NY Public Library getting Maya Angelou's papers

NEW YORK – More than 300 boxes of Maya Angelou's personal papers, including letters from Malcolm X and James Baldwin and several scribbled revisions of the poem she wrote to celebrate President Bill Clinton's inauguration, will be made public at a New York library.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture plans to announce the papers' acquisition this week.

Angelou, 82, said she sought out the Harlem institution — a research unit of the New York Public Library — as a home for works that include notes for her acclaimed autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and the 1993 inaugural poem "On the Pulse of Morning."

Angelou said Tuesday that she revised the poem about 10 times before getting it right.

"I had to continue to go back for the melody of the language," she told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

"People all over the world use words; the writer comes along and has to use these most-in-use objects, put together a few nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives ... and pull them together and make them bounce, throw them against the wall and make people say, 'I never thought of it that way.'" (AP)

Audrina Patridge signs up for VH1 reality series

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Freshly eliminated "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Audrina Patridge isn't spending too much time feeling sorry for herself.

Staying true to her roots, Patridge has signed a deal with VH1 to star in and produce a still untitled reality project following the aspiring-actress and her family as they navigate through celebrity and Hollywood.

The former star of sister channel MTV's "The Hills" teamed up last year with "Survivor" svengali Mark Burnett to develop the series. Filming will begin early next year.

The announcement came a day after MTV confirmed it had canceled "Hills" alumna Whitney Port's reality spinoff "The City" after two seasons. (AP)

Madonna to open 'Hard Candy' health club chain

NEW YORK (AFP) – Pop music icon Madonna will launch a chain of fitness clubs, with the first to open in Mexico City next month, her business partners in the new venture
announced on Monday.

"Our goal is to create an environment inspired by Madonna's vision and high standards of what the ideal gym would be," said Mark Mastrov, chairman of New Evolution Ventures (NEV), which is launching the clubs in partnership with the Material Girl and her manager Guy Oseary.

"Hard Candy Fitness will be a reflection of Madonna's point of view and will reflect her input on every detail including music space, light and other design cues.

Madonna's touch will be everywhere," Mastrov said.

The first "Hard Candy" club -- named after the last album by the pop singer -- will open in a 30,000 square foot space in the Mexican capital.

Madonna is to attend its unveiling on November 29, according to the press release.
The statement said that Hard Candy Fitness promises "the very best in innovative training methods," including "state of the art cardiovascular equipment," and an array of classes "including yoga and capoeira.

Willow Smith wanted to be like her famous parents

NEW YORK – When Willow Smith explains why she entered the music business, she talks about expressing her individuality, and wanting to help people with her message. But she also acknowledges that she wanted to be famous like her "mommy and daddy."

She's well on her way now. The 9-year-old daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith has become a viral sensation with her first single, "Whip My Hair." The official version of the video has gotten more than 7 million views on YouTube; there was even a popular video that mashed the song with the Sesame Street "I Love My Hair" video (which she laughed and called "very funny").

Willow's funky song, which makes its debut on iTunes on Tuesday, is even being played in the clubs, and she's due to release her first album on Jay-Z's Roc Nation sometime next year.

In a phone interview Monday, Willow said she was "very surprised" about the success of the song, but said she thought the song's message was resonating with listeners: "I just think that it's like, individuality that they're excited about."

Willow first entered the limelight three years ago, playing the daughter of her father's character in the blockbuster movie "I Am Legend." At that time, it seemed as if she would follow in the acting footsteps of her parents, much like her brother, Jaden, who earlier this year had his own smash movie with the remake of "The Karate Kid." (AP)

Rapper T.I. won't face drug charge in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles prosecutors have declined to file a felony drug charge against T.I. stemming from his arrest last month on the Sunset Strip. According to a charge evaluation worksheet released Monday, deputies found four ecstasy pills on the 30-year-old rapper from Atlanta.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., was on supervised release after serving 10 months in prison for federal weapons charges when he was arrested Sept. 1. A Georgia judge earlier this month sentenced him to another 11 months in prison for breaking his federal parole with the latest arrest.

As a condition of his release earlier this year, Harris was ordered not to commit another federal, state or local crime while on supervised release, or to illegally possess a controlled substance. He was also told to take at least three drug tests after his release and to participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.

The deputy district attorney in LA who rejected the case cited the sentence and the small amount of drugs found as reasons drug charges aren't being pursued.

"The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office's decision to reject TI's case was the right thing to do under the circumstances," Harris' attorney, Steve Sadow, wrote in an e-mail. He commended the office for "exercising its discretion to reject prosecution in light of the legal and factual issues involved."

The Grammy Award-winning rapper is expected to begin his prison term on Nov. 1.(AP)

Grammy Award Winning R&B Songstress Faith Evans' Sixth Studio Album Debuts at #1 Spot

Five Grammy nominations, three platinum-selling albums, one golden disc, a Christmas CD, and NY Times best-selling autobiography later, Faith Evans is continuing milestones in an eventful career spanning more than a decade. The First Lady of R&B/Soul celebrates the October 5th release of her sixth studio album, Something About Faith.

