The Daily Roundup for Aug 9

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BIG BOI FROM OUTKAST

ARRESTED FOR DRUG POSSESSION

Big Boi, rapper for the popular group Outkast, was arrested in Miami on charges of drug possession ... 

According to the Miami-Dade County Corrections Department, Mr. Boi (real name Antwan Patton) was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The controlled substances were listed as ecstasy pills, MDMA powder and Viagra.

According to the Miami-Dade County Corrections Department, all charges are felonies.

Law enforcement sources tell us he was busted by customs and border patrol dogs as he was exiting a cruise ship. We're told Big Boi didn't have a prescription for the Viagra.

He was booked into jail at 1:35 PM ET Sunday. He was held on $16,000 bond, but was released shortly afterwards.

UPDATE: Big Boi's attorney Daniel Kane tells CNN the rapper was traveling with friends when he got busted. Kane says, "A small amount of contraband was found in the collective luggage." He adds, "I am confident when the entire facts are aired Big Boi will be completely exonerated."

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT BIG BOI!!

New Ultimate Spider-Man Is Half-Black, Half-Latino

Peter Parker is dead and gone, but Spider-Man's still slinging webs and fighting crime.

And it's not just a new teenager climbing Manhattan buildings, it's an entirely new crime-fighter, from the color of his suit to the complexion of his skin.

Meet Miles Morales, a half-black, half-Hispanic American teenager who, inspired to do good after the death of Parker at the hands of the Green Goblin, takes flight and has his first fight in the pages of Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Fallout" No. 4, in comic shops on Wednesday.

The Ultimates imprint is separate from Marvel's bigger universe where Parker is alive and well.

Writer Brian Michael Bendis, who has scripted every issue of Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man since it first debuted in 2000 to wide acclaim, maintained a new hero would replace Parker, felled in the pages of "Ultimate Spider-Man" No. 160 this summer.

But as to whom that was a closely guarded secret, until now.

Bendis said that the decision came down to the story, to keep it fresh and vital and new.

Morales, he explained, is nothing like his predecessor.

"He's younger than Peter Parker, he's coming from a completely different background, a completely different world view," Bendis said. "It's Peter Parker's death that inspires this kid to step up."

Bendis said his decision was made before actor Donald Glover's efforts to be considered for next year's Spider-Man film went viral. He had talked it over with Joe Quesada, Marvel's chief creative officer.

"Joe and I talked about it at great length – what if he was an African-American and how interesting it would be," Bendis said.

Later, he saw Glover on the television show "Community," wearing Spider-Man pajamas, and knew he was on the right track.

Making Spider-Man a black character is not a publicity effort, it's reflective of an industry keeping pace with modern society, said Axel Alonso, Marvel's editor-in-chief.

"As someone who grew up on a steady diet of `Luke Cage, Hero For Hire' and `Shang Chi, Master of Kung Fu,' I am personally invested," he said.

"This was a conscious decision. Here at Marvel, we pride ourselves on reflecting the real world in all its diversity," Alonso added, adding that Morales' stories would be on par with those of Parker.

"Morales' adventures will be fleshed out in the coming months with the start of "Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man" in September that is being illustrated by Sara Pichelli.

Bendis is excited about the possibilities that Morales brings.

"I'm now sitting with a pile of legitimately new Spider-Man stories to tell and that is the best news a writer could have," he said.

Kelly Rowland Opens Up About Here I Am Album and Empress: “It Took Me Awhile to Understand My Value As An Individual”

To celebrate the launch of Empress, Sean John’s female counterpart to the highly-successful I Am King scent, Diddy threw a daytime soiree at the Ciroc Cabana Club in the Hamptons with spokesbeauty Kelly Rowland.

A select group of bloggers and editors including Micah Jesse, Jessica of Glamazons Blog, Christina of Love Brown Sugar and Claire of The Fashion Bomb enjoyed Ciroc cocktails, lunch from STK, manicures and massages by the pool at the private event.

Whitney Cunningham, who appeared on America’s Next Top Model, introduced the scent to the attendees which she remarked “smells better in real life.” The fragrance was alluring with feminine, fruity top notes and a hint of musk that gave it an irresistible masculine edge.

Kelly Rowland told the crowd of tastemakers that she loved the fragrance not only for its sensuous smell and elegant packaging, but for the message of female empowerment it represents:

“I’ve been a part of Destiny’s Child and we’ve always been about women and being empowered. For a scent to make you feel so inspired, empowered and embrace all your idiosyncrasies is amazing.”

