The Daily Buzz For March 18

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Rihanna is giving you Mermaid Realness For April 2016 VOGUE!

Rihanna just nabbed another Vogue magazine cover. From the Manolo Blahnik design room (she has her own Rihanna collection with the brand now) to big movie roles to her own PUMA line to accepting yet another RIAA certified platinum plaque for her new album Anti, it looks like her Navy is understanding a while hell of a lot about her.

 

For the April 2016 issue of VOGUE magazine, the "Sex With Me" singer is serving exactly that in this colorful and sexy Tom Ford sequins mermaid-style gown.  The spread was shot at the gothic-inspired mansion of former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Carlton Gebbia.

 

Here's a few things Rihanna had to say about her lyrics (and why we can't always understand what she's saying), love, and battling Beyoncé:

 

On the hard-to-understand lyrics of her single "Work": “You get what I’m saying, but it’s not all the way perfect,” she says. “Because that’s how we speak in the Caribbean.”

 

On whether she got bored with the typical pop formula: “Very much.  I just gravitated toward the songs that were honest to where I’m at right now.  It might not be some automatic record that will be Top 40. But I felt like I earned the right to do that now."

 

On not having time for a relationship: "My schedule is so crazy right now. It’s definitely going to be a challenge when I do decide to pursue a relationship . . . but I have hope!”

 

On keeping that body of hers tight and right: “I don’t work out as much as I’d like to,” she says, “but my trainer Jamie is a beast and she makes me pay for it.”

 

On being pitted against Beyoncé again once "Formation" and the Formation World Tour dropped: “Here’s the deal.  They just get so excited to feast on something that’s negative. Something that’s competitive. Something that’s, you know, a rivalry. And that’s just not what I wake up to. Because I can only do me. And nobody else is going to be able to do that.”

 

Get into her spread, and that face that solidified her as the first black Dior woman:

Natural, chic and gorge. Check out Ri's entire cover story over at VOGUE.

#RHOA:Kandi Burruss-Tucker ROCKS her show game  In Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford, and Brian Atwood Heels

Kandi Burruss-Tucker was spotted out and about with her family in New York City last weekend looking very fabulous. Her looks featured fashions by House of CB, Zara, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford, and we decided to highlight some of her fabulous heel choices she made while making her rounds.

Kandi was styled by Shun Melson. Kandi styled the Dolce & Gabbana Lemon Print Patent Leather Pumps with Theory high waist capris, Wolford bodysuit, Zara structured coat. Love the lemon print pumps..definitely spring ready! The pumps features a classic silhouette in vividly hued patent leather, self-covered heel, 4" (102mm), leather upper, and pointed toe.

The Tom Ford padlock ankle strap pumps was styled a leopard print Alexander McQueen. The Tom Ford pumps features  brand's signature padlock-and-key charm sits proudly in gold-tone at the ankle. Talk about a sexy pumps.

I really love Kandi's choice of Brian Atwood sandals. The details are amazing. The Brian Atwood Abby Fringe Sandals features colorful fringe finishes vibrant leather sandal, self-covered heel, 4.75" (120mm), peep toe, and back zip. The sandals are paired with House of CB's 'Kammi' Bandage Dress.

Are y’all feeling Kandi's Foot Werk choices.

#TEAMEMPIRE: Jussie Smollett calls Donald Trump ‘mogul of hate’

”Empire” star Jussie Smollett got passionate about his hate for Donald Trump during an interview with Michelangelo Signorile on SiriusXM Progress.

Smollett, 32, has stood in solidarity with Trump rally protestors on his Twitter, but now voiced his support in conversation with Signorile.

“I think that they are brave women and men,” Smollett says. “I think that they are soldiers against hate. I think that he is the mogul of hate. That is what I will call him forever. What he has done is capitalized on the fear of this nation.”

In a fiery plea, Smollett continued on that he considers Trump someone people should be afraid of, not encouraging.

“I think that [Trump] is truly one the worst people that has ever walked the face of this planet,” Smollett says. “I can’t talk about him without getting heated and I get so emotional about it. I’m so emotional about it because I feel it so deeply. And I’m also ashamed. I’m embarrassed for our nation, that we allowed someone like this to get so far.”

“We have learned to just be okay with laughing at something. To just be like, ‘Oh, this is a reality show.’ But it’s not a reality show. This is politics. This is something that is going to run our nation and in turn help run our world,” the actor and singer continued.

LISTEN HERE

Smollett says he also doesn’t understand Trump supporters’ reasoning.

“And for everybody that is supporting Trump: Fuck are you thinkin’ about? Why the fuck?” Smollett says.

#REMIX Jay Sean Remixes Rihanna & Drake’s ‘Work’

Rihanna and Drake’s “Work” is inspiring others to add their own twists to the chart-topping ANTI banger. A$AP Ferg and Lil Mama have already unleashed their remakes and now, Jay Sean adds his name to the mix.