Released on her own label, the album debuted at #1 last week on Billboard’s Independent Album chart, #4 on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts, and #15 on the Top 200. “I acquired my own imprint Prolific Music Group through Eone Music,” says Faith. “So for my first album as an independent artist to debut like this, it is truly a blessing.”

After a brief hiatus from music, she is grateful for the opportunity to still make music that fans still want to listen to. “This marks my 15-year anniversary as an artist and I’m honored to know that there’s still an appreciation and love for what it is that I contribute to music. My faithful fans patiently waited five years for more material, and the reception has been nothing short of wonderful.” People Magazine agrees that the singer is still “an R&B Diva to be reckoned with.”

Something About Faith is a 20-track mosaic of R&B’s nuances supported by the singer’s distinct soprano. Her most feature-heavy project to date, the 20-track LP is lead by the emotionally charged ballad "Gone Already”. The single has remained nestled in the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, with an increase in airplay and sales for the 9th consecutive week. Other features on the album include appearances by Snoop Dogg, Estelle, Raekwon, Keyshia Cole, Redman, Kelly Price, Jessica Reedy and Lil Mo. Flowing through genres, Something About Faith demonstrates Evans' versatility as she takes listeners from the sanctuary to the streets with production from Chucky Thompson, Salaam Remi, and Carvin & Ivan amongst others.

Currently on a radio promo run through December, the singer will switch gears on the stage as she begins her theatre tour. Faith will also play the lead in a biopic of The Supremes' Florence Ballard, which begins shooting in January 2011. In her down time, she will continue to shoot her reality show pilot with celebrity stylist Misa Hylton-Brim called The First Ladies. (ASA Public Relations)

Jennifer Lopez's Twins Make Modeling Debut!

Jennifer Lopez's 2 1/2-year-old twins, Max and Emme, make their modeling debut as the faces of Gucci's new children's line -- and UsMagazine.com has your first peek.

They appear in the ads along with mom.

"It's the first time I have worked with my kids in that way," Lopez, 40, tells the new Us Weekly (on newsstands now). "It was a totally special experience."

PHOTOS: Jennifer Lopez and other stars who have twins

In honor of the collection (with pieces ranging from $80 to $1,600, in stores in November), Gucci donated $1 million to UNICEF's Schools for Africa initiative and $50,000 to Lopez’s charity the Maribel Initiative, which promotes greater access to health care for women and children worldwide.

"It's exactly why I'm excited to be a part of this," says Lopez, who admits she and husband Marc Anthony were hesitant to have their kids participate until they learned of the charity connection. "Now there are two Gucci spokesbabies for a beautiful cause!" (AP)

Gospel singer opens up about his cheating marriage

ATLANTA – Gospel singer Tye Tribbett went against the beliefs he was taught as a kid and his numerous spiritually uplifting songs when he cheated on his wife a year ago.

His misstep resulted in her doing the same thing to him.

Tribbett, a Stellar Award winner, had an affair with a woman from his choir, Greater Anointing — known as G.A. He said it was with a woman he and his wife had counseled, but the relationship became "her and I more than the three of us. It got out of control."

After Tribbett's wife found out about his side relationship, she sought revenge by cheating on him with another man. Both of their infidelities almost ended the couple's marriage of 13 years, but the two found a way to work it out after he took a sabbatical.

Now, Tribbett is looking for a new start with his life and new album, "Fresh," which was released this week. This will be Tribbett's first solo album without his choir, which has released three albums with him.

The 34-year-old singer opened up about his turmoil in a recent interview.(AP)

The Associated Press: You and your family have been through a lot of drama. How did you fall into the trap of cheating on your wife?

Tribbett: I thought it was something that'll never happen. I saw infidelity with my mom and dad who was a pastor, which made them split. I told myself that I would never do that. So when it happened.... Click Here to view more....

Eva Longoria Parker in minor traffic accident

LOS ANGELES – Police say "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria Parker has been involved in a minor traffic accident in Hollywood.

Los Angeles police Sgt. Kara Silverstein of the department's West Traffic Division says the actress was heading eastbound on Hollywood Boulevard at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday when another driver made an unsafe left turn into a parking lot and hit Longoria Parker's car.

Silverstein says the actress complained of pain but was not seriously hurt.

Longoria Parker plays the role of Gabrielle on the ABC show. (AP)

T.I. Gets Cut by AXE

T.I. has officially been dropped by AXE body spray ... after a judge decided to toss him back into federal prison for violating the terms of his probation.

A rep for the company tells TMZ, "We will no longer feature T.I. in our promotional campaign" -- a decision that comes one month after the company publicly stated it was "troubled" by T.I.'s recent arrest for drug possession.

T.I. signed with AXE earlier this year ... he's already been removed from their website. (TMZ)

Monica quits Twitter

Monica told friends and followers that she's inactivating her Twitter account. The reason for the sudden action was that she could stand people hating on her engagement.

