The Daily Roundup for Feb 13

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WTF?!? Jay-Z Earned $63 Million, and Only Gave $6K To His Charity 

Jay-Z earned $63 million in 2010 and donated $6,431 to his own charity that year, according to an examination of tax records for the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund by The Daily.
But he is splitting the proceeds from his Carnegie Hall concerts between the charity and the United Way of New York.
A representative said in a statement provided to The Daily that Jay-Z (real name: Shawn Carter) contributes in other ways, and that his mother works at the charity for free:

“Jay, along with his family, provided office support, overhead support, Mrs. Gloria Carter’s 100% effort and time, computers, FedEx expenses, accounting, and treasury function support. This was at no cost to the charity.”
The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, received three donations in 2010, totaling $218,849, The Daily News noted.
The representative also noted that in 2011, a year for which tax returns for the charity are not yet available, the artist helped raise $1.25 million for the organization by performing at a free concert.

Forbes estimated Jay-Z’s net worth at $420 million.

The Music World Reacts to Whitney’s Passing!

The music world rocked yesterday with news that pop music icon Whitney Houston has died at the age of 48. Inside, get reactions from celebs like Quincy Jones, Bobby Brown, Clive Davis, Toni Braxton and Mariah Carey as they reflect about Nippy.

Since news of her death began to spead Saturday, many of Whitney's industry friends and admirers have posted/tweeted or released statements about her legacy:

Her mentor, Clive Davis, arrived to his pre-Grammy party and told the crowd:

By now you have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotion in front of a room full of so many dear friends. I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years.

Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight even though she wasn’t scheduled to perform. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music.

My heart goes out to her daughter Bobbi Christina, to her mother Cissy, to all of her relatives and to so many of you here tonight, her extended family who loved and cherished her and her spirit.

Whitney was a beautiful person and a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage with her regal presence and gave so many memorable performances here over the years. Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on.

I ask that you join me in a moment of silence as we dedicate this evening to Whitney.

Also this: On Thursday night, Whitney was partying at Tru nightclub when she ran into singer El Debarge. The two shared a very touching embrace (as they've both had their struggles with drugs. Her daughter Bobbi Kristina, can also be seen in the video.

More Tweet Tributes!

As Bobby Brown took the stage tonight in Mississippi, he told the crowd: First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all. Second, I would like to say, I love you, Whitney! The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage."

Quincy Jones: I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing. Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just 16, and I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly.

Justin Bieber: just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family.

Kathy Griffin: She was A TALENT & A LEGEND. She was never a 'reality star.' No jokes from me about Miss Houston today.

Spike Lee: God Bless The Dead. Whitney Houston R.I.P. She Was Only 48 Years Young.

Paris Hilton: So sad to hear the news about Whitney Houston. :( She was such a beautiful and talented woman. My heart goes out to her family.

Cory Booker (Newark, NJ mayor): A legend has died. As the world mourns the loss of one of the all-time greats, we in Newark feel an especially deep sadness. She went from a Newark church to global stage, but he always remained a deep part of our pride and collective heart.

Tony Bennett: It's a tragedy. Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed.

Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins: Whitney Houston was by far one of the greatest artist I ever worked with. One of the most amazing, anointed, gifted voices I've ever had the chance to capture in the studio. Most importantly she was a beautiful person, she had such a sweet, beautiful spirit. She blessed us with so much greatness in songs that we can never ever forget her. Whitney was a dear friend and my family will truly miss her. Our love and prayers go out to the entire Houston family! We love and miss u Whitney!

Chilli: I can't believe this news about Whitney Houston..I am so upset, i loved her very much and I'll never forget her....another Angel gone 2 soon

DJ Khaled: R.I.P Whitney Houston god bless her soul

Toccara Jones: #RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her family and loved ones. She will be missed.

Aretha Franklin: My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby.

Mariah Carey: Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.

Diggy Simmons: RIP to the legendary Whitney Houston.. Voice is unmatched.

