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OVAHNESS JILLY FROM PHILLY Jill Scott Graces the October Issue of ESSENCE
“This is the simplest form of myself. I look in the mirror and it’s like, ‘Hey, there you go. What’s up, girl?’ For me, hair is an accoutrement. Hair is jewelry. It’s an accessory. Tomorrow I may want a wig down to my butt and I’m gonna rock it, and the next day I may want a big Afro and I’m gonna rock that too…”—Jill Scott
Jill Scott has much to be excited about these days. After a tumultuous few years that saw the end of her first marriage, a broken engagement to her son’s father, an acrimonious split from her longtime record label Hidden Beach and the abrupt end of her HBO series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, life is looking up for the singer. She’s a mother and a maverick; she’s starring in a TV movie — Lifetime’s all-Black revamp of the 1980’s classic Steel Magnolias — and she’s still packing in crowds on tour. Here, the soulful songstress—rocking a close-cropped natural for the October issue cover—talks to ESSENCE about “the lights coming on” after turning 40, finding her stride… and what’s next on the horizon.
Serena Williams wins U.S. Open title in 3 sets
And yet, she explained afterward, "I really was preparing my runner-up speech."
No need for that. When the going gets toughest, Williams tends to shine.
Finally tested, and even trailing, at Flushing Meadows, Williams suddenly found her composure and her strokes, winning the last four games for a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory over top-ranked Victoria Azarenka on Sunday night, collecting a fourth U.S. Open championship and 15th Grand Slam title overall.
"I never give up. I never, never quit," Williams said after the first three-set U.S. Open women's final since 1995. "I have come back so many times in so many matches."
In other ways, too.
She missed eight months after having surgery on her left knee in 2003, the year she had completed a self-styled "Serena Slam" by winning four consecutive major titles. Of more concern: Only a few days after winning Wimbledon in 2010, Williams cut both feet on broken glass while leaving a restaurant in Germany, leading to two operations on her right foot. Then she got clots in her lungs and needed to inject herself with a blood thinner. Those shots led to a pool of blood gathering under her stomach's skin, requiring another procedure in the hospital.
In all, she was off the tour for about 10 months, returning in 2011
"She was so disgusted at home. She felt like she was useless. That's the way it is with athletes, I guess. She couldn't sit still," said Williams' mother, Oracene Price. "She was getting depressed. A lot to overcome."
Talk about making up for lost time.
Take a look at what Williams has done lately. Back on May 29, she lost to a woman ranked 111th at the French Open, the American's only first-round exit in 49 career Grand Slam tournaments.
"I was miserable after that loss in Paris. I have never been so miserable after a loss," Williams said. "I pulled it together. ... Sometimes, they say, it's good to lose."
Certainly in her case.
Since then, Williams is 26-1, including titles at Wimbledon, the London Olympics and the U.S. Open.
"She's definitely the toughest player, mentally, there is," said Azarenka, who managed only 13 winners, 31 fewer than Williams. "And she's got the power."
Forget what the rankings say. Williams, who was seeded fourth, is dominating the game right now. And she's been dominant, off and on, for more than a decade.
She won her first major title age 17 at the 1999 U.S. Open. Winning titles 13 years apart at the same Grand Slam tournament represents the longest span of success in the professional era, which began in 1968. Martina Navratilova (Wimbledon, 1978 and 1990) and Chris Evert (French Open, 1974 and 1986) had the longest previous spans of 12 years.
"Yeah, three decades — the `90s, 2000s, 2010s," said Williams, who turns 31 on Sept. 26. "That's kind of cool."
She is the first woman in her 30s to win the U.S. Open since Navratilova in 1987.
Williams also showed a more mature side Sunday, avoiding the sort of flare-ups at officials that got her in trouble during her last two trips to the U.S. Open.
"This is the first year ... in a long time," Williams said, "I haven't lost my cool."
In the 2009 semifinals, Williams was angered by a foot-fault call that resulted in a double-fault, setting up match point for her opponent, Kim Clijsters. Williams launched into a racket-brandishing tirade that resulted in a fine and a Grand Slam probation. While losing to Sam Stosur in last year's final, Williams berated the chair umpire after being docked a point for making noise during a rally.
