The Daily Roundup for March 27

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!

Ray J Denies Having Whitney Houston Sex Tape : Why Ray J & Bobbi Kristina Dont Get Along 

Ray J is denying a new rumor that he’s looking to profit on a sex tape and several X-rated photos featuring the late Whitney Houston. A rep for the R&B star tells E! News that the “despicable tabloid report” is “not true,” adding that “there is no sex tape or explicit photos.” The gossip magazine “Star” has cited a source who says Houston’s family has spoken to Ray J about making sure that the photos and video aren’t made public. “Star’s” report went on to say that Ray J is taking his time deciding what to do with the X-rated material because he knows he’s “sitting on a gold mine.” Ray J is no stranger to starring in sex tapes. In 2007, he appeared alongside Kim Kardashian in an X-rated home movie that wound up spreading all over the Internet.

Ray J and Whitney Houston were said to be casually dating prior to her death. Sources say Ray J and Whitney’s only child, Bobbi Kristina, “absolutely didn’t get along. Ray thought Krissy was extremely disrespectful towards him and acted bratty. Whitney and Krissy would argue as any mother/daughter would, but Ray didn’t like the way she talked back to her mom. Ray really tried to meet Krissy halfway and have a relationship with her, but she just wasn’t interested. Ray understood that Krissy didn’t trust him, but she never gave him a chance,” a source close to the situation tells Radar.
At the urging of his sister , Ray has agreed to see a counselor to help him come to terms of Whitney’s unexpected death.” Ray J is obviously absolutely devastated by the loss of Whitney, who he says was the love of his life,” a source close to the situation tells RadarOnline. “Even though a month has passed since she died, Ray still can’t believe that Whitney is gone.

He has saved voice mail messages on his cell phone from her that he has been listening to. His sister Brandy has urged him to go to counseling to deal with this loss, and he has finally agreed. Ray is just numb and he needs to be able to start to deal with these feelings. Brandy and her brother are extremely close, and she has been a rock for him in the weeks since Whitney died. However, Brandy is also dealing with a huge loss, as she worked with Whitney professionally, and loved her like an older sister.

Brandy recognizes that she can only help her brother so much. Ray has promised Brandy he will see someone, however, knowing how Brandy is, she will probably find a mental health professional and make the arrangements for him.”
No one will ever forget the heartbreaking moment at Houston’s funeral as her casket was being carried out of the church, as her song I Will Always Love Youwas playing, when Ray J lovingly reached out to touch Whitney’s coffin. Ray J subsequently broke down in tears in the pew and was comforted by Brandy.
“Ray is slowly getting back to trying to return to his life. He was in Washington DC over the weekend for work. Ray hasn’t spoken to Krissy since Whitney’s funeral,” the source said.

Gabrielle Union Dishes On Having A Public Relationship With Dwyane Wade

Gabby recently dished on the current projects she's working on, as well as how she keeps the relationship going with Mr. Wade throughout the busy schedules and paparazzi and rumors. And she seems to be taking it all in stride, especially after the couple's recent ESSENCE cover story.

Here's her interview with NBC Niteside:

Niteside: What are you up to these days?
Gabrielle Union: We are doing press for Think Like A Man. Last weekend I was at SWSX and soon I will begin shooting the pilot "Single Black Female" for BET. And I just found out about another project, but I cant talk too much about that. I am a little busy, but I love it.

It must be nice to walk down the carpet with your man.

It is. I miss so much throughout the year so its nice when our schedules work for these kind of things.

Is it strange to have your relationship in the public eye?
We don’t get it too bad. It is when we are with the kids on the beach and photographers are there. They didn’t sign up for that, you know? Or when we are with our friends and they are like, “Um, I don’t want my bikini body being photographed!” I always feel bad.

Which city is worse when it comes to paparazzi: Los Angeles or Miami?
That is a tough one. Miami when it comes to the beaches. When we are in Los Angeles, we can be in Malibu and no one knows. But the difference here is restaurants. We can go to popular restaurants and everyone leaves us be.

Do you just accept the photogs after a while?
Yes, it's part of the gig. We recognize as part of being together in the public eye.

Both said in ESSENCE's February 2012 cover story that are not in a hurry to hit the altar for a second time

HAVE YOU SEEN MISS CORWIN C PLEGER? Atlanta Police Wants To Hear From You!

Remember the pistol packin’ queen that bumrushed Derek J’s salon last week?

