ACTRESS REGINA KING DIRECTS NEW JAHEIM VIDEO; Premiere This Friday On CENTRIC

Atlantic recording artist Jaheim, one of R&B’s most distinctive and enduring voices, has nabbed award-winning actress Regina King (Southland, Ray, Jerry Maguire, Miss Congeniality 2) to both direct and star-in the video for “Finding My Way Back,” the second single off his new album ANOTHER ROUND. The video, which was shot in Los Angeles on April 1 & 2, is scheduled to premiere on Centric on Friday, April 30 during the channel’s Top 20 Countdown show at 11:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. ET. (AKPR)

Amy Winehouse in hospital after fall?

Amy Winehouse was taken to a London clinic after suffering minor injuries from a fall at her home on the weekend, her spokesman said on Tuesday.

"It was just a domestic accident and not serious. She bruised her ribs and had a cut above an eye," he said.

The 26-year-old Grammy-winning artist, who shot to fame with her second album "Back to Black," is reported to have returned recently to the studio with music producer Mark Ronson, recording several tracks for a tribute to Quincy Jones. (AP)

"Be Amazin by Trina" Cosmetics

Award winning female rap recording artist, Trina, will be releasing her 5th album, "Amazin" on May 4th with tracks featuring Keri Hilson, Monica, P. Diddy, and more. Following her album, Trina is in the process of releasing her own cosmetics line," Be Amazin inspired by Trina" which includes Lip Gloss, eye lashes and more personalized by Trina herself to give today's young women a provocative presence and aura as of her. Trina's first product from the collection," Amazin" lip gloss, is scheduled to be in stores by May after the release of her album while her eye lashes is expected to be in stores by the summer of this year.

Justin Bieber concert canceled after crowd crush

Thousands of frenzied teenagers, who spent the night camped out by Sydney Harbour awaiting a concert by pop star Justin Bieber, surged toward the venue Monday morning, sending at least eight girls to the hospital and injuring several more.

Police canceled the performance after the swarm, which may have begun when rumors spread that the 16-year-old Canadian heartthrob had arrived early. In the crush, at least 10 girls fainted, and paramedics had to pull them out of the crowd, according to Australia's Network Seven. Of the eight sent to the hospital, one fractured her knee cap, though most had hyperventilated. (AP)

Grammy Award Winning Songwriter, Nate Walka honored for ASCAP Pop Award 2010

On Wednesday April 21st, singer songwriter Nate Walka was honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Producers at the 27th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards. He is being recognized for his work as songwriter of the R&B smash hit single “Blame It."

As songwriter for “Blame It,” in which Nate wrote and copywrited in 2008, Walka received 4 Grammy nominations, Best Contemporary R&B Album (Intuition, Jamie Foxx), Best R&B Song (Blame It, Jamie Foxx), Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (Blame It, Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain) and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (Make Her Say (Blame it sample), Kid Cudi featuring Kanye West & Common).

“Blame It,” performed by Jamie Foxx, was one of the most performed ASCAP pop songs of 2009. The single held on to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart for 14 consecutive weeks making it the second longest running #1 song ever in the chart’s history. Additionally, the single was downloaded more than 13 million times and went on to win a Grammy this year for “Best Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.” (PR)

Raven-Symoné & Nick Cannon Feeds America!

Today, Mosaic, PepsiCo's African American employee resource group, is teaming up with Feeding America to hold a national day of service for PepsiCo employees. Together with actors Nick Cannon and Raven-Symoné, more than 1,400 PepsiCo employees will donate their time and energy to support 30 local food banks across the United States.

"Feeding America has a long-standing relationship with PepsiCo and is excited to take part in the Employee Day of Service in the fight against hunger," said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. "In these challenging times, when one in six Americans faces hunger, it means so much to have companies like PepsiCo bring its employees to support their local food banks and come to assist those in need. We are incredibly grateful to work side-by-side with such a committed company." (PR)

Biggie Smalls wrongful death lawsuit dismissed

A long-running federal wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles over the fatal shooting of Notorious B.I.G. has been dismissed, although the move is not likely to be the last legal word in the rapper's death.