Monica Tweeted a picture of herself Sunday showing that she was now an engaged woman. But apparently, it drew a lot of criticism from some of her followers.

While some fans congratulated her and wished her well, others criticized how fast the two are moving and judged how quickly she seems to fall in love with men. Monica seemingly not in the mood for criticism quit the whole Twitter thing.

Here are some of her last tweets:

Hey there. I want to thank all of u who have been so supportive of myself & family for so many years. I hate to say this But I will no longer be on twitter. I love the fact that I am able to speak to my REAL supporters but it has also become a way for people to do malicious things, when my sole intent was to spread positivity. I love u guys dearly and will find ways to stay in touch. I have dear Friends on twitter & team Monica will make sure u have all information on dates etc. (TIMES ONLINE)

Beyonce pregnant with first child: report

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Singer Beyonce Knowles and her rapper husband Jay-Z are expecting their first child, US Weekly magazine reported on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Beyonce was surprised to learn she is in her first trimester of the pregnancy. She had wanted to finish another album but was overjoyed, the U.S. magazine said.

One of the music world's most influential and wealthy couples, Beyonce and Jay-Z, 40, whose real name is Shawn Carter, were married in a secretive ceremony in New York in 2008.

The rapper is set to release a memoir in November called "Decoded," while Beyonce earlier this year completed a world tour promoting her 2008 hit studio album, "I am...Sasha Fierce."

A representative for the couple could not be immediately reached. (AP)

Rihanna leaves manager, now under Jay-Z's umbrella

NEW YORK – Rihanna is now under Jay-Z's umbrella.

The Grammy-winning pop singer has parted ways with manager Marc Jordan and is now being managed by Jay-Z's Roc Nation Management.

Rihanna told The Associated Press in a statement Wednesday that she's "so excited to take this next step in my career."

The 22-year-old is also launching a new company called Rihanna Entertainment. She says it will "merge all of her businesses, including music, film, fragrance fashion and book ventures."

Jay-Z signed Rihanna to Def Jam in 2005. The two won a Grammy in 2008 for the hit song "Umbrella." Earlier this year, the pair picked up two Grammys for the rap song

"Run This Town," which also featured Kanye West.
She's released four albums and plans to release her fifth CD, "Loud," on Nov. 16.(AP)

Why does Ciara have all of her FRIENDS boyfriends, ex's or husbands in her videos?

There are over 6,000 BILLION people people in the world and the only guys that were cast in Ciara's "And I" and "Like a Boy" video's were Kim Kardashian's Ex Boyfriend Reggie Bush and Lala's (now) husband Carmelo Anthony. How does one go about asking if "your boyfriend could be in my video?" Strange.... Ciara were watching you....

Twitter Going TOO Far: Keyshia Cole Hater Alert!

We were appauld when we stumbled across an angry Keyshia Cole hater via twitter. Our attention was caught after Keyshia Cole tweeted to @donesharenae Are you serious?

No one has the right to talk about someones kids and go as far as she did. If you look above, the girl went in on Keyshia about how Monicas ROCK was larger than her's. This is a shame............

But Keyshia Cole who is an ANGEL was very lady like. She tweeted, "@donesharenae .. there's so many things I could say to you, while ur over there talking about my baby boy. But I won't. God bless u sweetie."

Keyshia shut that down really quick. Good for her!

Click the screenshots to view pictures larger!

A Georgia mom sues Tyra Banks after teen appears on show

ATLANTA – A Georgia woman is suing Tyra Banks for $3 million after she said her 15-year-old daughter appeared without her permission on an episode of Banks' talk show about teen sex addicts.

In a lawsuit filed Oct. 8 in federal court in Atlanta, Beverly McClendon claims the show contacted the teen on her cell phone after she responded to a request on the show's website seeking "sex addicts." The girl was then picked up from her home in Georgia in a limo and flown to New York, where she was put up in a hotel, all without her mother's knowledge, the lawsuit says.

McClendon filed a missing person report with local police when she realized her daughter was gone. The teen has never been diagnosed as a sex addict, the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit also names Warner Bros. Entertainment and the executive producers of the show as defendants.

McClendon says her daughter suffered damages because the 2009 show "was undoubtedly watched by sexual deviants, perverts and pedophiles."

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and asks for $1 million in compensatory damages and $2 million in punitive damages. It also asks the court to bar the episode from ever being aired again on television or online.

Warner Bros. Television Group spokesman Scott Rowe said Sunday that the company had no comment. Banks' publicist, agent and lawyer did not immediately return calls Sunday seeking comment. (AP)

Obama targets key groups in election's homestretch

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Heading into the homestretch of the midterm elections, President Barack Obama is targeting key Democratic constituencies as he tries to energize voters and build up Election Day turnout among his supporters.

The groups Obama is targeting mirror those that helped him win the White House: young people, African-Americans and women. A crucial element of the president's strategy in the two weeks before the Nov. 2 election is finding a way to get first-time voters from 2008 to head back to the polls even though Obama's name isn't on the ballot.

