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Faith Evans’ and The Girls R&B Divas Cover
If you’re a fan of Faith Evans such as I and love the voices of the cast of ‘R&B Divas’, you’re one step closer to their new album. Over the weekend, Faith released the official album cover and track list for ‘R&B Divas’. The album will feature cast members, Faith Evans, Keke Wyatt, Syleena Johnson, Nicci Gilbert and Monifah, along with Fantasia and Kelly Price. Peep the track liste below.
01. Lovin’ Me feat. Nicci Gilbert, Monifah, Syleena Johnson, and Keke Wyatt
02. Tears of Joy
03. Mr. Supafly feat. Keke Wyatt
04. Too High for Love
05. SisterFriend feat. Nicci Gilbert, Monifah, Syleena Johnson, and Keke Wyatt
06. Dumb
07. Sometimes feat. Nicci Gilbert and Helene “Mom” Gilbert
08. True Colors feat. Fantasia and Kelly Price
09. Stonewall feat. Syleena Johnson
10. She’s Me feat. Monifah
11. Soon As I Get Home (Live in L.A.)
12. Jesus Loves feat. Kelly Price
The album drops October 2nd and proceeds will be contributed to Whitney E. Houston Academy of Creative and Performing Arts.
Balboa Music Festival: A Festival that was a MESS! Flasie advertising.
The Balboa Music Festival (in LA’s San Fernando Valley at Balboa Park) went down Saturday as advertised.Well, almost.
Gladys Knight didn’t perform. She was supposed to close out. Instead we got Keyshia Cole. Needless to say, Keyshia Cole is no Gladys Knight.
So yes, there were some problems, thankfully none of them involved anybody acting a fool, a/k/a fighting. In spite of the scorching heat, it was a peaceful and fun event, over all.
But! … as we said there were some problems. The most glaring was the unprofessionalism and unpreparedness of the event’s promoters. That brings us to a review/report from an reader/visitor whose screen name is WrenchWitch. Honestly, we have no idea who WrenchWitch is, but in her description of her day at the festival, she paints a very clear picture of what went down from the time she arrived to the time she left.
In the end, like us, she gives props to the festival organizers for putting together a great line up, but they lose points because of their lack of organization. Oh yeah, did we mention that Gladys Knight did NOT perform? Speaking of which, it seems there’s a direct correlation between Gladys not taking the stage and the lack of professionalism by the festival promoters.
WrenchWitch will break it all down for ya.
We got dropped off about a block away from Victory at around 10am; all pedestrians had to cross over the singular entry driveway to the parking area (holding up cars entering). We joined a line of hundreds of people standing in line, not moving. From the comments on the Balboa Music Festival Facebook page we were lucky as people were stuck in traffic trying to get into the lot for up to 2 hours; some were turned away even though they had prepaid parking reservations and VIP tickets. Some people gave up and went home.
I went looking for the Will Call window to get my ticket, people who had not printed out their receipt with the number could not get their tickets or were frantically pulling up the email on their phones for the number causing delays. My friend said she saw the box office just setting up the cash registers for same day ticket sales at around 10:45am.
As the line, in full sun about 90 deg. F. slowly crawled towards the gate we saw one and then a second woman faint from the heat. EMT/LAFD took at least one away so she never got to “enjoy” the concert. We noticed the golf carts bringing people in but didn’t know why. Also, people going into the VIP entrance (next to the general admission/GA entrance) with coolers and shade covers when neither of those was allowed in those seats so, not sure if they were GA bullying their way into the VIP entrance or having been told no, instead of going to the back of the line, they just cut in front? Attendees were crowding under the little shade from trees and being yelled at by Security for being on the access road; we saw a vendor and someone who said he was performing being told to turn around, no parking here so evidently there was no instructions or signage for them either. Then that employee decided to go into the line to chat with someone he knew rather than direct traffic so more cars tried to drive right up to the gate without direction.
Finally, as we got close to the gate, we saw a man in a uniform (black shirt/khaki pants) direct the gate to just get people in. I guess they had been checking bags & coolers (there was a confiscated broken bottle of wine on the ground) which was taking way too long being thousands of people coming in at the same time and only a handful of security checking bags; we got in at 12:30 pm after just having our tickets checked and yellow wristbands handed to us. Who knows how many weapons came in after that?