Bradley C. Gage, an attorney for the rapper's estate, said Tuesday that the dismissal could clear the way for investigators to make arrests in the B.I.G.'s 1997 death. The case was dismissed April 5 after attorneys for the estate and the city agreed that it could be refiled later.

The case included allegations that Los Angeles Police Department officers were involved in the killing of B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace. Also known as Biggie Smalls, he was 24 and an extremely popular musician when he was gunned down in March 1997 after leaving a late-night party at a Los Angeles museum.

City attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan confirmed the dismissal and said a police investigation into Wallace's shooting is ongoing. (AP)

Mo'Nique's brother admits he molested her!

The brother of Oscar winner Mo'Nique said Monday on Oprah Winfrey's talk show that he molested the actress when they were children and he wants to apologize to her.
Gerald Imes said on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that the molestation continued for a year or two, starting when he was 13 and Mo'Nique was 7 or 8.

"I abused and betrayed the trust of another sibling, my sister, my blood sister," Imes said. He apologized to the actress, saying "I'm sorry, Mo'Nique. I'm sorry."

Imes said he decided to appear on Winfrey's show to apologize to Mo'Nique and bring their family back together. Imes said he himself was molested and he was using drugs and alcohol at age 11.

"Hopefully somewhere, somehow as siblings we can come back together as brother and sister," he said.

Mo'Nique has discussed her brother's molestation in previous interviews. She hasn't responded to a request for comment sent to her publicist. Winfrey said Mo'Nique didn't want to be a part of the interview but gave Winfrey her blessing.

"She said if your expressing what you had done to her could save one family then it would be worth it," Winfrey told Imes. (AP)

I wanna sail with somebody: Whitney Houston takes ferry?

US singer Whitney Houston was forced to take a ferry from Britain to Ireland, after a volcanic ash cloud grounded flights across northern Europe, a spokesman said Friday.

The 46-year-old pop diva, who performed in Britain this week as part of her Nothing But Love tour, took a car ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin where she is to play three concerts starting Saturday night.

"When Whitney was made aware of the airport closures due to the volcanic ash, she made the decision to drive from Birmingham to Dublin via the ferry so that she would not disappoint her Irish fans," her promotion company said. (AFP)

Blogger's Circle: Is Diddy Managing Nicki Minaj A Good Move?

Well, Sean Combs is officially Diddy-bopping as Nicki Minaj’s new manager. The Tweets have spoken, and while some are happy for Young Money’s head Barbie, others have sarcastically remarked that she can kiss her career goodbye. VIBE turned to some top bloggers for their spin.

NECOLE BITCHIE (Necole Bitchie)
I think it’s an excellent move. Look at Diddy’s track record and what he’s been able to do for himself—record labels, clothing lines, fragrances, multiple television deals. Look at James Cruz’ track record. He was very instrumental in 50 Cent’s
Vitaminwater deal, Missy’s deal with Adidas, Busta's deal with Courvoisier. Nicki is more than an artist. She's created a very marketable brand that extends outside of her music and she has the vision to do something far bigger than any other female rapper has been able to do in the past. How can you not win when you have those two powerhouses behind you to take your brand to the next level? I think people are far too focused on “Diddy” as an artist and also some of the acts that didn't make it off of the shelf at Bad Boy Records but Nicki isn't exactly signed to his label so... I think she's in good hands, or at least better hands.

LOWKEY (You Heard That New)
It’s not a bad move, but it damn sure ain’t a great one either. Yes, his track record is somewhat credible--to a certain degree. But Nicki, at this point, can’t afford any mishaps. With Puff going head first with his Last Train To Paris project due out at the end of June and his dealings with Dirty Money, he can’t focus all his energy on Minaj. It’s like she’ll be begging for Puff’s attention when in fact he should be waiting on her hand and foot.

NATASHA (YBF)
Had this been 1996 I would have been all over her teaming up with Diddy. But since Nicki is dipping in Kimberly Jones' wig crypt, custom closet and now the Bad Boy label, I'm not impressed. I've seen this ish before. Clearly SHE hasn't. Teaming up with Diddy to guide your musical career only gets you destined for Womp Womp city.

(VIBE)

Jackson doctor's license restricted in Texas!