This time, there was a foot-fault call, too. Williams didn't react at all immediately, finished off that game, then stared down the linesman as she walked to the sideline at the ensuing changeover. He chuckled a bit.
"I'm just happy that she got through this one without any incident and was able to try to forget all that in the past," Price said. "Because I think that was a lot in her mind."
Actually, by then, Williams had bigger problems to worry about.
She double-faulted to get broken in second set's opening game, and got broken again to fall behind 4-1 in a game that featured Azarenka sliding into a running forehand winner and nearly doing a full splits. Even Williams applauded that one.
But when the game ended, Williams slapped her racket against her changeover chair
That set was the first Williams had lost all tournament; she'd only dropped a total of 19 games through her first six matches.
While Azarenka, a 23-year-old from Belarus, doesn't have the name recognition or bona fides of Williams, she did win the Australian Open in January, and was 32-2 (a .941 winning percentage) on hard courts in 2012. She also hadn't dropped a three-setter all season until Sunday, going 12-0 in matches that went the distance, including victories over defending champion Stosur in the quarterfinals and 2006 winner Maria Sharapova in the semifinals.
As Sunday's deciding set commenced, Price told her daughter from the stands, "Settle down." Didn't happen right away.
Looks like R.H.o.NJ is getting a lilttle color on to it!
One of NYC’s popular DJs and his wife will be starring on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives Of New Jersey.” According to an exclusive source, the couple will allow cameras into their personal lives as they juggle busy careers, two children, marriage, and much more. Envy and Gia will be the first minority couple on the show.
DJ Envy from the popular Breakfast Club morning show on Power 105.1 in NYC, will allow cameras into his life for the popular TV show. He and his wife Gia Casey will reportedly be on the Season 5 of the Real Housewives of New Jersey. Dj Envy is best know for hosting The People’s Choice Countdown on Sucker Free MTV2, his show on Sirius Satellite Radio, Being the NYC Club King, and for his interviews on the Breakfast Club.
You may remember DJ Envy and Gia in the news a few years ago when Former NY DJ Star mentioned Envy’s family in a threat saying that, “I would like to do a R. Kelly on your seed, on your baby girl..”
Those threats led to Star being arrested and fired.
Should be interested to see Gia and DJ Envy on Real Housewives of NJ.
Will you be watching?
Lady GaGa Unveils ‘ARTPOP’ Details
Already one of the most anticipated albums in recent memory, Lady GaGa‘s fourth studio effort ‘ARTPOP’ continued to send fans aflutter tonight.
For, taking to her new social platform -Little Monsters - the megastar shared fresh details surrounding the album, which in try GaGa form is shaping up to be quite the event.
Check out the 26 year old’s note to fans below…
ARTPOP is not just an ALBUM its a PROJECT
Im excited to tell you all that ARTPOP is going to be a multimedia experience that comes in different forms. The most major way to fully immerse yourself in ARTPOP is through the APP. ARTPOP will be released as an IPAD, iPhone, mobile and computer compatible application (WORLD) that is completely interactive with chats, films for every song, extra music, content, gaga inspired games, fashion updates, magazines, and more still in the works! I will also be able to upload new things to the APP all the time, the same way i upload to twitter and LM.com. You inspired me to create something that communicated with images, because YOU do, YOU communicate with me and each other with .gifs and pictures, and artwork, graphics ALL DAY 24/7/ YOU’RE an ARTPOP generation. Im hoping you will all continue to grow together and stay connected through your creativity. much love.
love, gaga
p.s (start asking for IPADS FOR XMAS!!) its gonna be so fun. but dont worry. it will also be released in the regular physical and digitals which will be unique and different to the app.
We’ve yet to hear a single song, yet the concept alone has us salivating. Say what you will about GaGa and her movement, but it’d be criminal to deny the fact that she and her team stay pushing the envelope.
All that’s needed now is for the material to follow an equally innovative trajectory – or, at the very least, be a return to form. She lost us with ‘Born This Way’; we’re thirsty for the undeniable epic that was almost every track on the ‘The Fame (Monster)’. Here’s hoping she delivers!
Toya Wright Shuts Down Bodyguard Rumors
Last week rumors floated out of Miami that Lil Wayne, concerned about his ex-wife Toya's husband Memphitz' temper, hired 24 hour bodyguards to protect his daughter
Toya sets the record straight...
