The Daily Roundup for April 17

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Wendy Raquel Robinson DISHES On Working With Steve Harvey And "The Game" For BE Magazine

Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson is covering the April 2012 issue of BE magazine cover as she talks about playing "The Game" in Hollywood while dishing on her former co-star Steve Harvey and being Tasha Mack.

On Steve Harvey:
"I watched Steve Harvey work so hard, from getting up at 4 AM for the radio show, then he'd come to the set & we'd do the rehearsals and the shooting, and then him and Cedric would pop out after taping & would fly out and do the Kings of Comedy. I was like WOW! It just made me feel like mayBE I wasn't working hard enough..."

On "The Game"
"Bringing The Game back was really humbling, but at the same time it was an added pressure. It's like whoa, with the fans, we can't BE bringing no BS, we gotta bring it & bring it tight each and every week. So it really elevated the playing field & THE GAME literally that the actor brought to the show BEcause that don't happen! I don't know of another show that that has really happened to by viewers choice gets cancelled & picked back up and have a greater life than it did BEfore."

BE Magazine Issue XXXVIII is on news stands now!

The Predictions Are In: Monica’s ‘New Life’ Set To Sell…

Easily one of the most anticipated R&B releases this year, Monica‘s ‘New Life’ no doubt has many itching to see how well it does straight out of the gate.

And while a definitive answer will be ushered in with next week’s official Billboard 200 chart, its first day figures-as is usual-provide a safe estimate.
Find out what Ms. Brown is on-course to open with after the jump…

According to Hits Daily Double, ‘Life’ is slated to premiere within the top 10 with sales of 55,000-65,000 – a noticeable dip from the debut of her last outing, ‘Still Standing’. Indeed, many will remember the ‘Everything To Me’ led set shifted 184,000 on its first week.

Needless to say, the figures aren’t at all the best. That said, longevity is key; and with 17 years under her belt, staying around and relevant is something Mo’ seems versed in. Here’s hoping aspects of the project are salvaged with solid single releases (‘Daddy’s Good Girl’, anyone?) and touring.

Personally I like this CD. It shows a mature side of Monica.. However maybe her fam base is still living in the past?

Your thoughts?

Kevin Hart’s Ex Wife Assaults His Attorney in Court

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart’s ex-wife Torrei reportedly attacked Hart’s attorney Debra Opri during the couple’s divorce proceedings Wednesday afternoon, Radar Online reports.

Kevin Hart filed for divorce last year and the divorce is already finalized, but the ex-couple were in a Los Angeles working out post divorce matters.
An eyewitness said that Torrei became irate when the judge ordered her to pay a portion of Hart’s legal fees, at which point she lunged at Opri. Though several sheriff’s deputies had to restrain her and Torrei called Opri a b*tch, she was not arrested.
The eyewitness also says that the two have joint custody of their two children, and that Kevin Hart pays child support to her.

“Kevin pays Torrei child support and just wishes that Torrei would get over the bitter feelings she has towards him for the sake of the children,” said the source.

Hart has been in numerous films including “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and “Scary Movie 3.” He also has performed three comedy specials for the Comedy Central network, and who could forget the hilarious ‘Laugh At My Pain.’

Madonna Launches 'Truth or Dare' Fragrance

Tending to promotional duties as she hopes for big sales, Madonna launched her signature scent 'Truth Or Dare' By Madonna in New York City
The 'Material Girl' was in fine form as she greeted the gathered crowd at Macy's Herald Square while clad in a black Dolce & Gabbana frock.

Madge's fragrance launch comes after her commercial for the product caused a bit of a controversy while deemed by many to be "too sexy".

The New York Post reported that the ad (watch below) led ABC to request a revised version from Madonna before airing it in a primetime slot.
The Post's source dished, "ABC viewed the ad [and] came back with a list of changes. They say they want her bra digitally made bigger, and to extend higher to cover more of her chest, and her corset longer to cover more of her bottom. ABC also wants to cut another suggestive scene where Madonna writhes around."

Meanwhile, those who wish to purchase the scent - 'Truth or Dare' is available at Macy's in a 2.5 oz bottle for $68.

