ that reads my tweets and tells ‘The Bread’ everything I say. You are pathetic! And what is more I can’t stand you. Get a life! Or blow up” 

Serena Williams giving a stern warning to her ex Common’s new girlfriend via Twitter.

“The night I posted it, I cried like a f**king baby.”

Frank Ocean addressing the famous Tumblr post that revealed a previous same-sex relationship, saying it was honest and not a ploy to sell records, in the December 2012 issue of GQ.

Source

In today’s link round-up: Celebrities serve their communities on Thanksgiving, Lil Wayne talks retirement and much more!

ESSENCE.com
Halle Berry’s Ex And Fiancé Engage In Turkey Day Brawl
A neck injury, possible broken rib…heavy stuff.

Loop 21
10 Ways To Use Leftover Turkey After Thanksgiving
Turkey Empanadas, anyone?

The YBF
Evelyn, Shaunie, Tatyana Ali & More Feed Homeless At Skid Row + Luke James & Co. Serve Up Turkeys
Check out these celebs on the scene!

VIBE.com
Lil’ Wayne On Retiring From Rap, Health Issues, New Album, Marriage
The end is near for Weezy F. Baby.

Sister2Sister
Mashonda Calls Out Alicia Keys
“You can’t create the truth, it’s already made.”

The Frisky
The Best Of Black Friday Online Deals
Ditch the lines and camp out in front of your computer.

With one of these 10 gift options, the cool kid is bound to actually express gratitude for this year’s special delivery.

Related Gift Guides: Something For the Ladies, Gift Guide: For the Modern Gentleman,  Gift Guide: For the Home

Stephen Burrows Pazette Barbie ($100)

CFDA-honored designer Stephen Burrows has created a Barbie that wears a nude bodysuit adorned with silver glitter, rhinestones, and sequins. And her sheer vest with silver detailing coupled with platform sandals make for the most sophisticated Barbie yet. Converse Crayola Chuck Taylor All Star ($42)

It’s never too early to learn how to color-block. Lego Let’s Go! Vroom! ($13)

Enhance a child’s imagination and skill with this literary/toy combo. The Brain Cube ($35)

A twist on the ’80s Rubik’s Cube, players line up folds—made of a squishy material—of the brain to solve the challenge. Players enhance their visual perception, problem solving, concentration, and tactile perception skills. BMW M6 Convertible Kids Car ($391)

Show the kid in your life what riding in style really means. Stuart Weitzman Baby Circus Shoes ($29)

Get one little lady started on her shoe collection early. Swarovski Hello Kitty Bag ($675)

Sanrio has been a favorite among the tots since the ’80s, but we bet some adults would love to carry this clutch too. Andy & Evan chambray shirtzies ($46 infant/$49 toddler)

Because what is a cool kid without a chambray shirt?

Lazer Tag (2-pack, $75)

Download the free Lazer Tag app to an iPhone or iPod Touch device and then connect the device to the blaster to activate a virtual firing range of over 250 feet. Met 3D Opera House Play Kit ($10)

Build your own Metropolitan Opera House. No glue or adhesive required.

Related Gift Guides: Something For the Ladies, Gift Guide: For the Modern Gentleman,  Gift Guide: For the Home

Thirty-four year-old Anthony Perry of Springfield, Massachusetts is facing charges of reckless child endangerment after allegedly leaving his girlfriend’s son in a car to buy a 51-inch television on Black Friday morning.

Perry, however, denies leaving the two-year-old boy unattended. Instead, he says, the boy got lost while they were shopping in K-Mart.

According to reports, K-Mart staff requested police assistance after making several failed attempts to reach the child’s caretaker via the store intercom.

Contrary to Perry’s story, police discovered the boy sleeping in the store parking lot “in a Nissan Venza at around 1:30AM Friday and had to force their way into the car to get the child,” according to the Daily Mail online.

The boy was taken to Baystate Medical Center where he was examined and said to be OK.