Speaking before a lively crowd of 35,000 during a Sunday night rally on the campus of Ohio State University, the president sought to recapture the enthusiasm of his presidential campaign, urging Democrats not to give up in the face of polls predicting sweeping defeats for the party in November.

"You can defy the conventional wisdom, the kind that says you can't overcome the cynicism of our politics," Obama said, his voice hoarse from three straight days of campaigning.

The White House said Sunday's crowd was the largest Obama had spoken to since his inauguration.(AP)

T.I. Sent Back to Jail for 11 Months

federal judge revoked rapper T.I.'s probation Friday and ordered him back to prison for 11 months, according to a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.

The Atlanta native, whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., was in federal court here following his arrest last month in Los Angeles on suspicion of drug possession. He was on probation after serving 10 months behind bars on federal weapons charges.

During the hearing, T.I. begged U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. not to send him back to prison, saying he needed to get help for drug addiction. He told the judge he "screwed up" and pleaded for mercy.

"I want drugs out of my life. If I can get the treatment and counseling I need ... I can beat this," T.I. told the judge, according to U.S. attorney spokesman Patrick Crosby. "I need help. For me, my mother, my kids, I need the court to give me mercy."

The Associated Press was relying on information from the spokesman because the judge closed the courtroom after it was filled and several media outlets, including AP, were not allowed in.

The Grammy Award-winning artist walked out of court with family and friends. Crosby said he will be allowed to voluntarily surrender. (AP)

R&B Singer Monica is Engaged!!! Plus, Keyshia Cole confirms!

Monica and her baller boo Shannon Brown are engaged. Shannon apparently knows what he wants and popped the question with a ten-karat diamond. The couple also has matching name tattoos.

The two met on the set of Monica’s Love All Over Me video back in June. The two later started dating and have fallen head over heels in love.

Some people are saying they are moving too fast, to that Monica Tweeted:

"We realize people will have their opinions. That’s the way of the world. But we know who we are & who’s we are. We pray 2 an awesome God 2gether. And that is what keeps us strong. So for all my real supporters who are happy for me. I thank u, I love u, & I’m realistic enough about life To know my journey has just begun. I don’t have anything else to say about it 2 people who judge. If u worked on self u wouldn’t even see me." (http://entertainmentrundown.com)

Alicia Keys Tweets About Love and Bliss After Baby

Alicia Keys tweeted Sunday about the love and bliss in her life after giving birth last week.

The singer, who welcomed her first child, a baby boy named Egypt, on October 14 with hubby, music producer Swizz Beatz, wrote Sunday, "There is no word to properly describe LOVE, to describe BLISS, to express a FEELING like this!!! Thank U 4 your love, support & prayers! ;-)"

The couple tied the knot this past summer. (ET)

Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson to Host CENTRIC's 2nd Annual Soul Train Awards Show

CENTRIC announces the return of the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS, the classic music awards show that highlights R&B music's finest and bridges the gap between the soulful sounds of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Academy Award-nominated actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson will return to co-host the music special, which will tape at the Cobb Energy Center in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, November 10 and will premiere on both CENTRIC and BET in a special simulcast at 9:00 PM* ET on Sunday, November 28.

The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS special will honor the longstanding careers and musical influences of legendary artists Anita Baker and Ron Isley. The special will also celebrate soul music's legacy and the hottest stars who have helped pave the way for today's crop of performers. The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS are guaranteed to take viewers on a soul-stirring ride marrying the sultry sounds of yesterday with the talent of today, as well as feature thrilling performances from the biggest names in music. (PR)

Cameras rolled while Fantasia recovered from overdose

NEW YORK (Billboard) – Singer Fantasia allowed the aftermath of her recent suicide attempt to be filmed for her VH1 reality show "Fantasia for Real," according to a trailer for the show that was posted online Friday.

The clip from the show, which premieres Sunday, includes audio of the 911 call concerning the season 3 "American Idol" winner's drug overdose and footage of her in the hospital with an IV in her arm.

Fantasia was admitted to a North Carolina hospital on August 9 for an overdose of aspirin and a sleep aid, after she was named in a divorce lawsuit that accused her of being involved in an affair with a married man.

"I have not fulfilled my destiny," Fantasia says in voiceover on the clip. "It's not time for me to go anywhere. And I can still fight, still keep going. Let them talk.

Let them say what they wanna say, but I'm still here," Fantasia adds.

Her manager appears on camera, saying she was "broken."

The "Fantasia for Real" teaser also shows the singer receiving her high school diploma and gearing up for the August 24 release of her album "Back to Me," which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

Bow Wow Imposter Infiltrates the 2010 MTV VMA’s

Bow Wow has a look alike! Most of us probably wouldn’t even think twice about seeing Bow Wow at the 2010 MTV VMA’s but blogger SandraRose revealed that he wasn’t even in the vicinity that evening!

