Much like her fellow Atlanta Housewives (i.e. Kim Zolciak, Kandi Burruss and, potentially, NeNe Leakes), reality star Phaedra Parks has landed her own spin-off with Bravo off the strength of her television fame.

Rich People’s Problems, a working title, will shine a light on the entertainment attorney’s professional life as she helps the ATL elite sift through their personal and financial troubles.

According to a press release:

“When the rich and famous of Atlanta have a dispute, they know that only one lawyer will deliver some cold, hard justice: Phaedra Parks of “The Real Housewife of Atlanta.” Whether it’s friends battling over an $8,000 loan or accusations of stolen Chanel handbags or confusion over a prenuptial agreement and whether it entitles you to two or three live-in staff members, the rich certainly have an odd sense of what qualifies as a problem in today’s world, and Phaedra will be there to help them sort it all out.”

There’s no word on when production for the series will begin, but we’re guessing some time after Mrs. Parks gives birth to baby No. 2.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

In today’s link round-up: Michelle Obama praises ’42′, Janelle Monae defines what’s sexy and much more!

VIBE.com
Mark Cuban Says He’s Open to Draft Brittney Griner
Griner would be the first woman to tryout with an NBA team since Ann Meyers Drysdale in 1979.

EURweb
First Look: TV One’s ‘R&B Divas Atlanta’, Premiering May 1
Will you be watching?

The Root
First Lady on ’42′: Robinson’s Wife Paved the Way for Me
At the special White House screening on Tuesday, Michelle Obama gave the film two thumbs up.

BlackVoices
Janelle Monae For ESSENCE, Talks Body Image, ‘Showing My Skin Is Not What Makes Me Sexy’ (PHOTO)
The woman is stunning…

Madame Noire
You Won’t Have Sex With A Snake?! Yeah, That’s Definitely Grounds For Divorce
Wait, what?

The Frisky
The 10 Best Things About Non-Boyfriends (Illustrated In GIFs)
No. 1: You can complain to him/ ask advice about boys and get a unique insight your girl friends won’t give you.

The post LOTD: Mark Cuban Open To Drafting Brittney Griner + ‘R&B Divas’ First Look [VIDEO] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Mara Brock Akil‘s hit dramedy The Game is two episodes into its sixth season and is already looking forward to another round, as revealed by BET’s annual upfront presentation. The network has announced the return of several original series, the revival of an old standby and a few surprises along the way.

In addition to confirming a seventh season of The Game, BET has also tacked on renewals for Let’s Stay Together, Real Husbands of Hollywood, their video-countdown series 106 & Park, Apollo Live with Tony Rock, the long-running Bobby Jones Gospel, Sunday Best and the unscripted reality show The Sheards.

Akil’s latest project Being Mary Jane, starring Gabrielle Union, will finally see the light of day after more than a year of production, name changes and teasers. The series– also featuring Omari Hardwick, Lisa Vidal, Richard Roundtree, Richard Brooks and Margaret Avery– will center on Mary Jane Paul, a “successful TV news anchor who remains devoted to a family that doesn’t share her intense motivation.”

And the jewel of it all? The network has made plans to revive its classic stand-up show Comic View in late 2013. The series helped launch the careers of D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer and others.

Along the way, reps announced the debut of a talk show hosted by Bishop T.D. Jakes, a reality series focused on a family barbecue business, the return of several award ceremonies and more. Check out the full details here!

Photo courtesy of BET

The post BET Announces ‘The Game’ Renewal, Return Of ‘Comic View’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of EURweb

Dr. Conrad Murray, currently serving four years for involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson’s death, maintained his innocence and broke into song during an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Tuesday.

Speaking by phone on “Anderson Cooper 360,” Murray said when his sentence is up, he wants to “motivate people and continue to do selfless acts.” Shortly after, he began singing “The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot,” to Cooper’s visible confusion. Murray said the song, popularized by Nat King Cole and others, exemplifies his life story.

“I had no Christmases, I had no toys, I had nothing,” Murray told Cooper. “But as I grew up my heart has been whole. My heart says to help. And all I do is to give.”

Murray also maintained his innocence in Jackson’s death and called it “overwhelming.”

Catch the video over at EURweb…

Courtesy of The Root

Ladies, I know we haven’t had this conversation, but it’s time. We really need to talk about this. We really don’t talk about it as much as we should.