Perry was supposed to be babysitting while the child’s mother was at work. However, police later found Perry at his home with his new 51-inch television in tow. Authorities are still unsure how Perry made his way from the K-Mart plaza–where he purchased the television–to his home without taking the car he abandoned at the store.

Perry also did not call the police to report the child missing, according to the Springfield Police Captain Cheryl Claprood.

Perry was not arrested and is still awaiting formal charges. The incident has also been referred to the state Department of Children and Families.

Lady Gaga spent Thanksgiving with 35 of her loyalest monsters. After spending time at a center for sexually abused girls in Lima, Peru early in the day, Thursday night was a little different. In search of late night leftovers, Lady Gaga found 35 “little monsters” in the garage of her rental place.

On Thursday night, she posted on her Twitter account: “#MONSTERFACT when gaga is asleep try to break into the garage, sing loud as possible, + ring the doorbell repeatedly #happeningnow#badkids.”

And her fans followed through. She later gave more details saying:
“Thanksgiving story: woke up for leftovers in kitchen (naked)- stumbled on security camera revealing 35 monsters in my garage #why #iloveu.”

In the spirit of the holiday, Gaga took it all in stride:

“I should be mad i guess,” she said in a final post. “Except i tried to figure out how to slide stuffing under the door, but there’s no cat-flap.”

The next night, Lady Gaga had a concert in front of 50,000 fans.

Hector “Macho” Camacho–three-time world boxing champion–died on Saturday, four days after being shot in a drive-by shooting in the San Juan, Puerto Rico suburb of Bayamon. He was 50 years-old.

Since the incident Camacho has been on life support. Over a four-day span, he experienced a series of heart attacks, the second on early Saturday morning, according to Ernesto Torres, Director at Rio Piedras Medical.

Camacho was declared brain dead on Thursday after being shot on Tuesday while sitting in a car with a friend, Adrian Mojica Moreno, 49, outside a liquor store.

Reuters reports: “Two gunmen opened fire on the car, killing the driver, Mojica Moreno, and hitting Camacho in the jaw. The bullet fractured two vertebrae and lodged in his shoulder, damaging the arteries that carried blood to the brain.”

Nine small bags of cocaine were found in Moreno’s pockets, and another open bag in the car, according to police. The investigation is still underway.

Camacho was a left-handed boxing champion. He was born in Puerto Rico, but grew up in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood of New York City. He had a boxing record of 79-6-3 with 38 knockouts. His career spanned three-decades; and he is well-known for his vibrant style, which included entering the ring in Puerto Rican flag inspired outfits.

Camacho won titles in three weight classes: super featherweight, lightweight and junior welterweight. He won his first world championship in 1985, with his last win in 1991. Camacho had his last match in 2010.

Details of the public wake, scheduled to be held at the Department of Sports & Recreation headquarters in San Juan, are pending.

Psy, the South Korean pop-culture fascination of the moment, has officially surpassed Justin Bieber on YouTube with his “Gangnam Style” music video. On Saturday, it became the most watched clip on YouTube with 805 million views. It was enough to unfurl Bieber’s two-year-old stranglehold on cyberspace with the video for his song “Baby.”

On its Trends blog, YouTube posted: “Gangnam Style” broke the record on Saturday, and by midday the song had reached 805 million views compared to 803 million for “Baby.”

The “Gangnam Style” video first hit YouTube in July 2012. In four short months, it grew in unprecedented popularity–its appeal spreading to viewers outside of South Korea. In comparison, it took Bieber’s “Baby” two years to reach the same numbers.

The YouTube post also stated: “It’s been a massive hit at a global level unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.”

This month, Psy performed at the American Music Awards with MC Hammer to the 1990s hit single “U Can’t Touch This.”

Courtesy of ESSENCE.com

Oprah Winfrey took 5,000 audience members, including her best friend Gayle King, for a wild ride recently when she announced she suffered a breast cancer scare, reports The New York Times.

The queen of media took to the stage of O magazine’s annual conference to discuss a number of business-related topics but revealed the shocking health news without warning.

