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Beyonce Too White? She Should Have Known Better

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Courtesy of Elev8

Beyonce went through an airbrush scandal in 2008 when her skin appeared shades lighter in an advertisement.

But it appears Beyoncé – or her producers – have not learned their lesson. A promotional picture has emerged of  her looking much paler than her usual colour. The new photo, taken before the 30-year-old fell pregnant with her newborn daughter, are being used to re-advertise her fourth album, 4, which was released last year. In the seductive pose, Beyoncé dons a blonde wig and lies on a leopard-print couch, wearing a skimpy black crochet monokini. She also wears suspenders and a lashing of dark red lipstick.

Too many black children grow up understanding the sad truth that to have dark skin is to be somehow inferior.

Black  parents work hard to give their children a positive self-image and confidence in their appearance, despite the cultural forces stacked against them. But when black celebrities appear to deny their heritage by trying to make themselves look white, I despair for the young girls who see those images.

Continue reading at Elev8


Celebrities Who Are Still In Love [PHOTOS]

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From Seal and Heidi Klum devastating fans by revealing their split to Halle Berry insisting her emerald ring from beau Olivier Martinez isn’t an engagement ring to Aretha Franklin calling off her wedding to Willie Wilkerson to Kobe Bryant forking over almost $80 million to soon-to-be-ex-wife Vanessa, you’d think 2012 has celebrity love in its cross-hairs of death. But we’re positive folks here at UPTOWN, and instead of dwelling on who has broken up, who won’t make it down the aisle and who made off like a fat rat in her divorce settlement, we’re going to highlight the celebrities who are still making their love work. Fingers crossed that love remains in the stars for our favorite star couples in 2012.

Solange Wants To Get Back At Beyonce [PHOTOS]

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Auntie Solange is seeking revenge against Beyonce!

Related: Solange Knowles Blasts Beyonce Rumors

In the February issue of InStyle, the newly signed model says she wants to spoil Blue Ivy Carter the way Beyonce did with her son, Daniel “Juelz” Smith.

“This may sound awful, but I’m excited to let the baby do whatever it wants, in the same way my sister’s done with my son,” she says. “I’m going to get her back for all those late-night popcorn sessions and just spoiling my child to no end.”

Check out her flawless photo shoot after the jump!

Etta James Funeral Details

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Funeral arrangements for the late Etta James have been set to take place in Los Angeles later this week.

Related: Beyonce Releases Etta James Statement, Celebs Mourn

There will be a public viewing for the singer on Friday in Inglewood and a private funeral held Saturday in Gardena, with Rev. Al Sharpton providing the eulogy. A rep for Sharpton released a statment Tuesday saying the funeral will include performances by celebrities, although no names were revealed.

The family is asking that any donations be sent to the Philadelphia-based Rhythm & Blues Foundation. James became a Pioneer Award honoree of the nonprofit organization in 1989.

James died Friday at the age of 73 after her battle with leukemia. The legendary singer also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C.

Source

 

 

 

5 TV Guilty Pleasures

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By Luvvie Ajayi

I don’t watch a great deal of TV, unless there’s a special event or awards show. However, when I do watch, it’s for a small amount of shows that I have deemed my “can’t miss.” I consider them my guilty pleasures too because they’re all full of drama and people behaving badly. But I can’t seem to help myself. Check out my guilty pleasures and see if any of yours make the list.

Whitney Houston Speaks Out On Claims She’s ‘Broke’

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Whitney Houston is on the brink of a huge comeback and, in typical Hollywood fashion, the rumor mill is ready to slander her name.

Related: Whitney Houston Looks Better Than Ever On Set Of “Sparkle” [VIDEO]

Radar Online reported Tuesday that Houston is so poor, she had to ask someone for $100. A “source” close to her says:

“Whitney’s fortune is gone. Music industry heavy hitters are supporting her and her label is fronting her cash against her next album, but no one knows when that will be released. She might be homeless if not for people saving her. She is broke as a joke. She called someone to ask for $100. It is so sad. She should have Mariah Carey money, and she’s flat broke.”

But Houston is fed up with the allegations.

A rep for the singer told CNN the reports are “totally false and ridiculous.”