Britney Spears Joins ‘X Factor’ As New Judge For $15M

Britney Spears 30-year-old mother of two has reportedly reached a deal with “The X Factor” that will give her 15-million dollars to take a seat at the judges’ table. A source close to the situation say that the pop star and Simon Cowell’s show have agreed upon the deal, but nothing has been signed yet. Spears is expected to get 13-million for working alongside Cowell, L.A. Reid and another still-unnamed judge, with the remaining two-million dollars coming as a bonus for performing on the Fox show. Last month, the singer reportedly rejected a ten-million-dollar offer, and was said to be asking for 20-million. While she didn’t

Jada Pinkett-Smith Addresses Divorce Rumors 

Once and for all Jada Pinkett-Smith shuts down divorce rumors surrounding her and Will Smith...

Jada tells French magazine Gala,
"Every year, a celebrity couple is on the radar. This year, unluckily, it's us! I almost want to say that we should have been expecting it."

"But Will and I know the truth. We are waiting peacefully for when the storm ends."
"These rumours are completely untrue. I'm travelling a lot because of my work, as Will does. And the fact that I'm accompanying our daughter, Willow, on her trips, while Will spends time with our son, Jaden, doesn't make things easier."
"But our way of living hasn't changed. Before the children, we were already away from each other quite often because of our work."

"In general, Will and I take two months of holiday, at the end of the year."

"Right after Thanksgiving, we shut down the curtain and nothing comes to bother our family life until January."

Loretta Devine: “The Sequel To Waiting To Exhale Will Go On Without Whitney”

Loretta Devine recently appeared on Good Day L.A. to promote her new series, The Client List. She plays a woman who runs a massage parlor that’s also a brothel. Loretta, also talked about the sequel to the movie, Waiting to Exhale.

WATCH:

Last year, movie plans were in the works for Terry McMillan novel, Getting To Happy, a follow up to Waiting To Exhale. In the wake of Whitney Houston untimely passing, there have been questions if the movie will go on. Loretta had this to say: “they’re trying to put together Waiting to Exhale 2, but now I think the focus is for it to be a tribute to Whitney, which would be wonderful if we could pull that off.”

Erykah Badu Asks For Forgivness

A few days ago Eykah Badu tweeted an apology to her fans in Tampa and Chicago. Of course that sent me scurrying to find out what she was apologizing for...

Apparently Ms. Badu has picked up a nasty little habit of showing up hours late for her performances without explanation, and based on fan reviews from across the country she should be apologizing to more than just Tampa and Chicago. 

One fan on Tickemasters fan review page noted that after waiting two and a half hours for Ms. Badu to take the stage in Chicago she cussed out the crowd telling them,

"If you mother fuckers don't liven up after all you fucking paid I'm gone."
Fans in Hawaii said pretty much the same thing and also had a lot to say about the way Erykah was dressed, mostly describing her fashions as early nineties crackhead attire [think: baseball cap, cheetah print sweat jacket and flowered leggings].

Fascinating reading those fan reviews are in case you're parched for tea. 

Go here to check them out. 

Q-Tip becomes G.O.O.D with Kanye West

Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label is now home to another famous emcee. MTV News says Q-Tip has signed on to the Def Jam imprint. The A Tribe Called Quest rapper says he’s “excited” to be a part of G.O.O.D. Music, adding that he’s going to do his best to “present the most cutting-edge music” he can. Q-Tip joins artists like Big Sean, Kid Cudi, John Legend and Mos Def as members of G.O.O.D. Music. The label will release its first album featuring all of its artists sometime this spring. Q-Tip is also currently working on his first solo effort on G.O.O.D. Music, “The Last Zulu.” The album is expected in stores sometime next year.

Q-Tip and Kanye West are no strangers to working together. Q-Tip contributed to Kanye’s 2010 record “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” He also worked on Kanye and Jay-Z’s hit album “Watch The Throne.”

Philly Flashback: Charli Baltimore's New UNRELEASED Photoshoot

Remember Charli Baltimore? There are so many photos out there that sometimes don't get released. And recently, we were sent a magazine submission shoot with Charli Baltimore that's never seen the light of day....until now.

The 37-year-old mother of two is still grinding on the music scene. She's set to drop a new album called True Lies on June 19, 2012.

Here's a photo of her and stylist Anthony Chad at her listening party.

UMMMM…Hat Tip YBF!

Jay-Z’s Company Rocawear Partners with the New York Yankees

The man who said “I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can,” is actually going to see if he actually can.