Toya writes,
You people are so stupid and do and say anything for views on your site. This shit is as fake as the person who made it up. Enough is enough. GTFOH
LOL!
Meet the new HIP HOP CASH KING: Dr Dre!
Dr Dre was born to unwed teenage parents in a gang-ridden neighborhood of Compton, California. His talent as a rapper made him a millionaire and shot him to the top of hip-hop music charts.
But his business acumen has led him build a headphones empire that paid him $110million last year.
His 'Beats by Dr Dre' premium headphones have become seemingly ubiquitous. The red 'b' logo is an iconic, making them a must-have accessory for millions of young people.
He has been so successful that the release of his long-awaited last album, 'Detox,' has been pushed back even more.
'I understand why Dre didn’t finish Detox,' former Def Jam president Kevin Liles told Forbes. 'It’s called Beats.'
Dr Dre, whose real name is Andre Young, tops Forbes' Cash Kings list this year -- making him one of the the richest rappers in the world. His total fortune is estimated at more than $250million.
FORBES' CASH KINGS 2012: HIP-HOP'S BIGGEST EARNERS AND WHAT MADE THEM RICH
1. Dr Dre: $110million, Beats by Dr Dr headphones
2. Sean 'Diddy' Combs: $45million, Diageo’s Ciroc vodka
3. Jay-Z: $38million, record sales, part ownership of the Brooklyn Nets and deals with Duracell batteries and Budweiser
4. Kanye West: $35million, record sales and design deals for Nike shoes and women's clothing line
5. Lil Wayne: $27milliion, record sales, launch of Trukfit clothing line and deal with Mountain Dew
6. Drake: $20.5million, record sales, nightclub ownership and deals with Kodak and Sprite
7. Birdman: $20million, co-ownership of Cash Money Records and vodka and clothing lines
8. Nicki Minaj: $15.5million, record sales, tour dates and Pepsi endorsement
9. Eminem: $15million, music rights to his previous records and live appearances
10. Ludacris: $12million, voice overs, movie roles and a line of cognac and headphones
Dr Dre, 47, himself pocketed $100million of that cash.
The business began in 2006 after an epiphany. Dr Dre was reportedly walking along the beach with Interscope Records Chairman Jimmy Iovine, contemplating whether he should launch his own line of shoes.
'(Forget) sneakers,' Mr Iovine reportedly said. 'Let’s sell speakers!'
Dr Dre has relied on endorsement by popular musicians to help sell his pricey earphones.
Justin Bieber, Lady GaGa, will.i.am. and P Diddy have all been tapped to endorse different head phone models.
The result of all that star power has been millions and millions of sales. With headphones priced between $150 and $400 -- Dr Dre's company has raked in impressive revenue numbers.
The sales figures seemed to have been so good that Dr Dre was confident enough to buy back half of HTC's stake.
Across the hip-hop industry, successful business ventures are the primary source of income for most of the wealthiest rappers -- proving it's more about the buiness skill than the mustic.
Number two on the Forbes list, Sean 'Diddy' Combs earned $45million, mostly from buisness deals, including a share of Diageo’s Ciroc vodka.
Jay-Z earned $38million as part owner of the Brooklyn Nets with his hands in deals with Budweiser and Duracell batteries. He is also touring on an new album.
Kanye West, earning $35million off his music and a line of shoes and women's clothing, and Lil Wayne -- $27million, round out the top five on the list.
Some Randon chick trying to Extort Michael Clarke Duncan?
After the death of Hollywood actor Michael Clarke Duncan, According to AlwaysAList.com they have learned exclusively that the estate of the actor may have been hit with an apparent extortion attempt.
Duncan—who died on Sept. 3 as a result of the heart attack he suffered on July 13—is allegedly being targeted posthumously by a Chicago woman (name purposely omitted), someone close to the investigation told us.
The 54-year-old Oscar nominee’s “family and business offices” have been contacted “numerous times” by the culprit, who claims to be “Michael’s daughter.”
During one particular call, said woman allegedly declared “if she didn’t get what she wanted, she’d go to the press,” said our source.