They go on to say, ”She just made a movie with Jordin Sparks– ‘Sparkle.’ [...] People get paid to make movies. [Houston's] not broke.”

Sparkle is set to release Aug. 10. Until then, let’s keep the rumors to a minimum.

 

 

 

Duke Students Call For Better Climate For Blacks

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Courtesy of The Grio

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — A group of about two dozen Duke University students urged administrators Tuesday to create a better climate and provide more financial support for black students, saying they’ve been disappointed so far in how top officials have reacted to their viewpoints.

The students, almost all of whom were black, unsuccessfully sought a meeting with university President Richard Brodhead at his campus office in hopes of explaining a document they describe as a call to action for the prestigious, private southern school.

Concerns range from the future location of a black culture center to the lack of support for a black student group’s annual event and a recent study that suggested African-American students switched to less-difficult majors.

“The university has affirmed through media outlets that it has a commitment to meeting the needs of all its students, including black students,” said Nana Asante, a senior psychology major and president of the Black Student Alliance, who led the procession Tuesday. “We have yet to witness any action that reflects this supposed truth.”

Continue at The Grio…

 

 

 

Star Jones Returning To ‘The View’

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Talk about a “hot topic.” 

Our editor-at-large Star Jones will make her return to “The View” after nearly six years away.

The show announced Wednesday that the former co-host will visit the daytime talk show on Feb. 22 to discuss her involvement in the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign that promotes awareness about heart disease among women.

In June 2006, Jones shocked fellow host Barbara Walters and viewers with news that she would be leaving the show after finding out ABC would not renew her contract. Walters did not allow Jones back on the show the next day. Over the next couple of years, the pair went tit for tat throwing dirt on each other’s name. Since her departure, the show has seen replacement hosts including Rosie O’Donnell, Sherri Shepherd, Whoopi Goldberg and numerous guest hosts.

Jones tweeted Wednesday morning:

“Can’t wait to see ladies of #TheView to talk about the #1 killer of women: #heartdisease. It’s been nearly 6 yrs…so much to catch up on!”

“I think we all agree (as I put on my padded pants to go to spin class!) that #HeartHealth is worthy of smiles & hugs between old friends! :)”

Women are asked to wear red on Feb. 3 to support heart patients.

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Don’t Call It A Comeback, Just Have A Seat!

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Since Brandy recently revealed her (much needed) return back to the game, Ashanti and Lil’ Kim releasing new music and Janet gearing up for a new tour, the comeback game is looking real strong. However, I couldn’t help but notice a sea of artists at the end of that trail who need to stop short in their tracks.

Here are five comebacks we just don’t want!

In Memory Of Common Sense

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By Tracy Clayton

So I’m thinking that the folks at Very Smart Brothas should consider changing their name. To Very Misled Brothas. Very Loud and Wrong Brothas. Or Very Well Intentioned But Ultimately Failing Brothas. Their latest post entitled “’Rape Responsibility’ and the Fine Line Between Victim Blaming and Common Sense” makes a very good case for doing so.

If you cringed at the very mention of that title, congratulations! You have approximately 30 percent more sense than VSB thinks women don’t have. The article was written in response to a piece that appeared at Ebony.com entitled “Stop Telling Women Not to Get Raped” by Zerlina Maxwell of Loop 21.  Maxwell basically said that cautioning women on how to behave (dress appropriately, don’t leave clubs with strange men, etc.) as a means to prevent rape is ineffective, and that the real change will ultimately come from teaching our boys not to rape.  VBS’s response was essentially, “Yes, I agree with all that…but y’all still need to be careful.” Seems innocuous enough, right? It’s not. Here’s why.

Will & Jada To Launch International Music Reality Series

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Before we get into the details of the Smiths latest venture, let’s recap:

Queen Latifah To Host Talk Show Produced By The Smiths
Will & Jada Becomes Part-Owner Of Philadelphia 76ers
Will & Jada Pinkett Smith Sell New Comedy

Got all that? Good.

While the media has been knee-deep in the marriage of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, the couple has been making major moves these last few months building their empire.

The Smiths’ Overbrook Entertainment are teaming up with Simon Cowell‘s Syco Entertainment to develop a live, international music reality series to find the world’s greatest DJs. According to Deadline, the format has already been developed and will be co-produced by the entertainment companies.