The scene inside was a sea of parasols and shade tents set up in back of the paid seating within view of the stage. Venue guidelines on the Balboa Music Fest website stated parasols, etc. were to be set up on the periphery so as not to obstruct the view. We noticed the vendors’ shelters were set up in such a way to block the view if you positioned yourself on the periphery; also there were many vehicles still parked inside near the vendors. At other events we’ve been to the vendors are required to remove all vehicles so paid attendees have a place to sit and be able to see the concert. Not to mention the hazard of moving vehicles with people moving around or sitting on the grass in the venue and we did see some trucks being moved throughout the day.
The Balboa Music Festival website had announced charity groups were going to be selling water for fundraising and the attendees were not allowed to bring water in at all but this was gone when I checked their website the day before the event. So we brought water but drank half of it standing in line and our ice was mostly melted by the time we got in. We saw no non-profits selling water or anything inside. My friend went to buy cold water and came back with a couple of bottled soft drinks – the food vendor told her they were told they could not sell beverages but her husband had gone out to bring water in to sell as people were asking for it (having read on the website earlier water was not allowed)! At some point in the afternoon it was announced from the stage that the rules were being “relaxed” and water would be available at the First Aid station.
LA City Councilmen Dennis Zine and Jan Perry spoke to the audience yet Tony Cardenas flowery summary of the festival is quoted in the LA Daily News this morning? And no mention in the article of other disturbing aspects of this event, it appears the journalists left early.
We were comfortable in the way back by the fence as we were in the shade of trees, could barely see the stage but we had the monitor in view; unfortunately the monitor only worked intermittently, we didn’t see New Edition as it was off during their performance. The sound quality and volume could have been better. I was a little disappointed that we paid $120 for tickets, got there when the gate supposedly opened and yet we were so far out we didn’t really feel like we were in the concert; may as well have had our noses to the fence from the outside….We heard a negative comment from the MC after he asked people to clear the area near the stage; he replied to a woman that she was too old to use that language, etc. Then he tried to soften it by saying he knew her. Not amusing or gracious commentary.
Early in the afternoon the Port-a -Pottys were full, out of paper and no more water to wash your hands!
And most grievous is the fact that the headliner, Gladys Knight, did not perform. There was no apology or explanation for this by the promoters. The concert ended abruptly as Keyshia Cole had not even completed her set an announcer said come back next year. An insider confirmed that the Fire Marshall stopped the event due to the fact that the organizers did not have a light permit (nor lighting equipment) and it was getting dark (public safety issue). Their permit must have been for daytime use only. We noticed, as we walked along Lake Balboa towards the Balboa Blvd exit to the park (not the event which had only ONE entrance) there are no lights in the park as it closes at dusk. This means all the people who were breaking down their tents, shade covers, etc. would be left to find their way out in the dark and find their cars in an unlit temporary parking lot while others tried to drive out of the lot. From the comments on the Balboa Music Festival Facebook page, this delayed people another hour getting out of the lot. One reported a car drove into a ditch in the dark and a tow truck had to pull it out.
The music was as good as we expected, and Robin Thicke let us know he was not pleased with having his set cut short (thanks for the honesty) all of the acts were professional in contrast to the organizers/promoters. I would imagine Gladys Knight is not amused that her image was used to promote this event yet her fans did not get to see her perform. Many assume she didn’t show up which is not true but there was no explanation from the promoters. They had a great lineup although we did not get Gladys Knight nor the Mystery Band they asked us to vote on in the beginning that came down to 7 finalists (I never saw who got the gig but then they never went on anyway). We also really enjoyed some of the DJs in between acts.
The selection of food vendors was impressive, lobster rolls, BBQ, Creole & Southern food, shave ice & other goodies to sample (which we didn’t as we brought enough food for 2 days). Budweiser ran out of beer and wine at some point in the afternoon much to the consternation of a few (or many).