Kelly also played tracks from her new album, Here I Am, including “I’m That Chick,” “All of the Night,” and her smash hit “Motivation.” She spoke about how the album represents her personal growth and a renewed sense of confidence and fearlessness:

“It was a long process putting this album together. And a lot of me coming into my own as a woman. Understanding my worth and value as an individual. For me, it took a while to get to. I think we all have our different things that we get past but for me it was ‘What else is out there?’ or ‘What more should I do’ because I had tried it all. And I really believe at this moment in time, that I can do it all! I think as women, we can do it all. We can make the choice to do whatever it is we want because we just got it like that.”

OH JILL THE IRONY! SHE ASKS FOLLOWERS: ‘WHY DO STRAIGHT WOMEN MARRY GAY MEN?’

Shortly after spotting a couple, soul singer Jill Scott took to her Twitter page on Friday (Aug 5) and randomly asked her followers a question about relationships, specifically straight (heterosexual) women in relationships with gay (homosexual) men:

Hmm…Well check out some of her followers’ responses below

Some of her followers went as far as responding with answers like, “Why don’t you ask Star Jones and Mo’Nique?” With rumors circulating about those two celebrities and their former and present relationships, it makes us all wonder…

Now I do not think there was any feelings of homophobia in her when she said this. NO I don't. However she shouldn't make accusations as such without knowing ALL THE FACTS! Did she question the couple? Probably not.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? AGREE? DISAGREE? 

The 11th Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala

Celebs turned out for The Common Good Cocktail Party at the Library Bar in the Paramount Hotel in Manhattan.

Rachel Roy donned her yellow lens sunglasses and a sleek pantsuit for the event. Haven't seen yellow lenses since the early 90's. Wish they could stay there.

And Jessica White worked her supermodel assets in a bright canary yellow dress.

Blast from the past, MTV veejay Downtown Julie Brown worked a pink dress with a green floral pattern.

And Angela Simmons worked her bob and bangs as she caught up on her summer reading.

And she posed with designer Charlotte Ronson.

And in sports related events....

The 11th Annual Harold Pump Foundation hosted their gala at the Hyatt Regency in Century City, California with some of America's finest athletes.

Magic Johnson was among the attendees and he posed with Holly Robinson.

"The Talk" co-host looked radiant in a long gown with a small train.

Boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard posed with his wife Bernadette Robi. She looks kinda rough around the edges!

TV personality Shaun Robinson posed with Kenya Moore.

Quinton Aaron attended the gala.

Mike Tyson struck a fighter's pose with the founder of GBK Productions, Gavin B. Keilly.

Michael Irvin arrived wearing a pin stripped suit and a big smile.

David Justice arrived with wife Rebecca Justice.

And actor Alfonso Ribeiro arrived with Angela Unkrich.

Candace Parker of the WNBA showed off her legs in a summery blue dress.

At the end of the event, Cedric the Entertainer, David Pump, Magic Johnson, Brian Dunn, Randall McDaniel, Rod Carew and Dana Pump all posed for a group photo.

NICE!

WELL DAMN RIHANNA DON’T HURT NOBODY WITH DAT BODY!

No doubt everyone thought Rihanna was stringing them along when she said she was going to wear her most daring bikini yet.

However the singer really was Rated R as she bared her impressive body on a Barbados beach.

Doubtlessly the gentlemen with her felt like sending out an SOS when the fashion-forward vocalist stepped onto the sand and stripped down in front of them to reveal the strapless stringy white two-piece.

The star took advantage of being back home on the paradise island to enjoy some watersports along with her best friends.

You go Rihanna I ain’t mad atcha’ Baby Girl!!!!

Ne-Yo To Release A Mixtape

R&B stars know what it takes to stay in the game: release a mixtape. Ne-Yo now joins the list with Chris Brown and The Dream for must have mixtapes. I have a feeling that Ne-Yo’s mixtape is going to be something a tad bit different thought. Earlier today, he revealed that his mixtape would be hosted by funny man Kevin Hart. I wonder if he’s going to release a parody type of mixtape or is it going to be similar to the music that we know and love him for? Nonetheless, he said that this mixtape is just something to hold us over until his album comes out. This is definitely the way to go it seems in 2011. Don’t keep your fans! Release a mixtape! Check out his tweets:

He mentions that this mixtape will show us a different side of him. Hmm??? I hope that’s a good thing. Who’s ready for a Ne-Yo mixtape?

Beyonce Strives to Be Like Gwyneth Paltrow

Beyonce calls Gwyneth Paltrow her best friend and role model.