Today it was announced that the Rocawear, the clothing brand founded by Jay-Z, will partner with the New York Yankees for the 2012 season. Though details about the partnership are scarce at the moment, it appears the deal will involve branded signage at Yankee stadium and integrated promotions throughout the season, says a statement on the Roc4Life website.

Jameel Spencer, executive vice president of marketing for the men’s division of the Iconix Brand Group, Inc released a statement about the agreement.

“Jay-Z has been a long-time fan of the Yankees, regularly attends games and has even included his favorite team in song lyrics, so this was a natural partnership,” Spencer said in the statement. “Rocawear, along with Jay-Z are very excited to be working with the Yankees for the 2012 season. We feel another championship in ‘12”
Jay-Z sold the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group, Inc. in 2007, but maintained an interest in the company.

Hopefully the move will help the company, which was forced to lay off more than half of its Manhattan office employees back in January.

Rihanna raises eyebrows as she steps out in a trench... and little else

With her scantily-clad wardrobe, Rihanna's always been comfortable with her body and her sexuality.
So it wasn't exactly surprisingly to see the Caribbean singer stepping out in a trench coat... and apparently nothing else, in Sydney.

Out for dinner ahead of her long-haul flight home, it appeared the 23-year-old singer was wearing a tightly wrapped coat as she gave a glimpse of her bare legs.

The singer, who has been touring the world promoting her new film Battleship, wore the daring outfit to celebrate her best friend Melissa Forde's birthday.

Meanwhile, the pop star narrowly avoided a meeting with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown as she left Sydney later that evening.

 

The troubled R&B star jetted into Sydney just as Rihanna was leaving.
The fact that his new girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, was by his side could have made the encounter awkward, to say the least.
Rihanna looked comfortable in black leggings and an Oakland Raiders cap and T-shirt as she prepared to leave the Australian city.

She flew halfway across the world to promote her first major film, Battleship.

First Listen: SWV ‘I Missed Us’

Finally the R&B group from the 90′s are back….. SWV‘s new album ‘I Missed Us’ is now available for your streaming pleasure… Since it’s been so long I’m wondering if this new project is traditional SWV.

I’m gonna post the link for you Chroniclers and I want you to come back and tell me what you think!!

Click here to stream ‘I Missed Us’ in its entirety!

What are your thoughts on the album so far? Did SWV deliver?

Nicki Minaj Teams With Jeremy Scott

Nicki Minaj has teamed up with the fashion designer Jeremy Scott for his upcoming Fall/Winter 2012 Jeremy Scott x Adidas line. The queen of rap, who dropped her number one, sophomore album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded last week, was shooting with Scott yesterday a part of a commercial campaign on the streets of Brooklyn.

Nicki is seen rocking a long blonde hair, a long colorful puffy jacket with non-matching colored sneakers, which fit well with her usual outlandish looks. Check out the behind the scenes shots after the click and let us know if you think of Nicki’s gear.

Nike Air Force 1 Max Air VT "Camo"

There is such a thing as too much camo, but consider these kicks an exception. The Nike Air Force 1 Max Air VT is the fourth shoe in the AF1 X-X Pearl collection, and easily the illest. The low top basketball sneaker features a full length Vis Air Sole unit and the camo patterned upper consists of canvas Vac-Tech construction. Other details on this premium shoe include waxed laces and embossed leather tongue and heel tabs.

Rock these with some fatigues or cargo shorts (avoid OD'ing green/brown jungle camo, though) on the and you are winning the game, period. Act fast, these are quickstrikes, drop April 20th and are a hefty $200.

Toya's Mom Says She Used Her

While Toya Wright is busy going hard for her husband Memphitz reports from New Orleans is that her mom could use a little help...

According to Tamera Tattles, Toya's mom was in a local store asking every patron for spare change so she could buy a pound of crawfish and was telling anyone who would listen that she had no place to stay and needed to get into a shelter.

"Everyone was basically ignoring her and after a few minutes of her ranting about how no one loves her and how her daughter just used her (ppl were saying she should call up toya and wayne for money) she started begging everyone for spare change to pay for a shelter for the night."