All in all, while we made the best of it we were disappointed with the disorganization. We didn’t get the worst of it as reported by those who bought premium tickets /parking and found the seats they paid for were not available, GA and volunteers refused to relinquish those unmarked seats, GA attendees crowded into the aisles and in front of the stage, prepaid parking was unavailable, parking varied from free to $25 in the same lot depending who spoke to you. Some who paid for VIP seats never got the backstage privileges, meals or bottle service they paid for, etc. Birthdays and anniversaries were ruined, etc.
I suggest if there will ever be another music event at this park:
1) The date should be closer to the summer solstice for the maximum daylight before it gets dark (i.e. July) and before the hottest days of summer. Or get a light permit guys and make sure lighting equipment is set up.
2) A separate VIP entrance, fenced off from the GA seating section with security to make sure no one but paid ticket-holders can re-enter (if they go out to the vendors). Seats with seat & section numbers to ensure ticketholders get the seats they paid for.
3) Multiple entrances for GA ticket-holders. There are several bridges on the Balboa Blvd side of the park, couldn’t they set these up as entry points?
4) Promote public transportation to the event and set up offsite parking along the Orange Bus Line which runs right next to the venue. Add additional shuttle buses if the City of LA will/cannot supply additional buses on the day of the event on the Orange Line.
5) The vendors should be located elsewhere in the venue to allow more people to set up seating within view of the stage. All vendor vehicles should be removed from the area before the public is allowed in (before 8:00 am).
6) Professional security to enforce your rules & for the safety of everyone. More directional signage.
7) Misting/cooling tents & available water when temperatures are extreme. The line to get in could have been rerouted along the eucalyptus trees next to the golf course in the shade.
8) Open the gates at 8:00am and start the concert on time.
9) Maintain your Port-a-Pottys and have water available – one week ago everyone knew there would be extreme heat – the organizers should have responded by providing for basic human needs to avoid medical emergencies and heat injuries. Water belongs to no one and should be denied to no one, especially in triple digit heat.
I will include the City of Los Angeles as culpable in this as well. Someone had to approve permits for this event and I’m wondering did anyone review a traffic/parking plan, make any suggestions or requirements? Honestly, it’s not the first concert or large event in this park.
Thank you WrenchWitch for your more than comprehensive review/report on what went down at Saturday’s Balboa Music Festival in the San Fernando Valley’s Balboa Park.
By the way, in WrenchWitch’s report/review, she alluded to a comment that a perturbed Robin Thicke made from the stage about his set being cut short. Specifically, he said: “I’m the wrong mutha f—er to do this too!” Yeah Robin. The blue-eyed brother was definitely workin’ his ‘hood pass to the max. Oh yeah, one more thing, speaking of Mr. Thicke. Homeboy drove himself to and from the concert in his little sleek convertible roadster. No bodyguards, no entourage. No wifey. just him. We thought that was so cool.
Meanwhile, on the positive tip, we understand the attendance was in the 10-15,000 range. That’s a very encouraging and respectful number for the first time for this event.
Also, we’ve contacted the promoters of the event for a comment about what went down and specifically why Gladys Knight didn’t perform. So far, they have yet to respond.
Josie Harris Forgives Floyd Mayweather for Domestic Violence, ‘Sh** Happens’
Some may argue that time heals all wounds, even alleged physical ones. Such is the case for Floyd Mayweather, Jr and his ex-girlfriend/baby mama, Josie Harris. Back in 2010, Josie Harris (the mother of Floyd’s three children) and Floyd were involved in highly public domestic violence dispute. Joseline alleged that Floyd hit her
“multiple times in the head with his fist”
and then threatening to kill her, while their children were present. Ultimately, Floyd pled guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence and served two months in jail. And since his release, Josie says that she forgives Floyd and the two have since moved on. She explained to TMZ:
“S**t happens. I’m not mad at him at all … I love Floyd to death. [Floyd] loves his kids and is a great father. He would never do anything like that again … I’m sorry the situation happened … now we will just progress and start over and move forward together.”
What do you think? Should she have forgiven Floyd? Or was that absolutely necessary to raise their children? P.S. We’re not tryna be messy, but a few months ago, didn’t we catch up discussing how unfulfilled Floyd was during intimacy?