Fabolous: Im sittin here thinking, Whitney was prolly going to the Grammys 2moro.. #YouNeverKnowWhichDayCouldBeYourLast

Wyclef Jean: This is the saddest thing I've ever had to write in my life, R I P to one of the greatest humans that I have ever known Whitney Houston

Mike Tyson: Condolences to the Houston family, especially Bobbi Kristina. I'm lost for words. Prayers and love.

Zonnique Pullins (Tiny's daughter): RIP to a legend and a great woman, Whitney Houston! Glad that the girls and I got to meet her before she passed!

UsherRaymondIV: R.I.P Whitney Houston... A true icon of our time. Gone too soon. My heart goes out to the family in their time of distress. URIV

Tyrese Gibson: WHITNEY HOUSTON HAS PASSED AWAY.. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT.. THIS IS UNREAL.. MAY GOD BLESS HER DAUGHTER AND FAMILY REST IN SINGING HEAVEN ...

Solange Knowles: At this time, the question is not how she went... It is how she will be remembered. I will always remember Whitney Houston as a true legend.

Sherri E. Shepherd: I cannot believe it... Whitney Houston has died at the age of 48... I'm shocked... I'm speechless... too soon

Selita Ebanks: #Moment of silence for one of the greatest voices of all time.... Whitney Houston :-( #RIP

Stacey Dash: I feel so sad, may she rest in peace #whitneyhouston

Rihanna: No words! Just tears #DearWhitney

Diddy: Whitney Houston!!! OMG!! I really can't believe this.. This is one of the saddest days ever..

NeYo: We love you Whitney Houston...

Nick Cannon: "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" RIP to Whitney Houston a true queen.

Niecy Nash: Her voice captured our hearts. Acting captured our minds. Being Bobby Brown made her a friend/auntie in our heads.#ripwhitneyhouston

Q-Tip: I had the pleasure of knowing /wking w whitney. Known her 4 long time. My prayers r w/fam, robyn, bob, ect.. RIP whitney "THEVOICE"

Queen Latifah: Oh Dear Lord! Huritng so Bad!!! MY Sister Whitney!!!!!!! Newark please Pray!!! World Please Pray!

Bre Scullark: Whitney was not trendy, she was timeless

Nia Long: Just finished a cover shoot. The theme was I'm Every Woman...I love you Whitney.

Kimora Lee Simmons: RIP Whitney my lady... Always one of the Most Beautiful! Maybe now u will be at peace....love you and the family forever.

Terrence J: RIP Whitney Houston. So sad to hear this news. My condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.

Young Jeezy: R.I.P. Whitney Houston, 1 of the most talented&beautiful black women of our time. She shared her pain&triumphs with us. #GoneButNotForgotten

Toni Braxton: My heart is weeping...RIP to the Legendary Diva & Icon Whitney Houston!!!!! Such an incredible influence over music as a whole! She's paved the way for every single singer in the music industry. Iconic, legendary, innovating, amazing, humble...1 the best in the world

Taraji P. Henson: LORD HAVE MERCY!!!! We've lost another great! RIP Whitney Houston! My heart hurts.

Russell Simmons: deeply saddened by the death of Whitney Houston...may she rest in peace

Nicki Minaj: Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time.

Jennifer Lopez: Such a loss. One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family... #R.I.P.Whitney.

LA LA Anthony: I love you Whitney Houston. There will never be another. Ill always remember the sound of your voice and the impact ur music had on my life

Tameka "Tiny" Harris: So sad to hear about Whitney! I just took @therealomggirlz 2meet her last wk! I'm so glad they got to meet such & Amazing Icon! R.I.P WH☹

Tika Sumpter (Sparkle co-star) Heart broken and a crying mess. I love you mama Whitney. You taught me far more than you know. RIP.

LeToya Luckett: Her smile. Her grace. Her Voice. The ICON. Whitney Houston R.I.P

Fabolous: One of the best Movie & Soundtrack combinations ever... #RipWhitneyHouston

OMARION: R.I.P Whitney Houston rest well

Willie Taylor (Day 26): RIP Whitney Houston..... The voice of an Angel!!!! You will Never be forgotten!!!