“This woman surfaced many years ago and Michael took a D.N.A. test to prove that he was not her father. Now after hearing of his death, she keeps calling his family and business offices in an attempt to get money,” the source revealed.
Said woman, who has been quoted by a major local Chicago media outlet forwarding her claim of paternity and identified as his “daughter,” allegedly told a member of Duncan’s team: “I can blow this thing up if I don’t get what I want.”
Michael Clarke Duncan & fiancée, Omarosa Manigault
She is also receiving condolences on the passing of her “father” on her Facebook page.
Duncan’s lawyers have documented all of the correspondences with said woman and have turned the information over to the Los Angeles Police Department. Chicago authorities are also looking into the matter.
“Michael was a beloved man and had a great reputation when he died,” offered our source. “This woman is now vowing to embarrass him and portray him as deadbeat dad in an attempt to shake down his estate for money.”
Duncan did not have any children when he died, but according to our source, “The Green Mile” star was hoping to start a family with his fiancée, reality TV star Omarosa Manigault after their wedding early next year.
RUMOR CONTROL: Rasheeda & Momma Dee May Get Kicked Off Love And Hip Hop Atlanta
Rumors are circulating that “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” stars Rahseeda and Momma Dee may get kicked off the show by Vh1 network executives, and may get replaced in season 2. Sources are saying Rasheeda is ‘boring’, and Momma Dee is just to over the top for everyone. Momma Dee was one of the reasons that people were complaining,” the source said.
We will keep you update on this.What are you thoughts??
SPOTTED: Tracee Ellis Ross & Her Pup Shop For Louboutins In LA
Former "Girlfriends" and "Reed Between The Lines" star Tracee Ellis Ross was spotted leaving the Christian Louboutin boutique with her cute fluffy white friend tagging along. She's the newest face of Optimum Salon Haircare's "6-in-1 Miracle Oil" product. And since we adore her hair, anything she's backing, we're willing to to try at least once.
Tracee recently revealed to the Huffington Post that her mom Diana Ross has always done her own hair and makeup, so that's where she gets her glam inspiration. She said,
"My mom does all her own hair and makeup, and always has. There are people who have supported her in the process, but for the stage, I have always sat as a little girl and watched my mom do her makeup. Eyelashes, the whole deal — she does it herself."
"I became someone who could do it myself. And I am in love with it. My bathroom is filled with hair and makeup stuff and I play with it all the time. What the real lesson is, is that you can own your own sense of beauty. It doesn't have to be something you get from somewhere else."
I would like to believe that but somebody is putting that huge wig on Diana!
Tiny’s Nail Bar Catches Fire
Tiny’s, nail salon caught on fire. The Nail Bar is located in Stockbridge, Ga and owned by T.I.’s wife Tameka a.k.a. “Tiny”. On Monday morning the Henry County Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire on Walt Stephens Road just after 5 a.m..
When the fire dept. arrived to the shopping center, they saw heavy smoke coming from the salon. They fought the heat and tried to contain the fire before it spread to businesses connected to the structure.
Captain Sabrin Puckett said,
“Fortunately fire personnel were able to control the fire before the entire contents of the structure ignited and making it much more difficult to determine the cause and origin in the investigation.”
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire.
K. Michelle Stands By Her Story
Memphitz Wright slapped K. Michelle and Love and Hip Hop Atlanta producer Mona Scott-Young with a defamation lawsuit over allegations Michelle made on the popular reality show that Memphitz beat her and stole the money from her record deal [click here if you missed that].
K. Michelle stands by her story 100%...
K tells TMZ
"I've always been told that the truth shall set you free. I stand behind my story 100%. I came on the 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta' show mainly because I wanted to give a voice and bring light to a very serious issue."
"I am very grateful to VH1 and Monami Ent. for the opportunity to tell my story, and touch lives worldwide ... I look forward to having my day in court and finally having the truth of my story confirmed in a court of law."
"Hopefully others will not have to go through this and then have their stories challenged to this degree because people now want to try to salvage whatever reputation they may have had."
The Amazing SHRINKING Christina Aguilera..At least from the Magazine anyway!
Her fluctuating weight may have attracted some unwanted attention in the past, but Christina Aguilera says she actually prefers her fuller figure in a new interview.