Evander Holyfield Owes 500K In Child Support
More money or no money, more problems?! Evander Holyfield‘s major money and debt continues. As reported by TMZ, he is currently held in contempt of court for failing to pay more than half a million dollars in back child support.
The GA Deptartment of Human Services had gone after him for his 18-year old daughter. According to the documents filed in Georgia the amount owed is $563,900.91. Holyfield was held in contempt and ordered to immediately pay $2,950 a month. He cut a check at first of $17,700 making a small dent in the debt. The payment plan has just started and the judge has also ordered that a percentage of Holyfield’s income will be taken in order to pay down the debt.
Holyfield was having problems with paying on his Georgia residence as well. His mansion was foreclosed on back in July 2012. He owed more than $14 million on the home.
Maybe the champ should have stayed in the ring a little longer?!
Rohan Marley Blames Spritual Advisor for Lauryn Hill Break-Up
In his interview with British newspaper The Voice, Rohan Marley blames a spiritual advisor for his break-up with Lauryn Hill...
Snippets from the interview complied by Miss Bernie J
On rumours that he abandoned Lauryn for Isabeli while she was heavily pregnant (though it later surfaced he was not the father of her unborn child):
“I really don’t care what they say about me. It’s only when the person [Hill] in question says anything about me that I really care. Other people just speculate. They don’t really know the truth.”
On a religious third-party causing their relationship to end:
“People have long been fabricating stories about the relationship. One story that came was that I got her assistant pregnant- false. Then, she [Hill] started doing bible studies with this guy and became very secluded from the world because of her studies. But people sad that the seclusion was my fault and that wasn’t the case. I didn’t agree with what the [Bible Studies] guy was saying and you can’t live under the same roof [as your partner] if she’s taking talk from someone else.
“Like my father said’ I’d rather live on the house top than live in a house of confusion.’ That was it. I believe that when I’m with a woman, it should be me and her. Don’t bring a third party into it- that can’t work for me. No-one knows what we do in the bedroom, no-one knows why we argued today or why we smiled today.
“Nobody knows the ins and outs of another person’s relationship so I don’t want any third party in my relationship. Ultimately, we grew apart because of our different interpretations of how life should be.”
On wanting to marry the singer:
“When I was with Lauryn, I wanted to marry her but she just wasn’t ready at the time. I want to be in a relationship where we’re both confident at what we have; I love you and you love me too. But [marriage] wasn’t what she wanted. I called her my queen; my spiritual wife. So people assumed we were married.”
On their current relationship:
“[It] is good as in… in terms of being a mother and father to our children, it’s good. It’s not as perfect as one might want it to be. It’s just the way the road went.
“I could never have ill-feeling towards her. She’s the mother if my children. There’ s no animosity, but I ‘ve moved on. I’m with someone else now and I’m very happy.”
Sean Garrett Doesn’t Like To Pay His Amex Bill
American Express is suing the mega hit maker Sean Garrett for $108,084.62.
According to TMZ the lawsuit filed in Fulton County, GA … Garrett (who has worked with the likes of Beyonce, Usher, and Nicki Minaj) racked up a bil with Amex to the tune of $108,084.62.
State of Georgia filed a tax lien against Sean Garrett earlier this year, claiming he owes $732,553.57 in back taxes for the years 2006 and 2007.
That’s almost a million dollars in debt, I think Sean Garrett the self proclaimed “best song-writer” needs to get back in the studio asap!!!
Siovaughn Wade…FINALLY SPEAKS
Dwyane Wade's ex-wife Siovaughn opens up about their divorce, abuse inside their marriage and whether or not Dwyane was cheating on her with Gabrielle Union...
In a series of youtube videos Siovaughn spills the beans on Dwayne
Dwyane abusing her while she was pregnant:
I was pregnant with Zion. Shortly before being hospitalized I was in Florida and I woke up in the middle of the night because I was sick, obviously with the pregnancy. I noticed that Mr. Wade wasn’t in the house. I was calling him and calling him because it was probably like, two or three o’ clock in the morning and we went to bed together which means he must have gotten up out of the bed and just left in the middle of the night without telling me. I was looking for him. I looked around the house. I was calling his phone he didn’t answer. He finally got back several hours later, it was well into the next day and I was very upset. I was asking where was he and why he [would] just leave without saying anything.