Kevin Hart: I just Heard that Whitney Houston passed away 2day, I want everyone 2 remember her for what she was & that's a LEGEND & A music Icon! RIP My prayers go out to her family & friends!!! I'm speechless right now......RIP Whitney Houston

KEYSHIA COLE GIBSON: Whitney??? Pls No!! R.I.P my beautiful! This REALLY hurts my heart!!!!

Marques Houston: RIP to my auntie Whitney Houston! Your voice was that of an Angel! U will be remembered as a legend!

Kelly Price: My heart is so heavy.....#WHITNEY my friend

R.I.P Nippy!

Eric Benet is back with an Upcoming album, ‘The One’, kicks off with the new single and video, “Real Love” 

The One will be available online and in stores Spring 2012

Video: 

Thoughts?

Eric Benet is out on tour!
For dates/info, please see http://www.ericbenet.net/tour

Giants linebacker Greg Jones proposes to girlfriend on field moments after Super Bowl victory. However check out his Mom’s reaction. 

One celebration obviously wasn't enough for New York Giants linebacker Greg Jones during last week’s Super Bowl..
During the on-field celebrations right after his team won the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, he got down on bended knee and proposed to his girlfriend Amanda Piechowski amid the confetti and the rapturous screaming and cheering from fans.

His girlfriend, who he refers to as Mandy, said yes and immediately started crying.
Tears of joy: Mandy says yes and can hardly contain her emotions as he slips the ring on her finger
Speaking to the New jersey Star-Ledger, he said: 'She was bawling. I was like, "I don’t know how long she’s going to keep crying".
'She definitely knows how I feel. A speech wasn’t even needed.

'Just everything we’ve been through together. She’s been here since day one and she knew me long before everything else.'
He said if his team had lost, he would have proposed another time.
The pair met three years ago at Michigan State but only started dating a year ago.

Miss Piechowski is a former Spartans basketball player and model.
The joyous moment - captured on camera - was reminiscent of Boise State’s Ian Johnson getting engaged after the Fiesta Bowl a few years ago.
Jones, a sixth-round pick, began the season as a starter on defense and has been a contributor on special teams.

But wait look at his Mom’s reaction to all of this

Mandy might have problems going forward from Momma duke!

Ne-Yo & His Boo Bond Over Ass & T*tties 

F*ck dinner and a movie!

If you’re looking for a different way to bond with the one you love, try heading over to Magic City and make it precipitate in ass and titty wonderland.

Ne-Yo and his long time girlfriend (plus the mother of his children), Monyetta Shaw, have the right idea on what it means to spend quality time. The twosome recently took a trip to the popular Atlanta night club and made several ladies’ night, as they allegedly dropped anywhere from $3-5k on the floor. I’d like to think of that as helping the economy.

Oh and if you want to know who the stripper is with all the tats it’s @SecretMoneii.

The New Nike Air Foamposite One 'Galaxy' 

The popularity of sneakers goes in cycles. At one point it was all about Air Force 1s, and Air Max 95s had a good run (both still classics, in the proper color). Right now, retro Jordans and LeBron signature models rule but another sneaker currently reigning supreme is the Nike Air Foamposite. Washington, DC and "uh-rea" heads stayed rocking Foams early and if you take a walk around any hood in NYC, you should be wondering how all these kids got multiple pairs of kicks that cost $220 a pop.

So needless to say when the 'Galaxy' colorway of Penny Hardaway's signature shoe drops, the potential for anarchy during sneaker lines up is very real. The show is inspired by NASA and space, since the NBA All-Star game is in Orlando. Let's keep it civil, and avoid incidents like these, when they release on February 24, cool?

Hip Hop Flashback; Who Remembers Rapper, Queen Pen?

Well, hey girl!

