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)