Ironically, however, the singer appears to have been shrunk down in her cover photo for Lucky, the magazine she gave the interview to.
Christina, known these days for her curvier figure, seems to have smaller cleavage and waist in the snap.
She poses in an open denim shirt, revealing a hint of black bra, under the headline 'Perfect your shape!'
Speaking to the publication's October issue about her weight, The Voice judge said: 'Actually, the challenge I’ve always had is being too thin, so I love that now I have a booty, and obviously I love showing my cleavage.'
The star also has some advice for curvy women, saying: 'Hey, if you can work it and you can own it, that confidence is going to shine through.'
But The Voice judge actually covers up more than usual for new photographs in the October issue of Lucky magazine.
Sporting a black lacy see-through top, the singer hides her modesty with a denim waistcoat in one inside shot.
'I love the combo of denim and lace. The vest makes the lace more playful and casual,' she tells the magazine about the unique look.
The star, who got her first taste of proper fame by joining the Mickey Mouse Club in 1993 also discusses her entry into pop stardom in the late 1990s.
'When you’re young, it’s so easy to get bull-dozed,' she says. 'There were these two ladies who worked at the record label who always wanted to come to fittings and dress me up like a Barbie doll. It was disgusting.'
The star will also soon be releasing a new, as yet untitled album later this year.
'If you love Fighter, you’re going to love my new album,' she says. 'As a 30-year-old woman, I’ve been uncovering my independence, and it’s been really fun to explore in the new songs.'
Loretta Devine Joins “The Soul Man” Two-Part Season Finale
The season finale of The Soul Man starring Cedric “The Entertainer” [Boyce] and Niecy Nash [Loli] is finally upon us, but hold up, because there is a surprising cliff hanger.
The talented and delightful, Loretta Devine joins the cast as Barton’s (John Beasley) ex-wife Della who arrives in St. Louis and there’s a blackout caused by the storm.
In the season finale of “The Soul Man,” Boyce (Cedric “The Entertainer”) counsels the couple and things take an unexpected turn. Is Lolli (Niecy Nash) pregnant? And is it finally time for Stamps (Wesley Jonathan) to grow up?
To recap the TVLand hit series, ”The Soul Man” revolves around R&B superstar-turned-minister Reverend Boyce “The Voice” Ballentine (Cedric “The Entertainer”), who was living the high life in Las Vegas at the top of the music charts when he decided to go from soul singer to soul saver. Relocating to St. Louis with his wife, Lolli (Niecy Nash), and daughter, Lyric (Jazz Raycole), to preach in his father’s church, his family isn’t exactly eager to give up the fabulous superstar life for a humble one.
“The Soul Man” is a spin-off of TV Land’s hit sitcom “Hot in Cleveland.”
Why would someone call Tia Mowery’s Baby..Ugly?
Tia Mowry is a tough mommy. She endured some harsh criticism from that mean ol’ cruel world that called her baby ugly.
That’s not very nice.
But she says, it doesn’t matter what those haters say, life is good and Tia’s blessed to have her little man.
“He’s the biggest joy of my life. Why would I want to hide that?” Tia said to Sister 2 Sister, while confirming that she won’t become an overprotective parent.
“The thing is that Cree lives in the real world. To overly protect him—I think—will hurt him … This isn’t the last time somebody’s going to critique him or pick on him. Everybody has been a product of some sort of bullying.”
But so early?
While she doesn’t condone censorship, the actress lamented that everyone is entitled to an opinion. However, not all opinions need to be heard.
“It does hurt when you do hear things that are not positive and see things that are not positive,” she said. “We’re real people. For people to say they’re not affected by it, I don’t know if they’re being honest.”
Regardless, fans did come to her and her baby’s rescue, fighting the negativity.
“I have gotten so much support and love from my fans. I never realized… I guess I never really realized the power of support from fans until this situation that came about,” she said.
Overall, the experience wasn’t all a waste. Other mothers came forward sharing their similar stories of baby bullying.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
I’m Messing With You Guys!
Our pals over at LateNightMistakes.com would just love you! They constantly feature a “Hot Mess” and you literally have it written all over you. Although, I’m starting to think it would be the poor guy that’s making a “late night mistake”, but that’s a different story.
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
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