We no longer have to conform to European standards of beauty. We don’t have to shellac wads of chemical straightening cream on our scalps every six weeks in hopes of removing any memory of curl from our manes. We can ditch the lace front. Yes, black girls, we can go natural. We can wear Afros.

This is not a suggestion from a 1988 Essence article. Nor is it a story from the Onion mocking the excessive coverage of the 10-year-old “natural-hair movement.” This gem comes from fashion guy Simon Doonan, who wrote a piece for Slate asking black women to rock their all-powerful hair big, round and in its natural state.

Continue at The Root…

The post White Man to Sisters: Bring Back the ‘Fro! appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Leather & Lacquer

Much to the dismay of my friends and sister, I absolutely could not wait to see Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor when it hit theaters last Friday. I will admit, I’ve pretty much watched every Tyler Perry movie there is. Deep down, I know I shouldn’t pay to see them, because they’re usually filled with predictable plots, over-the-top acting and cliché lessons, but a girl needs an escape once and awhile. This time around he piqued my interest with a somewhat impressive cast (Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Lance Gross in the starring roles of Judith and Brice respectively) and a trailer I found borderline comical.

I figured the plot would be simple:

Boy meets girl; boy and girl fall in love; they get married young; girl gets bored; girl meets exciting rich guy, exciting rich guy seduces girl; girl betrays sweet yet boring husband; sweet and boring husband fights to get her back and the two live happily ever after.

And I was right … to an extent.

Continue reading at Leather & Lacquer

The post Big Screen Review: ‘Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions Of A Marriage Counselor’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Brian Banks has officially signed with the Atlanta Falcons less than one year after being exonerated in a decade-old rape case that derailed his plans of going pro.

“We are pleased to have Brian join our team,” Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. “We had a chance to work him out last year and have been monitoring his progress since then. ”

The 27-year-old linebacker, who previously participated in the Seattle Seahawks minicamp, will attend the Falcons offseason workouts that begin on April 22.

Dimitroff continued, “He has worked extremely hard for this chance over the last year and has shown us that he is prepared for the opportunity. We are happy that Brian will have a chance to live out his dream of playing in the NFL, and we look forward to seeing him on the field.”

The team has scheduled a conference call for Wednesday (April 3) with their new signee.

The then 16-year-old star athlete had a scholarship offer from USC when a high school classmate accused him of rape. Banks spent five years behind bars before the accuser changed her story and he was set free.

Photo courtesy of AP/Seattle Seahawks, Corky Trewin

The post Linebacker Signs With Atlanta Falcons Less Than One Year After Rape Exoneration appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Frisky

A lot of people are curious about what it might be like at their own funeral. Who’d show up? What would they say? Would there be fondue at the wake? Important questions that most of us will never be able to answer. Except for Chinese student Zeng Jia, who staged her own friggin’ funeral while still  alive so she could “enjoy it.” Morbid much?

Zeng Jia, who clearly had some cash to burn, spent a buttload of money to stage her service, buying tons of flowers and even having a life size poster of herself made. Zeng spent an hour in the coffin while friends and family eulogized her before rising “from the dead” to hang out with funeral goers at the wake.

Continue at The Frisky…

The post Chinese Woman Stages Her Own Funeral While Alive So She Could “Enjoy It” appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

The rumor mill won [sort of]: Robin Thicke‘s time has ended on BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood.

Former castmates Kevin Hart and Duane Martin confirmed the news in a recent interview with Hip Hollywood, but explained that the blue-eyed singer’s departure is not what the media is making it out to be.

Related: BET Announces ‘The Game’ Renewal, Return Of ‘Comic View’

“Robin’s a man of many faces within his career. He’s a songwriter, a song producer, a singer and tours and does a lot of things. Within this season, his schedule and what he was doing didn’t coincide with the show, so he opted to go and do his music,” Hart said, debunking the rumors of an on-set rift.

He continued, “[...] Me and Robin are very good friends. We’re cool, still talk, still hang out. There’s no love lost between Robin and myself.”

Check out Hart’s full statement and Martin’s hilarious response below!