Not only is Derek’s fellow Atlanta hairstylist now being sought for probably using Krazy glue as a wig sealant, but there’s a warrant out for his arrest on charges stemming from that bizarre incident at The J-Spot Salon, where he confronted stylists with a pistol after they questioned his method of instillation.

The man who eff’d up Keyshia Cole‘s sister’s lacefront has finally been identified as Atlanta hairstylist Corwin Pledget and authorities are even offering a reward!

Atlanta police have identified the hairstylist being sought for allegedly shooting a gun into the floor of The J-Spot Buckhead salon last Wednesday as Corwin C. Pledger, 24 (pictured above) and he now faces aggravated assault and terroristic threat charges.

Pledger allegedly got angry when his client, Keyshia Cole’s sister/reality show star Neffeteria Pugh, went to Derek J.’s salon, to have her hair redone after being unhappy with Pledger’s work.
“The suspect pointed a loaded handgun at several customers and discharged his weapon while inside the business on Pharr Road,” Atlanta police said in a statement issued Tuesday.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

Callers may remain anonymous and may receive a reward of up to $2,000, if they supply information leading to Pledger’s arrest.

Kim Kardashian Gets 'Flour Bombed' at Fragrance Launch

Making for what was surely quite the sight to be seen, Kim Kardashian was the victim of a 'flour bomb' while holding court at an event to launch her fourth fragrance at The London West Hollywood

The always-stylish E! reality star was joined by her mom, Kris Jenner, at the soiree - during which she ended up covered in the powdery baking substance while working the red carpet to promote her 'True Reflection' scent.

video:

As for the incident, a source on the scene tells, "Kim was giving an interview when a young Asian ran from the press line onto the carpet and said something to her and dumped the flour over her head."
The insider adds that Miss Kardashian was "shocked" as she walked off with staff members who helped escort her to a private area to get cleaned up - with members of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department arriving soon after.

As for the 31-year-old's perfume party, the event was commendably held in benefit of Dress for Success, which is a non-profit organization that provides interview suits, confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women.
Seemingly having a splendid time (aside from the flour snafu), Kim tweeted upon its conclusion, "Just met all these lovely woman at Dress for Success. You all are such inspiring women! Thank you for today! #TrueReflection"

Watch Fantasia Record New Song In The Studio

Fantasia seems to be putting her personal drama aside — she’s back in the studio recording with Kandi Burruss! Fantasia spent much of the last year putting her musical and acting career on hold due to a complicated pregnancy, with her son Dallas. But now she’s in the process of working on her forthcoming studio album with Kandi Burruss of RHOA (Real Housewives of Atlanta). Kandi convinced Fantasia to head back into the studio again and lay down some vocals for, Be Alright, a new song featured on Bravo’s The Kandi Factory. “Man,

Check out the video of Fantasia in the booth: 

Fantasia is hitting some notes in this booth that literally are giving me the chills,” Kandi tweeted.

Designer to Watch: Shavonne Cooper of Shavonne DeAnn

Shavonne Cooper developed a passion for fashion design in high school. After attending Moore College of Art & Design and interning at Kate Spade, Cooper began a career in fashion styling. In 2009, Cooper gave birth to her brand, Shavonne DeAnn.

Sometimes you have to go against all odds to make a name for yourself in the cut-throat world of fashion. In 2010, Shavonne Cooper gathered some of her model friends, rented a van, and drove from Pennsylvania to New York. She staged her very own New York Fashion Week debut in front of the Lincoln Center.
When police tried to stop her fashion week presentation, Shavonne found a way to make it work. She became a fashion rebel with a purpose. Her sexy and playful debut collection included rompers, dresses, and a full swing trench coat.

Since crashing New York Fashion Week twice, Cooper’s line, Shavonne DeAnn has gained much buzz from top fashion stylists June Ambrose and Ty Hunter, who are intrigued by her take on femininity. Her one sleeved “Chloe Dress” became an instant hit with the always stylish Angela Simmons.

Being a fashion entrepreneur is not easy, but Shavonne finds creative ways to keep her business going. Using Kickstarter, she was able to raise enough money to produce her Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The collection featured crop tops, high-waisted skirts and tribal prints.
Cooper is an ambitious young designer that successfully manages to build awareness of her brand with planned presentations, modern fundraising strategies, and creative outreach. Her designs are sculptural, tasteful, and bold.
The independent designer behind Shavonne DeAnn continues to inspire other creative women with her constant hustle that is inspiring and contagious.