A lot of you probably don’t remember the rapper, Queen Pen or maybe you do, from the song, Party Ain’t a Party and also rocked “No Diggity with Dr Dre for Blackstreet” Well she recently surfaced….umm…yea, she surfaced. At least her stomach’s flat!

Don’t hate on her booty tootin’, yall….

Miss Erykah and her cute Ice Skating Pumps! 

She's known for being avant garde, so Erykah Badu's choice of footwear isn't entirely surprising.
The singer-songwriter stepped out in Hollywood last night to attend a pre-Grammy bash.
She wore these zany white boots, which appear to have blades on the bottom like ice skates.
N-ice boots! Singer-songwriter Erykah Badu arrived at MyHouse nightclub in Hollywood wearing these funky boots
Though the California evening was unseasonably warm, she decided to go for a winter theme with the rest of her ensemble.

She paired tight leggings - perfect for figure skating in the cold - with a gold and brown printed sweater.
She added a knit winter cap as the final touch to her outfit as she entered the MyHouse nightclub.

The singer, who has often been compared to jazz great Billie Holiday, was formerly known for her wild headgear.
She was recognizable for wearing large, colourful, turban-like headwraps.

Michelle Obama Covers Prevention's March Issue

She's diligently been working to help improve healthiness in the States, and Michelle Obama addresses the topic as she covers the March 2012 issue of Prevention.
The First Lady went into great detail with the magazine about nutrition and exercise, while using her family's experiences as examples throughout.

Highlights from Mrs. Obama's interview are as follows. For more, be sure to check out Prevention!

On an acceptable bribe when it comes to getting kids to exercise:
"It's whatever motivates that kid. In my household, what motivates Sasha is very different from what motivates her big sister. It can be a television show they want to watch or an activity with a friend. But I try mostly to provide information to my kids about the why, because ultimately the bribe runs cold."

On some of the healthy snacks that Sasha and Malia like:
"They both love dried and fresh fruit, and Sasha likes nuts. A few years ago, I always kept a bowl of fruit not just out on the countertop, but down low where they could reach it. That way, when they were running around from room to room, they could just grab a couple of grapes along the way, rather than pick up a cookie. That said, now they're 10 and 13, so they do want cookies and ice cream like any other kids. The trick – and what we talk about – is not having those things every day."

On her exercise regimen:
"I work out six or seven days a week. But I do yoga now twice a week, because I'm beginning to notice as I get older that flexibility and mobility are critical."

On whether she exercises with Pres. Barack Obama:
"I usually get up to make sure that the girls get to school. And once they're out, I go up to work out. He comes up afterwards. So I'm usually in the middle of my workout when he's starting his."

Mo And Kita "How Dare He, We've Never Stolen ANYTHING From Terrell Owens" 

We all remember when T.O. went on "WENDY" to discuss the GQ article where he revealed he was broke, lonely and felt betrayed by a few friends. Although he did mention that he is no longer friends with Mo and Kita, he kept mum about the name of a friend who stole from him (so some people thought it was Mo and Kita).

Now the ladies are speaking out to clear their name and share their side of the story.

TheInsider.com: How did all this start? Terrell says you double-crossed him.

Kita: He's mad at everybody. We were friends first. People forget that. We were friends for 12 years. Terrell is the only client we had where we had a friendship first. The GQ article didn't bother us (T.O. recently did an interview with GQ where he stated he was broke and had no friends). Terrell is typically known for running his mouth, he says things off the cuff, he's mad at the world. It didn't bother us, that article we knew about.

TheInsider.com: So what took you guys over the top emotionally?
Kita: His Wendy Williams interview. We didn't steal anything from him. And he sat on that couch, and said a friend stole some money. People assumed he was talking about us, and he never really stated he WASN'T talking about us. So that's how Wendy Williams made the assumption and went on her after show saying 'Those two girls ripped him off! I can't believe Mo and Kita would do such a thing.' Having an opinion is one thing -- anyone can have an opinion -- but when you state it as fact now you are messing with my reputation as a professional woman. Monique and I have been in this business for over 15 years. Before T.O. And we've worked with artists from Ludacris, to Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Method Man and more. We worked for Def Jam! So for him to say something like that and not be clear -- that's where we got hurt. We're hurt more than anything.