The show will highlight the recent peak of interest in the world of DJ’ing.

“This show will comb the world to find a new breed of talent,” Jada said. “I am happy to be creating it alongside Simon Cowell, the Sony team, and my partner Miguel Melendez, on behalf of the Overbrook family.”

Cowell said the show has been in the works for more than a year and that the Smiths’ Overbrook Entertainment were the ideal partners.

 

UPTOWN Girls Webisode #2: Pill Popper

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Online Dating [VIDEO]

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Is your dating life a little lackluster? With the popularity of eHarmony and Match.com, it might not hurt to try another avenue.

There seems to be a stigma attached to online dating but consider this: online dating is the third most popular way for singles to meet behind school, work and friend/family member, according to Match.com. So why not give it a try?

Amelia McDonell-Parry of The Frisky and Ian Kerner, a sex and relationships expert and the author of the book She Comes First, give the ultimate do’s and don’ts of online dating. From posting the perfect profile picture to writing the most exciting ”About Me” section, they’ll give you the best tips to finding a great mate!

You Loved Them Then! Where Are They Now?!

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Time flies when you’re having fun– and you’re famous! Check out our gallery of your favorite stars and their transition through Hollywood!

This week: Updated with Spike Lee, Kim Wayans and other celebrities making headlines this week!

 

 

UPTOWN Gentleman: Watch Out For Color

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Casual watches: red, green, and brown Opting for a sound, conservative style certainly has its benefits. However, staunchly adhering to traditional principles can unexpectedly transform into a stale, tired aesthetic. Therefore, a gentleman has to step outside his comfort zone and embrace a look foreign to his routine. No, we are not going to reinvent your entire wardrobe in the blink of an eye. Baby steps first. Let us begin with a classic gentleman’s staple, the watch, and kick it up a notch with some color. Traditional colors have their place, but monotony can be bland. Remix this small accessory for some very big style points.


Chris Rock & Dave Chappelle Comedy Tour?

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Chris Rock is hilarious. Dave Chappelle is hilarious. But together? Nothing short of genius.

This week, Rock confirmed at Sundance that he is working on a tour with Chappelle à la the Watch The Throne tour featuring Jay-Z and Kanye West.

“I’ve been talking to Chappelle a lot. Been trying to get Chappelle to go on tour,” Rock tells New York Magazine. “You know I’m not the hard one. But I’m trying to make that happen. After seeing Kanye and Jay-Z, I was like, ‘Me and Dave should do this.’”

It may take a little extra effort on Rock’s part to tie Chappelle down, but if all goes as planned, we smell a success.

 

Daniel Sunjata On The Edge [Photos/Video]

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Written by Noelle James
Photography by Cameron Krone | Styling by Joseph Episcopo

Daniel Sunjata is more than just a gorgeous grill. With gleaming eyes, full lips, and a subtle scar etched onto his cheek, the actor has a playful, almost bashful energy about him. His conversation, like his ethnicity, is fluid, darting between the 9/11 “truth movement” and Kanye West, to the Mayan calendar and pinot noirs from Oregon. As the poised Chicago native sits patiently perched on the edge of fame, we all eagerly anticipate what the new year will bring.

“Over the course of my career I’ve been on a couple ‘Ones to Watch’ lists, and then that year will pass and I’ll be like, What was I supposed to watch?” Sunjata says, chuckling. “But I think in this business, when you have two or three things that are released at the same time, a little bit of heat is built and that begets more work. I hope that’s what the universe is sending my way.”

In fact, Sunjata has three high-profile films on the horizon. First up is the comedy One for the Money, with Katherine Heigl, slated for a January 27 release. Then, there’s the psychological thriller Gone, with Amanda Seyfried, coming out in February. “We shot in Portland, Oregon, and I loved it,” he says. “I didn’t know it was wine country. I’ve lived in New York for about 13 years, and it’s hard to find cities that have as much to offer, but Portland comes very close.”

Perhaps the biggest, however, is the next installation of the Batman series, The Dark Knight Rises, about which he could tell us nothing due to a confidentiality agreement. What has been made public, though, is that Sunjata plays a special-forces operative helping Batman defeat his archenemy, Bane. It’s due out in July.