She's one of the most powerful woman in the world - but Beyonce wishes she could be just like Gwyneth Paltrow.

In the new issue of Harper's Bazaar UK, Queen B talks about the importance of female friendships and her admiration for her BFF Gwynnie.

She says: "She pushes her boundaries all the time. You go to her house and she makes you feel like you never want to go home. She is what I strive to be one day."

Beyonce also explains why she and her husband Jay Z have become great friends with Gwyneth and Chris Martin.

"We have very similar values," she says. "We have also been able to become each other's support systems over the years, as none of us needs anything from the other."

Nicole Richie's Birthday Outing with the Kiddies

Stepping out for a birthday soiree, Nicole Richie and her children were spotted arriving at a friend’s home in Beverly Hills, CA

With the help of a nanny, the fashion designer - along with Harlow and Sparrow a headed inside for the birthday festivities, paying little attention to the prying paparazzi.

In other news, Richie and fellow fashionista Jessica Simpson recently started taping an upcoming NBC reality series, “Fashion Star” and seem to be getting along quite well -- "like old friends," according to a source.

The show also features John Varvatos and host Elle MacPherson, to which executive producer, Ben Silverman, told press, "Jessica, Nicole, John and Elle make the most exciting team we have ever worked with on a reality television show and we are thrilled to feature such an extraordinary group of mentors and designers."

IS SHE REALLY TOO SEXY FOR HER AGE?

Outrage over shocking images of the 10-YEAR-OLD model who has graced the pages of Vogue

She reclines among leopard print pillows, her rouged lips pouting at the camera. But shockingly the model in these highly sexualised pictures is only 10 years old.

The provocative images of Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau, who is tipped as the next big thing on the fashion scene, are causing a storm of controversy with campaigners furious that a child so young should be displaying the sexual allure of someone twice her age.

Thylane has appeared in numerous campaigns and her image is all over the internet. To date she has an impressive portfolio - the French girl has graced the cover of Vogue Enfants and posed for high-end editorials.

Born in the Ivory Coast, she has already been compared to Sixties siren Brigitte Bardot - who at the age of 15 appeared in ELLE.

But these latest images, complete with heavy make-up and stiletto heels, which appear in French Vogue, have brought the issue to a head.

They come in the wake of a recent Government initiative in the UK to enforce restrictions on the sexualisation of children in the media and sexual content in advertising.

Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of the Mothers' Union, was commissioned to conduct the independent review on the pressures faced by children today.

A spokesperson for the Mothers' Union said 'We have grave concerns about the modelling agency who represent Blondeau, which clearly does not know if it represents a child or an adult.

'These images would, we hope, post Bailey Review, not pass through the standards of magazines, on street advertising and other media within the UK.'

In the review a survey revealed that 88 per cent of parents agreed that children are under pressure grow up too quickly, with 58 per cent accounting this to celebrity culture.

One blogger said of the images: ‘She is a beautiful little girl, as are all ten year old girls. While I am sure she will make a terrific model someday, I find these pictures beyond disturbing - she is styled way too maturely.’

'Prematurely exposing a child to the adult world is dangerously preventing development into a person who can survive in it'

And experts warned today about the psychological damage done to children who are treated in this way.

Dr Emma Gray is a consultant clinical psychologist and cllinical director of The British CBT & Counselling Service, which deals in behavioural therapy.

She said: ‘This picture is the antithesis of what childhood in our society should be; a child being exposed to a world she is not yet equipped to deal with solely to serve the needs of the adults around her.

‘If children are to develop into happy, grounded and psychologically balanced people their childhood needs to be spent appropriately preparing for the demands of the adult world.

‘Before they are exposed to this world it is the task of the adults around them to create an environment that gives them the time, space and nurture to complete their physical and psychological development. Prematurely exposing a child to the adult world is dangerously preventing the completion of their development into a person who can survive in it.’

Thylane’s entry into the fashion world follows a recent trend for younger models. At 13, actress Elle Fanning is the current star of the Marc by Marc Jacobs autumn/winter campaign and 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld signed a deal with Miu Miu soon after receiving her Oscar nomination for True Grit this year.

Like many child stars Thylane has strong connections with the entertainment industry. She is the daughter of Véronika Loubry, an actress and television presenter and the former French international football player Patrick Blondeau.

Despite all those concerned about Thylane's age and image, younger admirers seem to be less averse to the provocative images.

On her Facebook page, which totals over 700 fans, people have posted comments celebrating her looks. One writes: 'Hey I just wanted to say that Thylane is absolutely stunning! xx' while another writes 'the awkward moment when a ten year old is prettier than you'.