The Texas Medical Board is restricting the doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death from administering the drug that authorities say was responsible for killing the pop star.

As part of an agreed order issued last week by the medical board, Dr. Conrad Murray can't use or administer in Texas propofol or any anesthetic agent that is normally administered by an anesthesiologist or any other heavy sedatives.

Murray, who was working as Jackson's personal physician, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's June 2009 death in California from the anesthetic propofol and other drugs. He has pleaded not guilty.

The California judge in Murray's case has also prohibited him from administering propofol. (AP)

Vibe Magazine April/May 2010 Issue Hits Newsstands April 13th Featuring Split Covers With Young Jeezy & Trey Songz

The April/May 2010 issue of VIBE (on newsstands April 13th) features split covers of Young Jeezy and Trey Songz. This issue, the second under VIBE's new ownership, continues VIBE's mission to expand the parameters of hip-hop culture to a larger audience.

"VIBE continues to recreate and redefine hip-hop culture and take it to the next level," said VIBE Lifestyle Network Co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer Brett Wright. "Young Jeezy and Trey Songz have been burning up the charts and touring and really connect with the new, multicultural VIBE reader," commented Jermaine Hall, Vibe's Editor-in-Chief.(AP)

Oprah Winfrey plans nighttime show on her network!

Calling her new venture "the network built on great intentions," Oprah Winfrey says her sleeves are rolled up to make the Oprah Winfrey Network "all that I know it can be."
What will those great intentions look like? Speaking to media buyers Thursday at a presentation by partner Discovery Communications, Winfrey filled in a few of the gaps that have left people wondering just what her round-the-clock network will be since she announced it in January 2008.

She took her audience through a dozen or so new shows planned for OWN after its launch next Jan. 1, and offered reassurance that she would be appearing on the 24-hour network she'll also be guiding from behind the scenes.

After reigning in daytime for a quarter-century, she moves to nights to host a show called "Oprah's Next Chapter" that will release her from the confines of a studio and talk-show format for conversations and travel around the world. (AP)

Nicki Minaj to Release Solo Debut Album in Fall 2010

Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown recording artist Nicki Minaj will release her highly anticipated solo debut album in Fall 2010. Anticipation for the much-buzzed-about album is growing with the recent world premiere of the music video for her first single "Massive Attack." Featuring singer-songwriter Sean Garrett and directed by Hype Williams, the video depicts Nicki Minaj and Amber Rose on the run in a dramatic chase, racing through the desert in a pink Lamborghini, setting the scene for Nicki's takeover.

From the recording studio to the concert stage, Nicki Minaj is in high demand as hip-hop's hottest new breakout sensation. Confirmation of her widespread popularity and crossover pop appeal arrived in the form of a coveted invitation to join Rihanna and Ke$ha on this summer's Last Girl on Earth Tour. And though Nicki was deeply grateful for the invite, she made the bittersweet decision to decline the offer so that she could focus on completing her upcoming album. "When I first heard about the possibility of touring with Rihanna, I was thrilled to be included on the ticket," said Nicki Minaj. "I admire Rihanna as an artist and I know it would've been a killer line up. I'm disappointed that the timing won't work, but I hope we'll be able to revisit the opportunity in the future." (PR)

Tiny & Toya Return to BET for Another Season of Growth, Determination and Heart on 'TINY & TOYA

Fan favorite TINY & TOYA returns for a second season packed with drama, laughter and self-discovery on Tuesday, April 13 at 10:00 p.m.* This season Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and best friend Antonia "Toya" Carter continue on the road to self-improvement while balancing motherhood, family, fame and creating business empires on their own. A journey familiar to many women, viewers will watch Tiny as she raises her children, expands her businesses and takes the next steps in helping her family deal with her father's Alzheimer's disease. For Toya, family remains at the center of her life as she continues to build a solid foundation for her rambunctious eleven year-old daughter, Reginae, confront her drug-addicted mother with "tough love" all while entertaining a love life of her own.