The post Kevin Hart, Duane Martin Dish On Robin Thicke’s Departure From ‘RHOH’ [VIDEO] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Naima Turner

Getting dressed isn’t solely about having all the right trends, the color of the season, or glitz. Of course all of those elements play a vital part, but there is nothing more critical to looking your absolute best than having confidence. This week’s Star Style, singer and actress Jennifer Hudson, knows all about confidence, having displayed it throughout her career. This attitude can also be attributed to her looking absolutely superb these days. In case you’re looking for timeless ideas of what to include in your wardrobe, take a cue from some of the Jennifer’s hottest looks.

Basic prints, like stripes, can be easily coordinated with just about any bold color cardigan or blazer you own. But all stripes aren’t created equal. Horizontal stripes are complementary on thin figures, while thin vertical stripes, say on a pair of wide-leg pants, can be slimming on those who are more curvy.

Try wearing a haute pant suit dressed up with striking glam accents, similar to this Alexander McQueen look. Make like a D.I.Y style geek and shop for trimmings at your nearest fabric/finishing store to embellish the jacket.

Turn up the wattage of a sizzling orange mini dress with complementing bold earrings. Turquoise and other blue-tone jewels go well with the color.

Pantsuits have made a major comeback this spring and show no signs of stopping come fall 2013. Purchasing one in a monochromatic color is a great idea. Suit separates are wardrobe staples that can always be mixed and matched with other items in your closet.

Mixing and matching prints doesn’t have to be hard. Simply coordinate contrasting prints that are in the same color family.

On days when travel or running errands is on the agenda, dress with ease and combine loose layers for comfort.

Incorporate a hot spring trench or a fabulous jacket for the full color-blocking effect.

Corseted bodice can add a hint of sexiness to a ball gown.

Courtesy of The Root

Porn star Aurora Snow surprised many with her candid confession to the Daily Beast regarding one of the last remaining taboos in the adult entertainment industry. According to Snow, while few sex acts are considered off the table today, sex acts with certain individuals can be.

Snow spoke specifically of the fact that a number of white female performers are discouraged from participating in scenes with black men. Often those doing the discouraging are men in power within the industry — specifically, white men who are managers or agents.

In an age in which multiracial families are among the fastest growing in the nation, it is hard to fathom that there is a national industry, $10 billion strong, in which interracial couplings are considered career suicide. It seems that the historical taboo of black men sleeping with white women is one sexual hang-up that even the porn industry is unwilling to get over.

Keep reading…

By Clarissa Hamlin

Once again, basketball buffs are wildin‘ out. They yell at fouls, cuss at players missing jumpers, or get downright ratchet if their beloved ball team loses by just a point or few.

Dubbed March Madness, this marathon of college games captivates b-ball fiends to no end. Each year, we see a new crop of ballers that emerge as trailblazers, but we cannot forget the greats that paved the way. So we rounded up 17 game-changers that went hard in the paint during their NCAA journeys – and reveal where they are now.

 Related: You Loved Them Then! Where Are They Now?!

1. Jay Williams

Then

The intrepid former Duke University guard led the Blue Devils to the NCAA National Championship in 2001. Myriad injuries in a nearly fatal motorcycle accident ended his one-year career with the Chicago Bulls in 2003.

Now

He found rebirth as an ESPN sports analyst, pictured at the April 2010 Rising Stars Youth Foundation Dinner honoring him in New York City.

2. Harold Miner

Then

The “Baby Jordan” player piled up points and dunks in leading USC to the No. 2 seed in the 1992 tournament. He went on to do a four-year NBA stint from 1992-96.

Now

Miner resides in Las Vegas as a family man and nutrition buff. He smiles for fans during a game at his alma mater USC on Jan. 15.

3. Doug Christie

Then

While at Pepperdine University from 1989-92, he led the Waves to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. He proved resilient throughout his lucrative 15-year pro career, which ended in 2007.

Now

He expanded his talent off the court with a sports management company and writing books including one with wife Jackie, of VH1’s Basketball Wives LA. He attended the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) All-Star Gala in Feb. 2011.

4. Greg Oden

Then

As an Ohio State University freshman from 2006-07, Oden and his team were tournament runner-ups in the NCAA Men’s Division Championship.

Now

The 25-year-old injured free agent is examining NBA teams during his recovery from micro fracture surgery, sitting courtside at a Portland TrailBlazers and Chicago Bulls game in Nov. 2010.