TheInsider.com: So just to set the record straight, neither of you have ever stolen from T.O.?
Monique and Kita: NEVER!
Monique: We have never! We've never stolen ANYTHING from Terrell Owens. There's been always hills and valleys within our relationship. This isn't the first time Terrell and Kita and I have parted ways with our friendship. Over a 12-year span it's not a big deal. Where the hurt and disbelif came from is he put some things out there, and we know how media puts a spin on things, especially messy media. He was never clear.

Read more at The Insider; 

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta is CONFIRMED!

So it’s official. VH1 has finally confirmed that Love and Hip Hop is coming to Hotlanta!

SAY YAY!!!

Well there may be a reality-show shake up coming soon because word on the curb is that Nivea is a no go and at least one of the R.H.O.A’s will be leaving their high rated show to jump aboard the Love & Hip Hop train.
According to Str8 from The A;Here’s what I’ve heard so far about the Love & Hip Hop Atlanta cast…

Diamond and Rasheeda are all aboard.

Rasheeda is a well-known and respected female rapper… at least in Atlanta, where she’s made waves with quite a few singles.

She once joined forces with her BFF Kandi Burruss of The Real Housewives of Atlanta along with Toya Carter Wright, Lola Monroe and Diamond for a female version of the song Bedrock.
Diamond, formerly of the group Crime Mob, has made quite a few hood anthems herself. Diamond is known as a hustler and wants to make it in the game by any means necessary.

She has most notably made her name known on the blogs by associating herself with a few male rappers in the ATL, with Gucci Mane, Scrappy & Soulja Boy all allegedly fighting for the draws…

Rici is said to also joining the cast as a “Yandy” type character.

Rici (formerly of Block Entertainment) is known around the ATL as a celebrity assistant of sorts. She formerly worked with Block Ent. artists like Gorilla Zoe, Yung Joc, and is closely associated with Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame’s camp.

[Sidebar: There have been rumors that Waka's mom/manager Debra Antney would be joining the cast, but so far that's just a rumor.] HOPEFULLY NOT!

Now this other addition isn’t confirmed but she’s been spotted during castings and on the set during filming and I predict a major shake up if she leaves her current position on another highly rated Atlanta reality show. 

Everybody knows Entertainment attorney Phaedra Parks, her good friend Love & Hip-Hop’s Mona Scott Young, is very proficient in the ways of reality shows.
Having first worked on The Tiny and Toya Show, Parks has been woo’d by a slew of other shows to work in front of and behind the camera.

Sources say Phaedra may actually be considering jumping ship from The Real Housewives of Atlanta for a more lucrative position working along side Mona.

I’m hoping she decides to stay on RHOA but we all know that money talks…

Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart Hit Malibu Beach with Her Twins

Looks like this “thing” with Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart is getting pretty serious.

Jennifer and Casper, who have been publicly dating since last November, were spotted having a play date on the beach in Malibu with the American Idol judge’s 3-year-old twins Max and Emme.

In some of the photos, Casper — who is also a backup dancer for Lopez — can be seen playfully hoisting little Emme in the air and running around with her and Max as their mom watches on by the beach.
A friend of the couple recently told US Weekly that Smart gets along “great” with Lopez’ two children from her former 7-year marriage with Marc Anthony.
Lopez and Anthony have yet to finalize their divorce, but it looks like things are already heating up between Jennifer and Casper.
“Jennifer wouldn’t introduce him to them unless she know she could trust him,” the friend told US Weekly.

And finally from “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“No Return To Innocence” 

It’s amazing how you can capture a moment in time right before a child’s innocence is ruined. Because a few moments later their paths crossed and for that young boy he saw something that can’t be undone. It makes my heart weep.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!

EFREM