His response was at first to be verbally abusive. He was cursing, he was calling me names, he was telling me to shut the ‘f’ up.[...]He picked me up and held me over his head literally in midair and threw me down in our bathroom. We had an ottoman in the bathroom and he slammed me down so hard that when my back hit the otooman it broke into four pieces and my back and head hit the concrete, the marble floor, excuse me, in the bathroom. After that I got up and immediately went — there’s a cordless phone in the bathroom, I immediately went to that phone and I was crying, I was hysterical, I went to go call the police. At that point more hell broke lose because I suppose he was in fear of being exposed because I certainly was going to call the police. I picked up the cordless phone, he snatched it out of my hand and he threw the cordless phone against my body so hard that the phone literally broke into pieces.
On when the relationship went downhill:
It started to get really bad the summer right after he’d been drafted. I was over the phone with him and he had said something to me very, very, angrily, and I had something to him about speaking to me and being disrespectful and he told me, ‘Do you wanna go and live in your mother’s house? ‘Cause that’s what’s gonna happen. You’re gonna end up back living in your mother’s house.’ I was very shocked. It was a very, very awful feeling. We stayed together but now that I can look back, from that moment it went downhill.
On Dwyane and Gabrielle Union dating and the lawsuit:
Separated and divorced are two different things. I’m not certain when it happened or when she happened but I know that I was very married. I know that me and Dwyane at that time had talked about reconciliation going back and forth. I was still even intimate sometimes with my then husband. So, does that constitute sleeping or having an affair with somebody’s husband? Yes. To me, divorce and separation are always two different things. The lawsuit was about her having a negative effect on my children....That’s what that lawsuit was about. Her behavior and the things she did and said began to effect my sons, that’s when I opened my mouth and did something about it.
WATCH:
Well I hope she will eventually find PEACE!
Nas & Kelis Spotted On A Romantic Getaway In Santa Barbara!
Nas and ex-wife Kelis who’ve been divorced for 3 years now, were spotted out to dinner this past week at a romantic resort in Santa Barbara.
Nas and Kelis have both claim they are simply working on their friendship for the sake of their son Knight.
Chris Brown’s Chick Karrueche Tran Spotted Kissing Another Man
Recently I reported that Chris Brown was spotted kissing ex-girlfriend Rihanna at the VMAs. Sources are saying that chick Karrueche didn’t take it to well. Kaurreche was spotted kissing another man…..but sources are saying the mystery man is just her hair stylist.
Chris Brown's Wild Party Shut Down by Police
Chris Brown was famously run out of his last neighborhood [click here if you missed that] and it looks like he's about to be run out of another one...
According to The Hollywood Reporter Chris Brown's pre-VMA pool party got shut down by the cops after fans crowed the streets and a couple was spotted having sex on the front lawn.
Neighbors are already complaining and regularly call the police to shut Chris down.
Your Favorite Celebs ROCK THE MIC At "For Sisters Only" In Atlanta
Kelly Rowland, Miguel and a braided up Brandy were among the musical acts who performed at V103's 2012 For Sisters Only event in Atlanta.
Singers Kelly Rowland and Brandy helped kicked off V103's For Sisters Only event at the Georgia World Congress Center this weekend. And B Rocka is giving us her 1994 vibe with the braids again. Cute.
The 21st annual FSO is a two-day entertainment and marketing event that attracts over 40,000 consumers.
Brandy hit the stage to perform.
And Brandy's daughter Sy'rai kicked it with Uncle Ray J on stage as they introduced the "Wildest Dreams" singer.
Backstage, Brandy was all smiles with her boo Ryan Press...
Kelly Rowland sang a few of her hits as well rocking the new Yves Saint Laurent 'Ariane Ice Skating Wedge Boot' ($1245) we're loving.
Lil' Scrappy put his paws on the microphone and rocked a few hits.
Maybach O was spotted at the event.