Continue at ESSENCE.com…

Tyler Perry partially shut down early morning traffic in Atlanta on Monday to begin production on his newest movie, Single Mom’s Club, in which he will star, produce and direct.

CBS Atlanta reports Perry and his crew arrived at a local area Waffle House around 4 a.m. to prepare for the first day of film. The movie stars Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Zulay Henao and William Levy.

Related: Tyler Perry Gets Sexy For Men’s Health Magazine, Preps ‘Single Mom’s Club’ [PHOTOS]

The story follows a group of four single mothers from different walks of life who are forced together by crisis at their children’s school. The women quickly form a bond that leads them to create a support group to help them cope with life’s obstacles and overcome their personal challenges. There is no word on who will take the role of the fourth mother.

Related: Larenz Tate & Nia Long Hook Back Up

Single Mom’s Club will hit theaters on May 9, 2014.

As for now, Perry is gearing up for the release of The Marriage Counselor– featuring Jurnee Smollett, Brandy, Vanessa Williams, Kim Kardashian and others– on March 29.

The post Tyler Perry Begins ‘Single Mom’s Club’ In Atlanta appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Now that the season has shifted its focused to the holidays and end of the year festivities, your party invites should be rolling in. So I’m pretty sure you’ve begun to ask yourself hard pressing questions like, what am I going to wear? Taking a cue from the brilliant strings of lights that decorate houses and brighten trees, it’s all about lighting up your look with a little sparkle and shine of your own. Where to start? Sequins of course!

Here are a few sequined pieces sure to illuminate your holiday wardrobe and keep your look merry.

Are you still head over heels about the peplum trend? If so, this sparkly top will be the perfect holiday wardrobe addition for you.

Topshop Sequined Peplum Top, $64

The unexpected plaid pattern in this sequined number is sure to make you want to wear this pencil skirt way past the holiday season.

C Wonder Sequined Plaid Pencil Skirt, $168

Short and flirty, this mini dress is not only perfect for holiday cocktails, but also dancing at your office holiday party with ease. Simply pair it with black opaque tights.

Lovers + Friends Bright Lights Mini Dress, $216

Stay comfy without losing the glam factor at the next holiday shindig with a dazzling pair of slouchy sequined pants.

Bless’ed Are The Meek Contempo Life Sequin Pant, $200

This sequin jacket will be the perfect sparkly component to all your simple party looks in need of a little something fabulous.

Michael Simon Sequin Scallop Jacket, $150

You can never go wrong with a sexy LBD. This one is sure to keep you sparkling in any party setting.

Aqua Sequin Velvet Dress, $98

Polka dots and sequins? Now that’s what you call a cheerful way to dress for the holidays.

J.Crew Polka-Dot Sequin Top, $98

Courtesy of VIBE.com

It seems no one can escape the wrath of Nicki Minaj.

Whether you’re an assistant who forgets the collared greens, Target or Mariah Carey, the Young Money rapper is racking up her beef collection. The latest addition comes from another fellow “American Idol” judge Steven Tyler. In a recent interview with MTV News, the Aerosmith frontman gave his two cents about the Pink Friday MC on the panel. “If it was Bob Dylan, Nicki Minaj would have had him sent to the cornfield!”

Continue at VIBE.com…

Nearly a year ago, VH1 announced its plans to develop a biopic centered around the popular ’90s girl group TLC and, finally, the project is pushing forward.

According to Shadow and Act, casting for the film is underway and the network will begin shooting in early 2013. Kate Lanier (What’s Love Got To Do With It, Set It Off) has penned the script and group members Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chili” Thomas will serve as consultants and executive producers of the movie.

The film is reportedly the first in a series of scripted music-themed television movies for VH1.

In other movie news, Lenny Kravitz has been confirmed to play Motown legend Marvin Gaye in the Julien Temple-directed project. The 48-year-old singer will play Gaye in his later years as he struggled with addiction and career woes.

The film, yet to be titled, will begin production next year.

The post Production On TLC Biopic Takes Off + Lenny Kravitz Confirmed To Play Marvin Gaye appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.