5. Derrick Rose

Then

The talented Chicagoan and point guard took his high scoring skills all the way to the #1 tournament seed as a University of Memphis Tiger from 2007-08. He is now a coveted and admired player for the Chicago Bulls.

Now

Tearing his knee last year, Rose is recovering and planning his comeback. He analyzes the play at a March 2012 Chicago Bulls’ game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena in Georgia.

6. Stephen Curry

Then

The powerhouse performer had one of the most memorable NCAA performances in 2008, scoring high in back-to-back games as a Davidson College Wildcat. His on-court prowess propelled him to the NBA in 2010.

Now

Recently, the Golden State Warriors Guard returned to the game after a damaged ankle took him off the court. He plays at a Feb. 27 game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

7. Stephon Marbury

Then

The former Georgia Tech Guard dominated the scene, en-route to the Regional Semi-finals of the 1996 NCAA tournament. The Milwaukee Bucks drafted him before he played with the New York Knicks.

Now

He plays overseas for the Beijing Ducks in China. While home, the New York native shopped with his family in the city’s Soho Neighborhood in late 2009.

8. Mateen Cleaves

Then

One of the top 75 all-time March Madness players took the Michigan State Spartans to the winner’s circle in the 2000 NCAA Championships. He then spent 6 years as part of the Detroit Pistons and other NBA teams.

Now

He parlayed his popularity into an NBA analyst position for Fox Sports Detroit. Last November, Cleaves smiled for the cameras at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Announcement Ceremony.

9. Ray Allen

Then

The three-pointer king was on guard at UConn, which earned no. 2-seed in the NCAA tournament more than once from 1993-96. He is one of the most recognizable players with a 16-year pro career including championships, and a breakout role in 1998’s “He Got Game.”

Now

This season, Mr. Allen joined the Miami Heat after a successful run with the Boston Celtics. He poses in uniform during media day at the American Airlines Arena in Miami last September.

Michigan’s Fab Five

The iconic University of Michigan’s “Fab Five” were a talented group of freshman recruits – Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson. Their statement-making shaved heads, baggy shorts, black socks and shoes complimented their forward-thinking approach to basketball. They led the Michigan Wolverines to two consecutive NCAA final appearances in 1992 and 93, which were major losses.

10. Chris Webber

Then

The unofficial leader of the “Fab Five” caught major criticism for his infamous timeout that reportedly cost Michigan to lose to North Carolina in the 93’ game, and his role in the Ed Martin Recruitment Scandal. However, Webber went on to become a five-time NBA All Star with a solid 15-year pro career.

Now

The baller-turned Turner Sports Analyst started his film company, Webber Productions last year. He showed off his pearly whites at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

11. Jalen Rose

Then

One of the group’s go-to-guys, Rose sunk many jump shots as a Michigan guard. He added onto those records in his 13-year NBA career.

Now

Rose commands attention as an ESPN sports analyst. The outspoken baller hosted the November 2011 Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez boxing fight weigh-in in Las Vegas.

12. Juwan Howard

Then

The Fab Five’s rock-solid defender and rebounder stretched his skills into an 18-year-and-counting career including a 2012 championship with the Miami Heat.

Now

The power forward is still heating up the court with his defense skills, pictured in last year’s ESPY Awards press room in Los Angeles.

13. Jimmy King

Then

The Fab Five forward supported the Michigan team before completing a brief NBA stint from 1995-97.

Now

He makes his money as a financial strategist, pictured at a Feb. 8 “Hardcore Pawn” reality TV show fundraising event in Detroit.

14. Ray Jackson

Then

Rounding out the group, Jackson’s NCAA influential run at Michigan was his last, for he did not play in the NBA unlike the other members.

Now

The philanthropic family man runs non-profit Rise Up, Inc., which helps youth in their social, academic and athletic development. He poses at the D1 Nation’s I-35 Challenge at an Austin, Texas high school in late 2011.

15. Cuttino Mobley

Then

Apart of the University of Rhode Island’s mens basketball program, he took them to the elite eight of the 1998 NCAA tournament before completing his 10-year NBA career.

Now

Mobley filed a lawsuit last year against the Knicks and Madison Square Garden for “forcing him to retire” due to his heart condition in 2008.