A brazen Bow Wow impostor crashed the VMAs last night and made it all the way inside with the help of MTV’s security who couldn’t tell Bow Wow from Jayden Smith.

The ruse occurred outside the Justin Beiber concert at L.A.’s Nokia Theatre during the MTV VMA pre-show last night.

Bow Wow even tweeted last night that he was nowhere near the awards show. In fact, he was chillin at home in the “A” after wrapping shooting of Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family” (www.straightfromthea.com)

Fashion Alert! Ciara wearing: Betsey Johnson

Obama children's book already a hit

NEW YORK – President Obama is still a hit with the nation's book buyers.

Obama's tribute to 13 American ground breakers, "Of Thee I Sing," was in the top 25 on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com as of Wednesday morning, less than two days after the children's book was announced and two months before its scheduled release. Random House
Children's Books plans a first printing of 500,000 copies.

Both of Obama's previous works, the memoir "Dreams From My Father" and the policy book "The Audacity of Hope," are million sellers. (AP)

Critics skewer Lady Gaga's meat dress

NEW YORK (AFP) – Animal rights activists stuck a fork in Lady Gaga's meat dress Tuesday but supporters rallied around the bizarre singer, saying her outfit was absolutely sizzling.

The professional provocateur upstaged the MTV music video awards late Sunday not just by walking away with eight prizes, but taking that walk in enormous shoes and a nifty dress made entirely of raw steak.

Now Lady Gaga, whose "Bad Romance" hit swept the awards, stands accused of bad taste.

"Lady Gaga has a hard time being 'over the top,'" said People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "Someone should whisper in her ear that there are more people upset by butchery than impressed by it."

"Meat is the decomposing flesh of an abused animal who didn't want to die, and after time spent under the TV lights, it would smell like the rotting flesh that it is and likely be crawling in maggots."

The singer is known for her theatrical sartorial taste so it was no surprise when she shuffled awkwardly across the MTV stage in Los Angeles in what appeared to television viewers to be simply an uncomfortable and oversized pair of boots bound in string. (AP)

Eminem, Jay-Z rock Yankee Stadium at concert

NEW YORK – Midway through his portion of his heavyweight twin billing with Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium, Eminem took a moment to reflect the gravity of performing a concert on a hallowed ground.

But he wasn't talking about the house that Jeter built: Instead, the Detroit rapper acknowledged the borough where they were performing — the Bronx, the origin of hip-hop.

"Do not think that I don't know where I'm at right now," the Detroit rapper told the audience at the sold-out stadium on Monday. "I'm also honored to be on this (expletive) stage in the Bronx, the (expletive) birthplace of hip-hop."

His concert with Jay-Z was yet another example of just how far the genre has come in its 30-plus-year history. The genre christened the newly constructed Yankee Stadium.

The joint billing by two rap icons was the first musical concert at Yankee Stadium, which made its debut last year.

"I gotta tell y'all it's one of the most wonderful things being here tonight, being from New York City and being in Yankee Stadium," Jay-Z told the roaring crowd. (AP)

Cleveland's Reigning Queen of Indie Soul Conya Doss to Release Blu Transition

Nestled between Indiana and Pennsylvania, lies a state that has yet to be fully tapped of it’s musical capacity. In a region whose lineage reflects that of Babyface, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Tracy Chapman, Marilyn Manson, Gerald Levert, The O’Jays, Macy Gray, James Ingram, Roger Troutman and Zapp, The Gapp Band and Avant among others, Conya Doss is the latest female vocalist to emerge over the past decade and hold steadfast to her Midwestern roots.

Of lately the singer has been busy burning the midnight oil composing and arranging music for this dazzling, well-crafted 2010 album that sets the tone for what lies ahead. Her unabashedly emotional fifth studio album Blu Transition, with Blu being the name of her newborn son, is not only a collection of words set to music, it is a gift; an energy exchange that reflects the duality of love and pain. It’s an anointed story. It’s one of endurance, but more importantly it is about life being full of unexpected moments with both tragedies (death) and triumphs (birth).

Of lately the singer has been busy burning the midnight oil composing and arranging music for this dazzling, well-crafted 2010 album that sets the tone for what lies ahead. Her unabashedly emotional fifth studio album Blu Transition, with Blu being the name of her newborn son, is not only a collection of words set to music, it is a gift; an energy exchange that reflects the duality of love and pain. It’s an anointed story. It’s one of endurance, but more importantly it is about life being full of unexpected moments with both tragedies (death) and triumphs (birth).

With a refreshingly crisp and remarkable vocal range, as well as sparse yet beautiful instrumentation, Conya Doss has found success in simplicity. Blu Transition continues in Doss’ brilliant delivery of sweet, supple and heartfelt lyrics but she plunges deep into a bluesy-jazz vibe with spiritual undertones reminiscent of a 70’s sound in both harmony and mood. The music carries a laid-back, earthy quality that features various moments; from truly moving and haunting to a rootsy reflection of where the singer has come from with messages steeped in love, risk-taking, rejection and heartbreak. Composing yet another intricately crafted and cohesive body of work that illuminates her unequaled musicianship, Conya only scratches the surface of what she is capable of. Her music is not lost among the pantheon of new crooners, but instead invokes the spirits of legendary composers-singers such as Chaka Khan, Betty Wright, Natalie Cole, Me’shell N’Degeocello and Alanis Morisette.