We are excited to see what Ms. Cooper will design next in her Spring 2012 collection titled “Vintage Candy Twist”. You can view and purchase her recent designs at www.shavonnedeann.bigcartel.com

NEW REALITY SERIES: THE LADIES OF R&B

T V One has confirmed the new reality series The Ladies of R&B will premiere this fall on the channel. The cast will feature some of the most memorable voices in R&B/Soul: Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert (Brownstone), Keke Wyatt, Monifah Carter and Syleena Johnson. The hour-long series The hour long series will follow the women while on their solo journey, while together, and in different combinations as they not only fight to get their lives on track, but also to pay their good fortune forward. Divorce, parenting, drugs and alcohol, physical abuse and more – these ladies have survived it all and continue to deal with life’s battles each day, reports TV One.

Hot Shots: Rihanna Gets Fierce On Set Of ‘Princess of China’ Video

Cop a gander of Rihanna!

The model/actress appeared just how we like her (mute and fierce) on the set of the video for ‘Princess of China’, Coldplay‘s hit which she features on.
Christening the look “Gangsta goth geisha”, the 24 year old shared more shot from the shoot. Check it out below…

Seeing Ms. Fenty serve up these levels of “diva” remind us of how frustrating she is as an “artist”. Why? Because without any talent or at least the drive to acquire any, she remains little more than a very pretty face. Sad, when considering the possibilities if she applied herself. Indeed, had she actually tried, she could prove quite the formidable package (see: looks, vocals, choreo).

Did Jennifer Lopez Marry Casper Smart in Mexico??

Star Magazine‘s April 2 2012 issue features a report that Jennifer Lopez married her new beau Casper Smart in Mexico.
According to the mag, the couple had a secret wedding on a yacht with no guests & no gifts! Now Casper wants to adopt her kids. News about the prenup-he gest $1 million a year!

Queen Latifah Producing New Thriller

Queen Latifah will executive produce and star in the new independent thriller 'House of Bodies'...
House of Bodies is about a group of people brought together following a series of copycat murders. Terrence Howard and Peter Fonda are also attached to the project.

Queen Latifah will play Nicole, a relay operator for a hearing impaired telephone service who hooks up with a former serial killer [Fonda] to help a detective [presumably Terrence] find the killer.

Sanna Lathan Kicks It With New "Boss" Co-Star T.I

T.I. & Sanaa Lathan have a new gig! The hit Showtime series "Boss" will see Sanaa Lathan & T.I. joining the cast for season 2 kicking off soon. We've got pics from their cast dinner, plus Drizzy's newest freestyle making the rounds where he's open about the women he & Weezy share...

Sanaa Lathan tweeted pics from the cast dinner in Chicago with her "Boss" co-stars T.I. & Rotimi (above left). Rotimi has been on the show since its 2011 premiere. And it seems T.I. will be making a special guest appearance in Season 2. Sanaa will play the new obsession of Mayor Kane (played by Kelsey Grammar).

And Rotimi also recently posted a pic of he and T.I. on the set. He said, "On set, just finished up our scene together. Me, my big brother @Tip & our acting manager Brian Sher. S/o @akooclothing #Boss."

I tried to watch this show last season and just couldn't get into it. But maybe it needs another chance with these cast additions. Will you be watching?

Styled by June Suffers in the Ratings

Oh dear. Not many of you tuned in for stylist to the stars June Ambrose's new reality show...
June Ambrose is a staple in New York fashion and has styled many of your favorites including Jay Z, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and others but apparently connections don't necessarily translate into ratings.

'Styled by June' debuted at #15 for prime time cable Monday night after pulling just 1.065 million viewers. Maybe next week June should start a fight with one of her clients.

BRAXTONMANIA! TRINA AND TONI!

First up Trina New Song:– ‘Party Or Go Home’

Ladies and gentlemen, we give you, Trina Braxton–the solo star.

The middle Braxton sister is busting out from her eldest sibling’s shadow with her debut single ‘Party Or Go Home’. Does ‘Miss Boom Boom’ have what it takes to be the world class Pop star she says she can be?

Get your life to ‘Party’ Song:

Wow! From beginning to end Trina commands the Electro-Pop head banger like a seasoned pro.
Trina served you know what and everything else! A fitting debut from the self dubbed ‘Party Girl’ on the hit WE reality show ‘Braxton Family Values’.

Your thoughts?

And now Toni: TONI BRAXTON REVEALS NEW ALBUM TITLE

Toni Braxton has announced the title of her new album, Heartstrings & Synagogue Vibes! This marks the eighth album from the singer. It is scheduled for release in May 2012. While on the set of her new music video, I Heart You, Toni promised that this album will make you “want to dance all night”. I Heart You, is the first single from the album. Toni premiered the song online earlier this month. “I’m kind of a beast in the studio – I’m a perfectionist. I repeat things. I want to get it right,” Toni said. Heartstrings & Synagogue Vibes is her first album to be released in two years.