"Marry Me" rapper Rasheeda hit the stage for the ATL fans we're sure ate that up. That song tho...
Mindless Behavior posed for a few flicks backstage and performed. Benzino, Dave Mays and Stevie J also posed with Mindless Behavior.
"Quickie" singer Miguel hit the stage.
And he kicked it backstage with newbie Jacob Latimore.
actor Boris Kodjoe spoke to the audience.
Singer RL was seen backstage.
Stevie J was spotted with Mimi Faust on his arm. Double sigh.
They later posed with "Love & Hip Hop ATL" co-stars Erica and Rasheeda. Those two...
Looking good Erica!
Karlie Redd posed with Benzino...I guess confirming they're still on and poppin'...
FunTimes!
Tameka Foster Raymond…You Have Been DENIED!
Not so good news for Tameka Foster Raymond. A Fulton County Judge has denied her request for a retrial. Last month, after losing primary custody over her and Usher Raymond’s two sons, Tameka requested a retrial, claiming the judge was biased because she accepted campaign donations from Usher’s lawyer.
How did the judge answer to Tameka’s accusation? The judge syas that it’s been public knowledge since 2008, and if she wanted to bring that to the court’s attention, she should have done so before her custody trial began.
49 Brooklyn Gang Members Indicted After Bragging Of Murders On Facebook
Note to current and would be gang members; bragging about your murderous exploits on social media have historically proven to be an efficient way to get arrested. On Wednesday, September 12th, 49 members of a couple of East New York, Brooklyn gangs—the Rockstarz and the Very Crispy Gangsters (aka VCG/Weez)—that utilized Facebook to taunt and threaten each were indicted on various charges including murder, attempted murder and conspiracy.
According the New York Times who attended a press conference with Brooklyn DA Charles J. Hynes and NYPD commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, the two sides had been feuding for a few years, boasting about the murders and crimes they committed online.
“Because of these individuals’ insatiable desire to brag about what they did, these investigators were able to draw a virtual map of their activities and bring them to justice,” Mr. Kelly said.
The social networking activity that has swept up adolescents everywhere is no less prevalent in East New York, and, it seems, the young people are no less foolhardy. But the stakes are much higher.
Two members of the Very Crispy Gangsters are dead, as is one member of the Rockstarz. There were 10 shootings over three years; one bullet, officials said, hit a 10-year-old boy who was in his apartment watching cartoons.
The indictments charged the gangs with engaging in a three-year war that began with the killing of a member of the Very Crispy Gangsters, Taquan Crandall, by a Rockstarz member in September
2009. The police said the suspect, Michael Allen Reid, had been indicted on murder charges and was also a suspect in another fatal shooting. The cases against him are pending.
Members of both gangs — many about age 20, with the oldest 23, and nine younger than 18 — made and accepted friend requests among their rivals, the authorities said.
Mr. Kelly said one defendant posted a picture of himself wearing the belt and watch of a man whom the police said he had shot. He said that under the photo was written: “I can’t give it back. You can’t walk no more.”
After a murder of a member of the Very Crispy Gangsters, members of the Rockstarz posted comments including “Rockstarz are up 3-0,” Mr. Kelly said.
Ciara Hosts Club Amnesia in NYC W/ Flo Rida, Meagan Good And Other Celebs
Ciara while promoting her new single ‘Sorry‘ was partying up in NYC with a cast of other celebrities including Megan Good, Flo-Rida, Necole Bitchie and More
After a NYC promo tour Ciara hit up Amnesia Nightclub in New York City to finish the night off while promoting her new single, ‘Sorry’ off of her new album ‘Everything Is New‘.
Ciara fans who were excited to see her as well as Megan Good, Flo Rida, JD & Jivad from The Life Files and DJ Prostyle. As stated on Necolebitchie.com she was turning up in NYC after her stops at Sirius XM, Hot 97, MTV for a ‘Meet & Greet’ and BET’s 106 and Park.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“A Hairy Situation”
I..I…I don’t know what to do here. Do I braid it? Is something attacking you? Do you have some sort of odd growth? I don’t know, I don’t know what to do with my hands.
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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