16. Wayne Simien

Then

The “big, bruising” power forward was a solid post defender and free throw shooter for University of Kansas from 2001-02. He helped the team to dominate the NCAA sweet 16 before his two years pro with the Miami Heat.

Now

The University of Kansas campus minister spoke at the After Dark event at Lied Center in Kansas in early 2011.

17. Rick Fox

Then

The former baller sunk a crucial last minute winning shot for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels during the 1990 men’s college NCAA tournament. After which, he became a three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in 2004.

Now

The actor and producer lent his talents to roles from 2008’s Meet the Browns to the hit BET series, The Game. He walked the carpet at Equality Now 20th Anniversary in New York City last April.

For more trips down memory lane, check out You Loved Them Then! Where Are They Now?!

by Angela Bronner Helm | Photography by Matt Bell

Some of my most savvy, well-traveled pals count Panama as their prime pastime paradise, and can effortlessly tick off the reasons why:

Getting there is a breeze. The weather is a heavenly 82–90 degrees: year round. Their currency, the U.S. dollar, stretches like Spandex. (A local taxi will chauffeur you around the capital for less than $5.) And though Spanish is Panama’s official language, English is ubiquitous. The nightlife is beyond cosmopolitan, and the people—a diverse mix of Caribbean-Spanish, African and indigenous cultures— are friendly and beautiful.

Rated the #1 Destination for 2012 by the The New York Times, Panama is virtually peerless in its charms. The country’s namesake capital and largest city is both a sultry metropolis with soaring skyscrapers and world-famous salsa clubs, as well as a hyperdiverse land of lush rain forests and ancient ruins. Neither overwrought nor overpriced, Panama maintains a pretty pluralism that any wanderluster would envy. Check out our list of can’t-miss offerings from a country that just may have it all.

*Getting There: Copa Airlines is the national carrier of Panama, operating nonstop flights in 29 countries in North, South, and Central America. Founded in 1947, Copa flies nonstop to Panama City (PTY) from major U.S. cities including Miami, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas. copaair.com

Take Me to the Bridge

Did you know that Panama is the one place on earth where you can swim two oceans in a day? The narrow landmass that is the Isthmus of Panama rose from the sea millions of years ago, connecting North and South America and dividing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. You can learn all this and more at the BioMuseo (Biodiversity Museum), which aims to show the world why Panama is literally a bridge between continents, as well as highlight the country’s importance to the world’s natural wealth and evolution. The Seussical-shaped Frank Gehry–designed space opens Spring in 2013, but until then, group hard-hat tours in English are available. 507.314.0097. biomuseo.org

Above: The photographer and writer after a day of sweet loafing on one of the many islands of San Blas.

Go Native

Interested in hanging out on a beautiful beach that feels like your own private island? Then plan a day trip to San Blas. Set about two and a half hours outside of Panama City, this archipelago of about 378 islands is mainly inhabited by the Kuna Yel, one of seven officially recognized tribes in Panama. To get to San Blas, pack your passport (you’ll need it for entrance) and charter a boat to any one of the islands—some of which are no larger than a city block; others require an all-terrain vehicle. Bring along a picnic basket for lunch or have one of the boatmen catch a spiny lobster for about $5. (For a few extra bucks, they’ll even prepare it for you.) Then, laze about, snorkel or swim in the crystal blue waters. Before you leave, be sure to stop at a vendor and check out the blouses emblazoned with brightly colored, intricate patterns called molas, created by the talented Kuna women.

For another, equally amazing indigenous experience, journey to Embera Village, home of the Embera tribe. Unlike the Kuna Yel’s small islands, Embera’s home is the rain forest in several villages along the Chagres River. Ride in a motorized dug-out canoe, see monkeys high up in trees, swim under a waterfall or get a tattoo made from the juice of berries. (It will last for weeks!) One can also find the most delectable fried fish this side of heaven, served in a banana leaf and garnished with a flower. For fl at rates to San Blas or Embera Village, call Truly Panama Tours and ask for Venicio “Benny” Wilson when booking. 507.398.0541. trulypanama.com

Above: One of the islands of San Blas, anchored on the Caribbean (Atlantic) side of Panama

Keep the Faith

No matter your religion or spiritual belief, you owe it to yourself to experience the Bahá’í Temple. Perched atop a cliff in Panama City, the white domed house of worship is one of only seven in the world, roughly one for each continent. The round, open temple has no walls or corners and is encircled by manicured gardens with sweeping views of the city below. The Bahá’í meet every Sunday; because they believe in the unity of all faiths, scriptures are read from many holy books including the Bible, Qur’an and Torah. bahai.org

Above: The interior of Panama City’s Baha’i Temple, a nine-sided open space, set high atop a hill.