Mr Bailey added: 'Society also seems to have become more openly sexualised; the rapidly changing technological environment has its benefits in so many ways but has also made the seamier side of humanity inescapable.'

David Cameron has endorsed the findings of the Bailey report and plans to grill companies and regulators at a Downing Street summit in October on the progress they have made.

Viola Davis And Octavia Spencer Cover "Entertainment Weekly", Defend Playing Maids In "The Help"

The Help actresses Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer cover the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly (on stands Friday) along with their co-star Emma Stone. Find out what Viola and Octavia had to say about their controversial roles in The Help to "EW" and TIME magazines....

Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer join their co-star Emma Stone on the cover of the latest Entertainment Weekly

In the mag, the trio discussed their new controversial film The Help which centers on household employees (i.e. black maids) who share stories about the families they work for in 1960s Jackson, MS. But the movie has attracted criticism for both Octavia and Viola who play "maids" in the movie.

While discussing her role in the film, Octavia said,

“I am thrilled to be playing this woman. She is a human being with the breadth and depth of emotions, and she is a contributing member of society. It should not be ‘Why is Viola Davis playing a maid in 2011?’ I think it should be ‘Viola Davis plays a maid and she gives the f—ing performance of her life.’”

And Viola also addressed the controversy saying,

“There are few movies coming out this year with African-American women in them. Very few are being made. Black actresses have enough obstacles in our way without someone protesting an opportunity for us to show our work on screen. It’s one thing if you go see The Help and you don’t like it. But give it a chance!”

And Viola echos her own statements in an upcoming interview for TIME Magazine that hits stands tomorrow. She summed up the furor over the "maid" role saying,

"The thing about the African-American community compared with the white community is, we are more concerned with image and message than execution,’ she says. ‘I don't play roles that are necessarily attractive or portray a positive image. They are well-rounded characters. When you squelch excellence to put out a message, it's like passing the baton and seeing it drop.’"

Sounds like Viola wants fans to know that these women are important characters and you have to look past their occupation to see the full picture.

I hope it does well for them at the box office as its success could open more doors for Black actresses.

Tracee Ellis Ross Covers Essence Magazine’s September 2011 Issue

Tracee Ellis Ross graces the cover of the September 2011 issue of Essence Magazine. In a long-sleeved printed off-shoulder dress, the Girlfriends star radiates natural beauty, quiet confidence and effortless style.

In the issue, she delves into her eclectic sense of Fashion, her relationship to famous mother, Diana Ross, and her upcoming sitcom on BET “Reed Between The Lines.”

What do you think of Tracee Ellis Ross’ cover for Essence Magazine?

Well while I did get back Football YAY! Well as for Basketball? Will the NBA season be cancelled?

Insider predicts disaster as he says players and teams are $800m apart

NBA Players Association boss Billy Hunter is worried

Locked in battle with NBA commissioner David Stern

League wants to change unprofitable economic model

NBA also trying to reduce players’ share of revenue

Now we know what the players think - the entire NBA season will be wiped out by the lockout.

NBA Players Association chief Billy Hunter said basketball owners and players are $800million apart in crucial labour talks.

He was speaking at a conference in Baltimore, Maryland, and stated that he expects the whole 2011/12 season to be cancelled.

Money gap: NBA Players Association chief Billy Hunter, left, said commissioner David Stern, right, and owners are $800million apart from players in labour talks

Mr Hunter spoke just days after the players and owners met but a new collective bargaining agreement failed to get any closer.

The controversy is over the NBA’s concern that its economic model must change because 22 of its 30 clubs are unprofitable.

The NBA also wants the players’ share of revenue to fall from 57 per cent - and Mr Hunter said the players have agreed to drop to 54 per cent.

But NBA commissioner David Stern has his hands tied in his negotiations by hard-line owners, reported the Baltimore Sun.

Mr Stern told ESPN on Tuesday that he is not yet ready to speculate if and when the two side will reach an agreement.‘The circumstances have changed among his constituency,’ Mr Hunter said.

In the last six or seven years, there is a new group of owners to come in who paid a premium for their franchises, and what they're doing is kind of holding his feet to the fire.’

‘In the last six or seven years, there is a new group of owners to come in who paid a premium for their franchises, and what they're doing is kind of holding (NBA commissioner David Stern's) feet to the fire'

Billy Hunter NBA Players Association chief Asked if there will be a 2011-12 season, he said: ‘If I had to bet on it at this moment, I would probably say no.’