Blu Transition stretches Doss once again to express herself to the bare bones, this time around in impressive varieties of vocal styles. On the single “Best Thing” we find the songbird flying high in a falsetto tone while dipping low into baritone territory on “Wi Fi.” Doss is most poignant on the records that expose her soul, acknowledging what her life has been like since her last album. “All In You”, “Celebrate” and “Never Be The Same” are sure to overwhelmingly echo the sentiment of fans, newcomers and singers alike that will qualify them as classics. Each note she parts her lips to sing, Doss sets free a pure tone that moves you through lifetimes, which is like a light bulb turning on in one’s head; a gentle reminder that there are other people to consider in life besides oneself. While the artistic chapter in Doss’ life known as Blu Transition may be short on quantity, it is awesomely long on soul rendered quality. (HELIO PR)

Keyshia Cole Bitter about no VMA Awards Invite?

The stars descended on Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre this past Sunday for the MTV Video Music Awards, but there's one artist who wasn't so pleased that her invite never came in the mail. Keyshia Cole, who recently gave birth to her first son, took to her Twitter account during the ceremony on Sunday night to address fans as to why she suspects MTV decided to exclude her from the event.

"MTV told me im not a..... MTV artist ..... sooooo,' she tweeted to a fan. "Idk they're perception of who am ... i haven't crossed over yet.... i only sell 1.5 every album.. thats only 5 mill. in 5 years."

Cole, who has been relatively quiet since the release of her third album 'A Different Me' in 2008, most recently performed alongside B.o.B and Eminem at the 2010 BET Awards, where she replaced Paramore's Hayley Williams on the chorus of their hit 'Airplanes (Part II).'

The 28-year-old is currently in the studio working on her fourth album, 'Keyshia,' slated for release later this year. The LP is set to feature production from Pharrell Williams and Donald Alford, as well as a collaboration with fellow R&B singer Faith Evans. (AOL THE BOOMBOX)

Oprah Winfrey sending audience of 300 to Australia

CHICAGO – They shrieked, they gasped, they cried, they hugged — and that was before Oprah Winfrey's studio audience got a trip to Australia. Winfrey kicked off her 25th and final season of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Monday with promised surprises.

After teasing the 300 audience members with a suggestion she might take them on a trip to New York, Philadelphia or Los Angeles, she said her last season merited something "bigger."

"So I started to think about where would I most want to go," she said over the din of an audience that suddenly understood they were going somewhere far away.

"Maybe I should take you all with me to the other side of the world. We're going to Australia," Winfrey shouted. (AP)

MTV awards agog for Lady Gaga

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Flamboyant diva Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" won best video late Sunday at the MTV awards, sealing her reputation as the larger-than-life queen of the pop scene.

The Video of the Year gong was one of eight MTV Moonmen for Lady Gaga, 24, who, true to form, changed from elaborate dress to elaborate dress throughout the ceremony in Los Angeles.

"I was so nervous tonight that I'd let my fans down," she said accepting the top award, a tear rolling down her cheek. She then revealed the name of her upcoming album, "Born this way," and sang part of the title song.

"I promised if I won I'd announce the name of my record," she said.

Earlier, Gaga, whose prizes also included Best Pop Video, Best Female Video and Best Collaboration, thanked her fans whom she calls "little monsters."

"Tonight, little monsters, we're the cool kids at the party," she said.

Hilton banned from Wynn resorts after Vegas arrest

LAS VEGAS – Paris Hilton was banned Wednesday from two Wynn resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, and her boyfriend was dismissed as a nightclub partner following their arrests in a vehicle that police said reeked of marijuana.

Wynn Resorts Ltd. spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne told The Associated Press that Hilton is barred from Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.

Meanwhile, boyfriend Cy Waits was "separated" from his job after less than a week as top managing partner of the Tryst Nightclub at Wynn and XS The Nightclub at Encore, Dunne said in a statement.

Waits and a lawyer and publicist for the 29-year-old Hilton did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (AP)

BET NETWORKS PREPARES FOR THE ULTIMATE CAMPUS TAKEOVER WITH THE 2010 BET BLACK COLLEGE TOUR

School is now officially in session as BET Networks and some of its key marketing partners hit the road this fall in a 14-stop tour of historically black colleges and universities. The 2010 BET BLACK COLLEGE TOUR, the largest and only tour of its kind, returns for the eighth consecutive year to bring campuses across the country a dizzying day of entertainment, games, contests, product samples and consumer information. The tour makes its first stop on Wednesday, September 1st at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley , Georgia .