Most were introduced to Sunjata when he played the sexy sailor who flirted with Carrie on the “Fleet Week” episode of Sex and the City or maybe in his seven seasons on the FX series Rescue Me, about post-9/11 firefighters. He also turned in a memorable performance as Langston Hughes in the critically acclaimed 2004 film Brother to Brother.

When The Train Stops For Reality Stars

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By Benè Viera

As Love & Hip Hop ended its second season, I thought about the future of the ladies who are enjoying the spotlight…right now anyway. With the exception of Olivia and Emily B, most viewers hadn’t heard of any of these women prior to their debut as the girlfriends, ex-girlfriends and baby’s mothers of hip-hop artists. While Yandy and Emily B. will continue their work within the industry as a manager and a celebrity stylist respectively, Erica Mena is another story. Her “modeling” career will likely last as long as her 15 minutes.

Reality TV changed the proverbial game for not only television, but also fame. The most popular reality stars are household names. The greater the popularity, the more opportunities there are to increase their bank accounts. There is no better example of a reality star turned mogul than Bethenny Frankel, who was cast in The Real Housewives of New York in 2008. During her three seasons as a Housewife Frankel plugged her own struggling business, created the Skinnygirl Margarita and landed her own spin-off, Bethenny Ever After. Frankel’s business savvy earned her the number three spot on the Forbes top women in entertainment list with an earning of $55 million. According to Forbes, Frankel sold her Skinnygirl Margarita mix to Fortune Brands for nearly $100 million. Talk about reality star hustling.

Rihanna Lands Fashion TV Show

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If Rihanna can do nothing else, she can dress with the best. From show-stopping gowns on the red carpet to her everyday lounge wear, she is undoubtedly a style icon. Landing a fashion reality series was only a matter of time.

The “We Found Love” singer has just inked a deal with Sky Living HD in the U.K. to executive produce and appear in a “Project Runway”-esque reality show. She and Nicola Roberts, of London’s Girls Aloud, will host the competition searching for Britain’s most talented undiscovered designers.

Rihanna tells Sky Living:

“I’ve always had a great love of fashion. It’s a constant source of inspiration in my life, and is a big reason why I’ve grown into the person and artist I am today. I have been very fortunate to work with some truly amazing designers and stylists throughout my career, and they have been instrumental in making sure my creative vision reaches the stage. I am excited to follow the journey of our aspiring contestants and see how their individuality influences their efforts during the course of the show.”

Over 10 weeks, Rihanna and Roberts will challenge contestants to create one-of-a-kind outfits for musicians and celebrities. The ultimate prize is the opportunity to design a stage outfit for Rihanna to perform in during the Wireless Festival at London’s Hyde Park in July.

The show is yet to be titled, but is expected to premiere this summer in the UK.

Source

 

What Charlize Theron Doesn’t Get About Black Hollywood

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Courtesy of The Daily Beast

Charlize Theron surely meant no harm. The actress genuinely thought she was complimenting fellow thespian Viola Davis during this year’s Newsweek Oscar roundtable when she told Davis, “You’re hot as shit.’’

Their exchange revolved around Davis’s comments on finding work as an African-American actress. Davis, who has won praise for her starring role in The Help, was attempting to explain the difficult plight of being black and female in the movie industry. “I’m a 46-year-old black woman who really doesn’t look like Halle Berry, and Halle Berry is having a hard time,” said Davis.

No doubt hoping to forge a sisterly bond, Theron rushed in to reassure Davis that she was indeed “hot’’ and naively implied that a simple change of attitude would make a world of difference. Her exact words—“You have to stop saying that, because you’re hot as shit.’’

How sweet of Theron to say, and how thoroughly misguided and offensive as well. Davis was honestly confronting a number of painful and complicated issues faced by many women of color in Hollywood today—issues Theron (who was born in South Africa to parents of European descent) more than likely has never encountered and would have done well to listen to. The Oscar roundtable was the perfect forum for such a discussion, and yet Theron’s verbal charity managed to downplay the importance of Davis’s point. What difference does it make if Davis stops speaking a truth if the reality remains?

Continue reading at The Daily Beast!

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