An NBA spokesman said the organisation has no immediate response.

The two sides are expected to meet again later this month, reported the New York Daily News.

The lockout began at the start of July and some players are already heading for the European leagues to get away from the NBA.

New Jersey Nets players Jordan Farmar, Deron Williams and Sasha Vujacic have all left the U.S. for Europe and others are expected to follow.

Kelly Osbourne Labels Christina Aguilera a Fat B—ch….OUCH!!

Kelly Osbourne gets her digs in at Christina Aguilera's expense on E!'s Fashion Police.

Kelly Osbourne is on a fashion-fighting roll.

The daughter of Ozzy Osbourne has been dropping fashion un-friendly advice all over the airwaves, taking jabs at both Christina Aguilera and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

On E!’s Fashion Police, the 26-year-old host went after Aguilera for her outfit at an event in Munich, Germany last month.

"Maybe she is just becoming the fat b--ch she was born to be. I don't know.”

Osbourne, who has spoken out about her own challenges with finding a healthy weight, continued her jabs at The Voice judge. "She called me fat for so many f--ing years," Osbourne continued. "So you know what? You're fat too."

The feud between Osbourne and Aguilera has deep-seated roots. At 2003's MTV Europe Music Awards, the network aired a segment that showed Aguilera throwing darts at a picture of Osbourne. "I didn't realize it was still Halloween," Aguilera said after she walked out onstage.

Another Music Producer Suing Cash Money

Done Deal Enterprises in Georgia is suing Lil Wayne and Baby claiming they stole their beats...

Done Deal Enterprises filed a $15 million lawsuit against Lil Wayne, Young Money and Cash Money Records claiming YMCM used the beat from their copyrighted song 'Bedrock' for a YMCM song of the same name.

Young Money's Bedrock featured Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lloyd, Tyga, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz and went on to sell 3 million copies. Bedrock by Young Money was included on the Young Money compilation cd 'We are Young Money' which reached #1 on Billboards rap chart and was certified gold.

Done Deal joins Play and Skillz, Bangladesh and David Kirwood who all claimed to have been stiffed by YMCM.

Big Sean Arrested For Sexual Assault, Reps Release Statement

G.O.O.D. Music rapper Big Sean was arrested in upstate New York last night after an unnamed woman issued a complaint that she was sexually assaulted during a concert. Sean, along with another man named Willie Hansbro, are facing misdemeanor counts of forcible touching, unlawful imprisonment and sex abuse.
According to the The Wall Street Journal officers received the complaint around 9:50pm Thursday evening at Artpark State Park where Big Sean was performing with Wiz Khalifa, however, authorities refuse to comment on the incident.

Big Sean’s attorney released the following statement:
Recording artists, Sean “Big Sean” Anderson and Willie “Sayitainttone” Hansbro were arrested and then immediately released by the NY State Police in connection with an allegation made by a female who was at their concert in Lewiston, New York.
Both men were charged with misdemeanors and they both vehemently deny the allegations.
I am confident, that after further investigation, both men will be vindicated.

Both Sean and Willie were released on $500 bail, and are set to appear at the Niagara County Court on September 6.

Brandy To Join Cast Of ’90210′

While we wait on some new music from Brandy, it looks as though she’s making major moves behind the scenes. According to TV Line, the singer will be joining the cast of 90210 this October. On the show Brandy will play a young politician by the name of Marissa Jackson-Lewis.
Marissa Jackson-Lewis, a charismatic young politician running for congress in California against Teddy’s (Trevor Donovan) conservative uncle. “She’s a cross between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. She’s inspirational but with a drive to get the job done.” To that end, Marissa hires Silver (Jessica Stroup) to create a video campaign to reach the youth vote.
Brandy took to her twitter and wrote:
“I can’t tell you starz nothing first…lol! Yes I’m going to be on #90210 for multiple episodes and I will be playing a politician!!! YIKES!

I have the acting bug, singing bug, and all around ENTERTAINMENT bug! Ready to inspire and fulfill my new dreams all over again! Pray 4 me:)”
But that's not all, Brandy will also be appearing in four episodes of ‘Drop Dead Diva’ this season and is rumored to have signed with J Records.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

“A Nice Ring To It”

Seriously though, how overrated are pants? I’ve been saying for years they really don’t serve any purpose, I’m just glad someone finally had what it takes to fight back against the system! Sure maybe the best person to do this isn’t someone whose ass looks like a bag of peach rings that melted in a hot car, but someone had to step up!

PEACE!!!

EFREM