"The BET BLACK COLLEGE TOUR highlights the Networks' continued effort to support and engage our HBCUs in an entertaining and enlightened environment," said Michelle Garner, Vice President of Consumer Engagement for BET Networks. "The tour is an exciting opportunity for BET and our marketing partners to interact with more than 75,000 college students each year." (PR)

Vanessa and Angela Simmons, Rob Kardashian and Day 26 Support the She Cares Foundation 2nd Annual Celebrity Basketball Game

The She Cares Foundation, with support from today's hottest rising and established artist and personalities, will be hosting a day full of entertainment and fun on September 4th in Long Beach, CA at the Walter Pyramid at Cal State Long Beach. With the generous support of EA Sports and Fatburger, this year's event will continue to deliver the necessary assistance and aide to the single mothers and families the She Cares Foundation serves.

The She Cares Foundation's 2nd Annual Celebrity Basketball Game promises to be bigger, bolder and better while raising funds and awareness for single independent mothers across the nation. Additional celebrity and media personalities that are lending their support include Jackie Long (Actor), DeRay Davis (Comedian/Actor), Keith Robinson (Actor), NoID (Grammy-Award winning Producer), Wesley Jonathan (Actor), Quincy Brown, Claudia Jordan (Radio/Tv Host and Model), Tank (Singer/Songwriter), Terry Kennedy (TV Personality/Skateboarder), Elise Neal (Actress) Darrin Henson (Actor), Christian Keyes (Actor), Texas Battle (Actor), Cuttino Mobley (retired LA Clipper), Corde Broadus (TV Personality/Model) Lil JJ (Comedian), Angell Conwell (Actress), Lil Mama (Rapper/TV Personality), LaVan Davis (Actor) and many more.(AP)

The Moet Rose Lounge Presents NE-YO's Champagne Life

Moet & Chandon, the world's premier champagne since 1743, and Def Jam Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, composer, producer and actor NE-YO announce their collaboration on a seven-city fall event series, The Moet Rose Lounge presents NE-YO's Champagne Life. An extension of the popular Moet Rose Lounge summer series that featured The Dream, these fall events will be private, invitation-only evening affairs hosted in New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Cleveland and Detroit to celebrate the launch of Libra Scale available on Tuesday, October 19th, 2010.

Inspired by the first single from Libra Scale - "Champagne Life" - Moet & Chandon's Nectar Imperial Rose, the #1 Rose Champagne in the United States and the preferred champagne choice of the Libra Scale album release tour, will be featured. NE-YO will host the events and will give guests a musical sampling preview of Libra Scale, a monumental concept album that tells the story of the rise of R&B's first superhero squad, The Gentleman, a trio of garbage men who are granted special powers, money, fame and women sans love.

The Moet Rose Lounge presents Ne-Yo's Champagne Life will take place in September and October 2010 at locations to be disclosed. (PR)

Paris Hilton arrested for cocaine possession

This girl just needs to be locked up for good! Over the past 2 months she has been arrested three times in relation to drug possession.

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – US socialite and paparazzi darling Paris Hilton was arrested in Las Vegas on charges of cocaine possession, but released shortly afterwards, local police said Saturday.

"Police stopped a black Cadillac Escalade outside the Wynn Hotel about 11:30 pm Friday, because officers believed someone inside was smoking pot, and officers found an unspecified amount of cocaine in a purse of Ms Hilton's," Las Vegas police spokesman Marcus Martin told AFP.

She was arrested on cocaine possession charges. Hilton's spokeswoman Dawn Miller did not respond to questions for comment. (AP)

Celeb stylist has 10-step plan for shopaholics

"The Shopping Diet" (Gallery Books, $15), by Phillip Bloch: Celebrity stylist and fashion commentator Phillip Bloch has a solution for those who want to spend less and get more for their money when clothes shopping.

This includes the woman with a closet filled with clothes, but who feels she has "nothing" to wear; shoppers on a tight budget; and those who are limiting the number of items they wear each month (typically, about six items, not including underwear) in a self-imposed exercise in frugality.

"The Shopping Diet" is a 10-step plan that starts with acknowledging an addiction to shopping, then committing to the diet and going through a "closet cleanse."
Divide your clothes into keepers, fixers and returns, Bloch writes. The rest? Sell, donate or throw them away. Then reorganize your closet space and learn how to satisfy your wardrobe needs.

For "smart shopping," Bloch includes a directory of websites, outlet malls, department and big box stores, off-price retailers and nationwide charities including Goodwill, Housing Works and Dress for Success.

Some of his advice is familiar: Dress for your body type; create a clothes budget; ditch what doesn't work. But the emphasis is on making "the shopping diet" a way of life. (AP)

Kanye can attend Suge lawsuit mediation by phone

MIAMI – Hip-hop star Kanye West won't have to attend in person a mediation session aimed at resolving a lawsuit filed against him by rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight.

A Miami federal judge recently agreed to permit West to take part in the Aug. 26 session by phone. West's lawyers say he can't be there personally because of a long-standing business commitment outside the continental U.S.