NFL Baller Brandon Marshall OPENS UP About His Borderline Personality Disorder

Hoping to pull back the curtain, Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall, who suffers from a personality disorder, is speaking out about his condition. Though he has an extensive list of run ins with law enforcement like those domestic disputes with his wife Michi, those around him, 

Like Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald tells the Chicago Sun Times in a recent interview:
‘‘I have only had positive experiences with Brandon. He is misunderstood. Once you get to know him, he will give you the shirt off his back. ‘‘My thing is this: Get to know him, the man, before you pass judgment.’’

Now Brandon is revealing what's gotten him into so many altercations over the years....borderline personality disorder. He says,
‘‘A lot of people are afraid to talk about it — it’s taboo in our communities. But I’m willing to use myself, make myself and my family vulnerable, to break the stigmas.’’

And in an interesting footnote, Brandon added that a large number of prison inmates, both male and female, have been diagnosed with the disorder.

"Since I’ve been in the league, things have been very rough for me. From Day 1, I’ve always wanted better for myself, on and off the field. To finally get an answer — to finally be in a place where someone can help me — that was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. But it was scary because someone is telling you, ‘Hey, you have to go through this therapy. You have to stay up here and talk to me.’ But the outcome was amazing.’’

Now Brandon looks at his disorder with a different light. He says his anger was, ‘‘my gift and my curse, because without that passion, without that intense approach to the game, which comes from a lot of my pain, a lot of my anger, I wouldn’t be here today.’’

Although Brandon now has his diagnosis under control, some others aren't so lucky.
‘‘This thing is bigger than me. We’re losing lives. When I was in treatment, there was a young lady who took her life. ‘It’s one of the most devastating disorders out there, but it’s the most treatable, and with the proper help and the proper treatment, we can make a huge impact in our community.’’

Brandon has now focused on using his fame as a way to help those who are lost.
‘‘There’s a lot of people who are pushing to get healing in our community. I’m just the guy with the fame, so it brings light to it quicker, and it spreads faster. So that’s why I was excited to use my celebrity and platform to raise awareness.’’

Wow. Glad he's using his experiences to do good for others.

Melody Thornton Bares Breasts All At ‘Elle’ Gala

After a successful stint in the Pussycat Dolls, Melody Thornton is striking out solo.
It’s a path, it seems, has the talented singer keen to make a lasting impression.
Case, point, her choice of ensemble at the 3rd Annual ELLE Women in Music gala in Los Angeles.

Sporting a see-through, flesh-coloured dress (which bared her breasts), Thornton turned many a head. 'I like to think I put a little classy twist on it.'

Her former Pussycat Dolls bandmate Nicole Scherzinger was also on the red carpet, however in a rather awkward moment, the pair both snubbed each other. 

But Nicole, along with most guests, did gawp at the sheer number from afar.
Melody literally left nothing to the imagination in the brown lace number, which did little to maintain her modesty with its sheer material.

And while the singer managed to draw attention to her gym-honed figure in the outfit, it was something of an odd choice for such a well-attended industry event.
Certainly when compared to her more modestly-dressed peers, Melody stood out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons.

Lil Kim Snubs Biggie Smalls’ Mother/ Announces ‘Tell All’ Documentary

After a number of false starts, Lil Kim is finally ready to make her long overdue comeback.
Kicking things off with the fan favorite ‘Keys To The City’, the Rap original took to ‘The Morning Riot’ yesterday to reveal details on her future plans.
However, as you will hear below, she found herself revealing more than initially intended when quizzed on Biggie Smalls‘ mother, Ms. Wallace and a certain Rap nemesis.

Listen below…


On forthcoming projects, she explained:

I’m going throw some new singles out there so people can get familiar with my new sound. You know, I have a documentary that I’m gonna put out so that will explain a lot of things, so people can stop asking stupid questions. I still have my book deal with St Martin’s Press which is solely about my time in prison.

On her relationship with Ms. Wallace, she hissed:
I have absolutely no relationship with that woman.

The conversation also saw her speak on long time nemesis Remy Ma (who is currently incarcerated), admitting:
I’m very sensitive to women in jail. Anyone who really knows about Hip Hop knows me and Remy had our little thing, but if she needed anything I’m the kind of person to reach out and help her- like if she needed something for her son or something.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“Sweet’N Low”

Well this sweet thang definitely belongs in the candy aisle, but what I want to know from you guys is which candy best describes her?

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!!
EFREM