Prawn Shop

Opening at 5 a.m. daily, Panama City’s Seafood Market is an open-air wonder packed with natives, tourists and vendors alike, along with rows and rows of bustling stalls filled with massive fresh prawns, crab and pulpo (octopus), all of which can be steamed onsite. There’s also a restaurant on the second floor that prepares seafood dishes including fried whole fish and shrimp stews with heaping sides of rice and beans, fried green plantains and cerveza (beer)! Like many South American countries, ceviche—chunks of raw fish marinated in lime juice, chili sauce and raw onion—is a national delicacy, and very popular in Central and South America. The fish market is the one place you can try this dish 99 ways!

Above: The fruit of the fish market: ceviche and shrimp!

A Man. A Plan. A Canal. Panama.

The above phrase, also known as a palindrome (the same spelled forward and backward), references one of the country’s most famous landmarks. Built and controlled by the United States for almost 75 years, the 48-mile-long Panama Canal allows large vessels quick passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The best way to see the canal is at the Miraflores Visitors Center, a three-story observation deck (and restaurant) where visitors have a bird’s-eye view of the huge barges sailing into the locks before continuing on to the ocean. Be sure to check out the museum, which offers a sobering history of how men from all over the globe died to create this eighth wonder of the world. pancanal.com/eng

Above: The Embera people live in the rainforest along the Chagres River.

Vintage City

Just a stone’s throw from towering downtown Panama City lies Casco Viejo—the old city. Founded in 1673, this unique area is popular with artists and is where loosed cats keep watch over cobbled streets and settlements stand tall alongside new hotels and bars.

There are endless delights to be found in Casco Viejo, including town squares (excellent to dance in and around), centuries-old churches, and quirky shops selling everything from salted caramel gelato to Panama hats. Coffeeshops and tapas restaurants are plentiful (Rene’s is a must, if only for the tres leches cake), and be sure to visit famous landmarks such as Presidential Palace and the National Theater.

One of the neighborhood’s true jewels is the Tántalo Hotel Kitchen & Rooftop. Taking its name from the Greek god Tantalus (think tantalizing), Tántalo seeks to excite your senses, from sleek, modern furniture to romantic wraparound balconies. Hotelier Matt Blesso, known for developing eco-friendly and sustainable luxury properties, is insistent upon supporting local art: Each of the boutique hotel’s 12 rooms is decorated by a Panamanian artist in a distinct style and medium, from photography to graffiti. Rotating exhibits also appear in the common areas.

Tántalo Kitchen, which is open to the public, offers a robust, reasonably priced and internationally tinged menu created by Panamanian chef Pierre DeJanon. Take a seat at one of the bar tables (made with wood from the Panama Canal), and enjoy standout appetizers such as balsamic eggplant with cashew/basil pesto, the Tántalo octopus and Tia Michelle’s jumbo shrimp with Cajun butter sauce. Top off your evening at Encima, Tantalo’s rooftop bar—indeed the only rooftop bar in Panama City— and sip a “Blondie Mary” (which replaces the classic with passion fruit juice) while taking in the panoramic vistas and enchanting music.

Rates from $129–$169 from June–Nov.; $159–$219, Dec.–May. 507.262.4030. tantalohotel.com

Above: A view of the skyscrapers of downtown Panama from Casco Viejo.

Courtesy of The Frisky

Usually movies like Tyler Perry’s “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor” are right up my alley. You don’t see a Tyler Perry film because you’re under any illusions it will be good. At their best, Perry movies excel at hitting the sweet spot of terrible, the kind of bad movie you can’t wait to pick apart with your friends afterward. Why else did I go see “Twilight: Breaking Dawn — Part 2″ in theaters? I was under no illusions I was seeing a good film. I wanted a glorious waste, and boy, did I get my money’s worth. Michael Sheen’s evil laugh was worth the price of admission alone.