The premiere episode finds Tiny and her Mom, Dianne, struggling with her father Charles' Alzheimer's disease. Tiny comes to really understand just how much of a toll her Dad's illness is also taking on her Mom. Meanwhile, Toya finally has her family in Atlanta -- her 17-year-old brother, Rudy, is going back to school in the 9th grade, and her drug-addicted mother, Anita, is also here to stay, and Toya is determined to get her the help she needs. What Toya hadn't counted on, however, was a visit from her estranged brother, Walter, who's now readjusting to life, after 10 years in prison. (BET)

VH1 changing tone with black reality shows!

On her new VH1 reality dating show, Rozonda Thomas — better known as Chilli from the groundbreaking hip-hop group TLC — doesn't lounge in bubble baths or hand out fake bling to her suitors. Instead, the 39-year-old singer and mother meets bachelors at black-tie affairs and confers with a dating expert, as well as her 12-year-old son.

The cable network synonymous with "Flavor of Love" and its sleazy spin-offs is trading trampiness for fabulousness with a new slate of series starring seemingly well-adjusted rich and famous black Americans. VH1 executive vice president Jeff Olde admits that the shift from oh-no-they-didn't fare to more mature material is totally intentional.

"We constantly have to evolve and tell our audience different stories," he says. "I love that we've been able to get more diverse with our audience by — in large part — attracting African-American women to the network. We got them in the door with some shows, and now I'm excited about where we're going and how we're telling them different kinds of stories." (AP)

Whitney Houston postpones Paris show due to illness

U.S. pop diva Whitney Houston has postponed a concert in Paris on Tuesday night due to illness, delaying the European leg of a world tour that received a rocky reception in Asia and Australia.

Concert organizers said the 46-year-old singer had been excited about opening her European tour in Paris at the Omnisport Bercy and regretted having to postpone the show.

"Whitney is suffering from an upper respiratory infection and after a consultation with her doctors has been advised to postpone her performance," said a statement from the concert's organizers. "Whitney and her band apologize that the show has to be rescheduled on such short notice."

Her tour will resume as scheduled in Manchester, Britain, on April 8 and a new date for Paris will be announced shortly. (REUTERS)

Rihanna Announces 2010 North American Tour Last Girl on Earth

Rihanna, in the midst of her 4th critically-acclaimed album release Rated R, a smash #1 single with "Rude Boy," and a highly anticipated upcoming international tour, has confirmed dates for her 2010 North American tour, Last Girl On Earth. The multi-platinum and Grammy award winning superstar, who recently broke a Billboard record with her current number one single "Rude Boy," becoming the only female artist of the past decade to have six #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, will be joined by rising star Ke$ha and female rapper Nicki Minaj, who will open all dates on the Live Nation produced tour. Tickets go on sale beginning April 9th at LiveNation.com.

"We've never done a tour to this capacity. The production is unbelievable and the costumes, we just took it to a whole new level. Visually and sonically it's going to be a big step up from the last time. We just keep growing and this time it is a massive production that I cannot wait for," said Rihanna in a recent interview with AOL.(PR)

SIDENOTE: Nicki Minaj is going to be joining this tour.

RIHANNA LAST GIRL ON EARTH 2010 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

Jul 02 Seattle White River Amphitheatre
Jul 04 Vancouver General Motors Place
Jul 06 Calgary Pengrowth Saddeldome
Jul 09 Sacramento ARCO Arena
Jul 10 Mountain View Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View
Jul 14 Albuquerque Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque presents The Pavilion
Jul 15 Denver Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
Jul 17 Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Events Center
Jul 21 Los Angeles Staples Center
Jul 22 Phoenix Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Jul 28 Atlanta Philips Arena
Jul 30 Tampa Ford Amphitheatre
Jul 31 Miami American Airlines Center

Aug 03 Indianapolis Verizon Wireless Music Center Indianapolis
Aug 05 Toronto Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Aug 07 Montreal Bell Centre
Aug 08 Boston Comcast Center
Aug 11 Uncasville Mohegan Sun Arena
Aug 12 New York Madison Square Garden
Aug 15 Wantagh Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Aug 18 Camden Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug 20 Bristow Jiffy Lube Live
Aug 21 Hershey Hersheypark Stadium
Aug 22 Detroit DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug 25 Chicago United Center

BE Magazine's Album Review of Raymond V. Raymond!