Knight is seeking more than $1 million in damages from West and his companies. Knight was shot in the leg at a 2005 Miami Beach party hosted by West, whom he blames for lax security.

West, Knight and their lawyers met in New York for six hours in June but failed to settle the case.

The shooter has never been identified and the case is unsolved. (AP)

Lil Wayne orders Kool-Aid in Jail!

Click here to view a document of what Lil Wayne orders in JAIL!

Lil Wayne orders Kool-Aid in Jail!

Click here to view a document of what Lil Wayne orders in JAIL!

Obamas hit Spanish beach, with help from police

ESTEPONA, Spain – Spanish police cleared off a stretch of beach for U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha to relax by the Mediterranean Friday after a busy day of sightseeing.

Police used palm trees to mark off the boundaries of a 100-meter (100-yard) expanse for the American delegation. On either side, onlookers gawked.

As the first lady rested inside a canvas hut by the shore, her 9-year-old daughter splashed around in the sea and a security guard swam with her.

The Obamas arrived Wednesday for a five-day stay in southern Spain that is being described as private, although Mrs. Obama is to meet with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia Sunday at their summer residence on the island of Mallorca. (AP)

Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons House Sale

SADDLE RIVER, N.J. – Buyers checking out the contents of a New Jersey estate once owned by Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons should bring a lot of cash.

The Saddle River mansion was featured on MTV's "Cribs" and Style Network's "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane."

Inside, a bed once owned by slain clothing designer Gianni Versace is selling for $200,000. The pillow is $2,000.

A Faith Ringgold acrylic painting, "The Dinner Quilt," is selling for $100,000. And don't forget the Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel dog carriers.

For those not in the market for furs or bling, there are mugs selling for $3.

The nearly 4-acre estate is on the market for $13.9 million, down from the original asking price of $23.8 million. The couple divorced in 2008.

The sale ends Saturday. (AP)

Michael Jackson's last home up for sale

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The Los Angeles mansion where pop star Michael Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest last year is up for sale, with an asking price of $28.9 million, celebrity property website RealEstalker.com said on Wednesday.

Jackson was renting the seven-bedroom French Chateau-style house, located in the swanky Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles, while he rehearsed for a series of London comeback concerts.

But the 50 year-old singer was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest there on June 25 2009, and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The house is over 17,000 square feet and boasts 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces, pool, guest house, a theater, wine cellar, gym and an elevator. It belongs to Herbert Guez, the chief executive of U.S. clothing company Ed Hardy.

Jackson fans feigning interest in the mansion, under the guise of seeing where he
died, should take note. Celebrity website TMZ.com reported that interested buyers must go through an "extensive pre-qualifying check" before being allowed inside.

The "Thriller" singer's death was attributed to an overdose of powerful prescription drugs and the anesthetic propofol, which was used as a sleep aid.

Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is awaiting trial in Los Angeles on charges of involuntary manslaughter.

Kanye West "paints" his way back onto MTV

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Kanye West is "painting" a new picture on MTV on Thursday, debuting a video he hopes will offer fans a better image of himself than the one he made at the network's award show last year when he interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech.

"It's not a video...it's a painting," the rapper said of his new video, called "Power", airing Thursday night.

At MTV's Video Music Awards in September 2009, West unexpectedly took to the stage of the live televised broadcast when country singer Swift won best female pop video.

West grabbed the microphone from Swift's hands and declared that R&B singer Beyonce should have won instead.

MTV never officially banned Kanye West from their studios after last fall's VMA Awards, and the network continued to play his old videos. But since then, he has not debuted any new work on MTV, and there has been much speculation on music websites about whether the network would take him back.

MTV's head of music and talent, Amy Doyle, told Reuters "there's no beef" with the rapper and that they have moved on.

"We've always been supporters of his art and his music, and we're excited to partner with him, whether it's his new painting or new album," said Doyle.

Naomi Campbell admits receiving diamonds gift

THE HAGUE (AFP) – Supermodel Naomi Campbell told a court Thursday how she received a pouch of rough diamonds as a late-night gift she assumed came from a former Liberian president in the dock for war crimes.

Demurely but stylishly dressed, the catwalk queen told judges it was a "big inconvenience" to have to testify about a bag of "dirty-looking pebbles" in Charles Taylor's trial at The Hague for murder, rape and enslavement.

"I really didn't want to be here," she said. "Obviously I just want to get this over with and get on with my life."

Campbell said she was woken by a knock on her bedroom door at a guesthouse after meeting Taylor at a celebrity dinner hosted by then South African president Nelson Mandela in September 1997, and handed a pouch she only opened the next morning.

"I saw a few stones in there. Very small, dirty-looking stones ... maybe three, two or three," Campbell, 40, said of the gift delivered by two men she did not know.

At breakfast the next morning, she told her then agent Carole White and actress Mia Farrow about the gift, both of whom assumed the stones were diamonds.