Like Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room,” Perry’s films aren’t so much made as they are loosely cobbled together, and it’s fun to point out the seams in his craftsmanship. The sound design is terrible, the acting is all over the place and the film takes place in about seven different genres simultaneously. “Temptation” can’t decide if it wants to be a melodrama, high camp, a morality play, a broad comedy, a Lifetime movie or a potboiler, so it makes the proceedings into a $5.99 buffet — a little bit of this, a lot of that, doused with camp and unintentional humor. Douglas Sirk would have loved Tyler Perry.

However, despite my best efforts to find the film funny, there’s something immensely troubling about the morality slopped in with Perry’s genre stew. The film is about a Christian woman’s destructive sexual awakening and an affair that leads her away from her marriage. “Temptation” initially feels like a rebuttal to readers of Kate Chopin (or, heaven forbid, E.L. James) showing how passion can destroy the stability we take for granted. The main character is the therapist for a “Millionaire Matchmaker”-type who has her wandering eye on a billionaire client. He looks like a male model, is named Harley and drives a red sportscar. He espouses the belief that humans should have sex like animals.

Keep reading…

The post The Soapbox: Tyler Perry Has A Rape Problem In “Temptation” appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Grio

Diddy tops this year’s Forbes’ list of hip-hop’s wealthiest artists — and is joined by some of the genre’s other big cash kings.

As the richest man in hip-hop, Diddy – also known as Sean Combs – has an estimated net worth of $580 million.

The Bad Boy Records founder, formerly known as Puff Daddy (among a myriad of other aliases), has been involved in the music industry since 1993.

Keep reading…

The post Diddy Ranks No. 1 on Forbes’ List of Hip-Hop’s Richest appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

We got a glimpse at Beyoncé‘s multimillion-dollar Pepsi deal commercial on Wednesday, but now here’s the full-length feature. And I do mean “feature” because Mrs. Carter has treated her fans and Pepsi drinkers to a visual and rhythmic explosion. In the 60-second spot, Beyoncé reminds her BeyHive and haters about her legacy, donning iconic looks from her mega-hits, including “Bootylicious,” “Crazy In Love,” and “Single Ladies.” And since no one can touch BaddieBey, her alter-egos can only dance battle themselves before she shatters their reflections. Finally, she exclaims: “Embrace your past, but live for now!”

RELATED: 2012: Beyoncé’s Best Year

By Clarissa Hamlin

Recently, Jada Pinkett Smith responded to the seemingly-unending speculation about her open marriage with Will Smith.

In a candid interview with HuffPost Live, the 41 year old shared some insight on her highly-publicized relationship. “I’ve always told Will, ‘You can do whatever you want as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror and be OK,” she said to HuffPost Live’s Marc Lamont Hill. “Because at the end of the day, Will is his own man.”

She further disclosed some insightful revelations. “I’m here as his partner, but he is his own man,” Jada added. “He has to decide who he wants to be and that’s not for me to do for him. Or vice versa.”

Clearly, Jada must know the secret to a thriving marriage, managing to stretch her love with Will to nearly 16 years. The Hollywood heavyweight and “A Different World” alum married in 1997 after meeting on the set of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Despite the couple presenting themselves in a solid marriage, unbroken by tabloid gossip, open relationship rumors began circulating after Will allegedly claimed his wife could be with another man if she felt like it, in 2008. Then came the rumors about an affair between Jada and her former “Hawthorne” co-star Marc Anthony and a subsequent divorce shrouded the couple. But both were later proven false.

And despite the difficulties, Jada remains truly committed to her fresh prince. “I don’t think it’s easy to be married to anyone,” she said to Hill. “I think that you have to go into a relationship knowing — especially when you’re dedicating yourself to someone for the rest of your life — this is a life partnership … He’s my best friend. He’s been by my side through the most difficult parts of my life. And so that’s something you can never take away.”

The post On Open Relationship Rumors, Jada Says Will Smith Is “His Own Man” appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Clarissa Hamlin

Busta Rhymes threw a tantrum of derogatory slurs at employees in a Miami Beach eatery early Wednesday morning, according to the Huffington Post.