Usher Raymond IV has arguably the greatest challenge of his R&B music career ahead of him as he prepares to release Raymond vs. Raymond, his sixth studio album. After the lackluster sales and mediocre success of his prior release, 2008’s Here I Stand (boasting just one #1 single, “Love In This Club”), Usher stands at a crossroads in his career. The album appeared to be a misstep, considering his highest grossing release, 2004’s Confessions was a blockbuster, selling over 25 million copies worldwide – with four consecutive #1 singles – and thus captured the rare Diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. His first four albums each eclipsed the other in popularity, leaving Here I Stand as the album that appears out of place.

The goal is apparent. Usher must reconnect with his fans and provide classic albums like Confessions. “I think I got too real [with Here I Stand], explains Usher on his local Atlanta radio station WHTA-FM. “I was in an honest place with my marriage and then having kids,” he explains. It’s clear that with the ink recently drying on the divorce papers from his former wife Tameka Foster-Raymond (the buzz-single, “Papers,” appears to be loosely based on their relationship); Usher believes Raymond vs. Raymond will be the album to get him back on his superstar trajectory. He asserts the name is not based upon the apparent contention between him and his ex-wife. “We can be our own best friends and worst enemies. This album is about me versus me. You get a lot of different situations, a lot of depth here because I am a complex person.” .....

To read the rest of the album review, click here. Please support our family BE Magazine!

Alicia Keys to Perform at Jenesse 30th Anniversary Silver Rose Gala & Auction

Jenesse Center is proud to announce Grammy Award winning recording artist Alicia Keys to perform at the 30th Anniversary Silver Rose Gala & Auction. The event will be held Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The theme for this year's event is "In A Perfect World".

Chaired by Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry, the event will benefit Jenesse Center families, a nonprofit organization that provides holistic, comprehensive programs to nurture families victimized by domestic violence back to a place of mental, financial, physical and emotional well being. Berry said, "I am thrilled to welcome Alicia Keys to perform at our 30th Anniversary Event. This year marks a major celebration for us and all the good work that our sponsors and supporters have enabled us to accomplish for the women and children who rely on our help. We are ready to celebrate 30 years of service and raise lots of money so we can continue for 30 more years helping families to heal, grow and thrive." (PR)

Jennifer Hudson becomes Weight Watchers rep!

Jennifer Hudson didn't gain a huge amount of weight when she was pregnant with her son, but it was enough to make
her do a double-take when she saw a picture of herself.

"I didn't realize it was me," the singer and actress said Thursday. "I was like, 'Who? ... Oh, my God, this is me.' And now when I look back, wow, look at the difference from then to now."

Hudson, a former "American Idol" finalist who won a best supporting actress Academy Award for "Dreamgirls," has lost the baby weight and more, and she says it's because of Weight Watchers — for which she is the new spokeswoman.

Hudson said she has always been happy with her curves but after she gave birth to David Daniel Otunga Jr. last August she felt the need to take control of her body and her eating habits.

"How can I make a better me, or grow or do some changes, anything, just experiment, because I have me back now," she said. "And then at the same time, having the baby ... it's like, OK, this is a good way of how I would want my child to grow up, because so many times in growing up, you gain really bad habits ... so I want to make sure that he's going into this and I'm being a good example for him." - (AP)

Janet Jackson to headline Essence Music Festival!

Multiple Grammy Award-winning, recording artist, actress and songwriter Janet Jackson will now add another first to her iconic career when she makes her ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL debut this Fourth of July weekend--July 2, 3 and 4--in New Orleans as the third and final headliner. Janet Jackson will perform on July 2, the opening night of the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL. The announcement was made today in celebration of Janet's iTunes release of "Nothing" the theme song she performs, co-wrote and co-produced for Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too? opening nationwide April 2, 2010.

Janet Jackson is an Academy Award nominee, who has also sold over 100 million records worldwide and is one of the best selling artists in contemporary music. She joins Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys on a bill that features some of today's greatest African-American artists. This marks the superstar's first-ever appearance at the annual event and Janet Jackson's first full performance since her 2008 concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.

"This year's ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL line-up is headed up by three of the most talented and powerful women in music today," said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. "With the return of both Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, and the first-ever performance from Janet Jackson, I can't think of a better way to celebrate Essence's 40th anniversary." (ESSENCE)