Usher Signed On For Movie Role As Legendary Boxer Sugar Ray Leonard

It’s been a little while since we’ve seen Usher in a movie role, and it looks like he is expanding his horizons and his career a bit with his next project. The “Climax” singer has officially signed on to play the key role of Sugar Ray Leonard in an upcoming movie titled “Hands of Stone.”

Usher Raymond will take on the role of the iconic boxer, while he acts alongside other legends such as Robert De Niro and Gael Garcia Bernal. Bernal will be the lead role of the film, premised around Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán, and Usher will play in a supporting role of the sports story movie.
So while he’s been busy battling his ex-wife’s crazy demands for lawyer money, being a great father to his two sons; Ursh has also been in the ring training for the film.

Billboard shared Usher’s excitement for the new role, “This is going to be an incredible movie — in time an incredible story — and I’m really looking forward to that.”

KENNY LATTIMORE LAUNCHING A NEW LABEL!

Kenny Lattimore has launch his own label, SincereSoul Records! The label has a distribution deal with EMI Label Services in conjunction with Capitol Records, who will provide marketing and promotional services for the label. The first project Kenny will release in June is his latest record, Back 2 Cool. It has been four years since the D.C. crooner dropped a solo effort and the forthcoming set took Kenny two years to finish. The lead single from the album will be, Find A Way, which will impact radio in early May. But, you can hear it here first —

“I’m thrilled to be launching my own label,” says Kenny Lattimore. “It has been a blessing to find success in this industry as an artist and now, thanks to EMI Label Services, I have found a home for SincereSoul Records. I’m looking forward to having more control creatively as an artist and as a businessman outside the recording studio, where I have the freedom to explore all facets of my experiences and blend them into my music.”

Cassie Raises Up the Heat on CLAM Magazine

Lookin’ as fierce Cassie Ventura finds herself as the cover-girl on the upcoming issue of CLAM Magazine. The magazine’s target audience ranges in age and genders, and focuses on creativity & concepts in fashion, music, design, and architecture. Cassie teamed up with photographer Marc Baptiste for the photo shoot in the Mojave Dessert in California
Also, be on the lookout for Cassie’s album, expected out later this year.

Vaughn Anthony Follows Brother John Legend in NYC Takeover

For John Legend, his performances in legendary New York City venue S.O.B was a stepping stone in his career. Now, his brother Vaughn Anthony has followed in his footsteps, taking center-stage at S.O.B performing in front of a pack crowd with industry executives including Grammy Award winning producer Jerry ‘Wonda’ Duplessis and music executive Rich Dollaz of VH1′s “Love & Hip Hop.”

Vaughn Anthony performed a full set of songs including a rendition of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” and original records “Life of a Playa,” “Hold Me Down,” and Need U/Heaven.” He was joined by “Love and Hip Hop” star Olivia for their duet “In Your Shoes.”

Mr. Anthony is takings steps to building a solid foundation for his career, with performances and the release of a new mixtape entitled ‘Life of a Player.

OH DEMI!!; Demi Moore Unrecognizable in New Ad

Demi Moore turns back the hands of time with photoshop for a new ad campaign.

Having notched up a marriage breakdown, severe weight loss, drug-related collapse and a stint in rehab over the past few months, Demi Moore has had a difficult time of it lately.
Naturally, she has been looking less than her best, the worry and torment of her experience etched across her thinning face.

But as heavily airbrushed photographs of the star from the latest campaign for beauty brand Helena Rubinstein are released, it is apparent that any such signs of stress have been entirely erased.

More than that, thanks to an over-zealous session with Photoshop and the omnipresent airbrush, the natural contours of Demi's face are gone: her strong, angular chin; the lines running from nose to mouth, the shape of her nose - all are entirely obliterated.
The 49-year-old star is all but unrecognisable. In her place is a bleached, smooth, line-free version of Demi that looks more like a computer generated fembot than the familiar Hollywood actress with five decades under her belt.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“Three-Limbed Staff”

I honest to God can’t think of a scenario where I need to leave or break out of a hospital to go buy a yoga mat. Shit, I’m relatively healthy and I don’t buy yoga mats. Good luck with your downward dog or whatever it is you do with that busted wing.

SEE YA!!!

EFREM