The “Touch It” rapper allegedly became belligerent after he and his entourage couldn’t skip the line at the local late-night spot Cheeseburger Baby. Soon after, he flew into an Incredible Hulk-like fury when the staff served his order with condiments on the side. He called one server a “f*g,” according to restaurateur Stephanie Vitori, who spoke with HuffPo and says she was also called a “b*tch” by Busta.

“It’s degrading,” Vitori said. “Thirteen years and every celebrity in there, and I’ve never had a problem.”

Vitori, who is gay, also said that that “one of [Busta's] crew came in and said, ‘Can you take my order first? We’re very important people.’” The employees said no. When they later gave Busta his to-go order, he became furious because they served condiments on the side. As an employee explained to him that this is the restaurant’s regular policy, he allegedly screamed, “Fuck you, f*g” at the employee and “Fuck you, bitch” to Vitori. Then Vitori called the police, but the rapper left before they arrived. She also filed a report, then had to call police again after someone from Busta’s party phoned to say the rapper would come back. Officers stayed until closing after the incident.

Reportedly, Rhymes was in town to make a club appearance and shoot a music video.

The post Busta Rhymes + Derogatory Slurs = A Ratchet Moment appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Clarissa Hamlin

Marking the 45th anniversary of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s assassination, The King Center in Atlanta launches a campaign against youth violence today.

“The 50 Days of Nonviolence,” a challenge for young people to abstain from violence for the rest of the current year, kicks off in King’s hometown of Atlanta, according to The Huffington Post. “As my father said, the choice is no longer between violence and nonviolence,” said Bernice King, the civil rights leader’s daughter and chief executive officer of the King Center. “It is either nonviolence or nonexistence.”

Bernice will speak to the public outside the center today, at 7:01 p.m. EST, the exact moment that her father was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn. There will also be a wreath placed in front of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King preached, in the same spot where one was put a day after his death.

In addition, the National Civil Rights Museum will commemorate King’s death with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees labor union-led rally, where King’s son, Martin Luther King III will speak to the public.

The post On MLK’s 45th Assassination Anniversary, Non-violence Challenge Issued for Youth appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

No tea, no shade! All tea, all shade! This week, Rihanna sends a message that she will not “bow down” to anyone, Mike Tyson supports Chris Brown, and K. Michelle blasts her cast mates once again. Plus, guess which NBA star supports Magic Johnson’s flamboyant, cross-dressing gay son. And Jada Pinkett-Smith said what?! AND I QUOTE …

“I only know how to be number 1!! I could use a challenge… ‘How dat feel down there on ya knees, Huh?!’ ”

Rihanna sends a subliminal message that she will not “bow down” to anyone after being named Britain’s Most Influential Pop Star, via Twitter.

RELATED: Why Beyoncé Needs to Learn a Lesson on Greatness

“I’ve always told Will, ‘You can do whatever you want as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror and be OK.’”

Jada Pinkett Smith addresses rumors alleging she and husband Will Smith have an open relationship on Huffpost Live with Marc Lamont Hill.

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“Chris Brown’s a wonderful kid. He’s what, like [23] years old? And he’s just getting into arguments with people? That is a recovery [mechanism] …”

Mike Tyson defends troubled R&B crooner Chris Brown and how he seems to be making strides to win back the public’s trust, in an interview with The Grio.

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“Personally speaking! I’m happy to say I have NOT BLEACHED my skin. ROTF at the thought.”

India Arie responds to speculation that she bleached her skin to help with upcoming records sales, via Twitter.

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“Of course Magic is supportive of and loves his son.  Why should anyone be surprised?”

Kobe Bryant defends Magic Johnson’s decision to support his openly gay son “EJ,” who dresses in women’s garment,  via TMZ.

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“Who brags about A PIECE of man? Sorry ill brag when I get a WHOLE man. Let the church say AMEN.”

K. Michelle, the resident thug on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” rants about her cast mates after viewing a super trailer for the show’s upcoming season premiere, via Twitter. 

“I don’t care if Rick Ross is 40 years old — he’s a misguided 40-year-old person. Rick Ross condoned rape in that song … and he should apologize, and his apology that he offered was unacceptable.”

Talib Kweli responds to fellow rapper Rick Ross’ suggestive rape lyrics on rapper Rocko’s hit song “U.O.E.N.O,” during an interview on HuffPost Live  with host Marc Lamont Hill.

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