Over a hand-clap-heavy and piano-laden instrumental, the ex-Cash Money star delivers his iteration. Sean weaves his way through the cut, changing some of its lyrics, and adding his own segment where Drake’s verse would go.

“I promised u sum new music this week,” Sean told his fans. “Luv this song by @rihanna and wanted to do my own flip.”

Listen to Sean’s version of “Work” below.

The remix comes after Sean made headlines last month. It was reported that Cash Money Records had to pay $1.1 million to OFM, a production team that worked on several Sean songs, including “Down,” “Fire,” and “Lights Off.”

Big Freedia Pleads Guilty to Stealing Section 8 Housing Vouchers

Reality TV star Big Freedia (real name Freddie Ross Jr.) appeared in federal court to plead guilty to stealing Section 8 vouchers. According to tweets from WWL reporter David Hammer, Freedia was in court with reality TV cameras, presumably for her hit show Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce. Reportedly, she was given $25k bond for the theft. Her sentencing will take place on June 16th.

Earlier this month, Freedia issued a statement taking full responsibility but saying it was a mistake and not an intentional effort to steal federal assistance.

"This is an incredibly unfortunate situation. I was on subsidized housing for many years before my financial situation changed. I quickly found myself in a new economic structure and, frankly, knew little about how to handle my money. It wasn’t until recently (after I had stopped receiving housing vouchers) that it became very clear I had received assistance to which I wasn’t entitled. It was an oversight – but one that I take full responsibility for."

"Housing vouchers are a vital lifeline for many people I know in New Orleans and around the country, including struggling artists. I truly believe there needs to be more programs for artists and musicians to teach basic financial literacy and planning. Coming from where I came from, I know that I could have used that kind of assistance. I’m exploring ways to be a part of the solution in this area and am looking forward to putting this matter behind me."

Freddia is best known for for work in the New Orleans genre of hip hop called bounce music. She has been credited with helping popularize the genre, which was largely underground since developing in the early 1990s. In 2013, she got her own reality show on the fuse Channel which chronicles her life on tour and at home. On July 7, she released her autobiography “God Save The Queen Diva”.

Tank and Tyrese Have Kissed and Finally Made Up:

Everybody please note that Tank and Tyrese, two-thirds of the now-defunct group TGT are back on good terms.

A few weeks ago, Tank and Tyrese got into another social media feud over the demise of their group — but it looks like they’ve managed to work everything out.

In a post to Instagram, Tyrese shared a photo of a FaceTime convo between the two men.

Awwwwww, How sweet!

Jared Fogle Beaten By Fellow Inmate In Surprise Prison Attack

It’s no secret that sex offenders are often beaten by fellow inmates – and unfortunately for Jared Fogle, his time at Colorado’s Englewood Federal Correctional Institution has been no different from that of the average offender’s.

The former Subway spokesman plead guilty to distribution of child pornography and travel with the intent of having sex with a minor, and began his bid back in November. Now, reports say he was repeatedly punched in the face in a surprise attack.

From TMZ: According to docs, Fogle got jumped in the rec yard at Englewood prison in Colorado back on January 29, and it was not much of a fight. An inmate named Steven Nigg pushed Fogle down and then unloaded a barrage of punches to his face.

Nigg, who’s in for a weapons charge, left Fogle with a bloody nose, swollen face and scratches on his neck. 60-year-old Nigg was also injured — a small cut on his left hand from delivering the whuppin’. Prison officials put Nigg in solitary as punishment. Gossip Cop reports: Nigg supposedly targeted Fogle because of his specific crimes. The Englewood facility has a large number of sexual predators, likely in part due to a program it offers to rehabilitate sex offenders.

Fogle was sentenced to over 15 years in prison, and though he is appealing the decision, at this time he’ll be released no earlier than 2029.

Russell Simmons To Settle Class Action Lawsuit with RushCard Holders

Russell Simmons is reaching a settlement with the thousands of RushCard holders – when many went without access to their money due to a glitch with the technology at the music mogul’s company – which will have him paying out to each cardholder who sued in the numerous class action lawsuit.

Ashanti being cross examined by her STALKER in COURT!

Ashanti faced her stalker in court on Wednesday, and even had to deal with his lurid questions, as he stand trial a third time for harassing the singer.

Devar Hurd, 37, has reportedly been terrorizing Ashanti since 2003, and has been in jail ever since 2013 when he violating a restraining order by taking a picture with her unknowing sister. 

He could have pleaded guilty in this latest trial and been automatically released for time served, but instead he decided to take the case all the way to trial - perhaps to torture Ashanti on the stand yet again.

Since he is representing himself, it was Hurd that cross-examined an emotional Ashanti on the stand on Wednesday, confronting her with lewd text messages and tweets he sent her.

When he demanded Ashanti explain why he's facing a felony stalking charge for tweeting gross messages to her in 2013, the 35-year-old singer responded: 'You continuously tweeted over and over again disgusting, derogatory, disrespectful things to me after you had already gone to jail for doing the same thing. I wish you to stop. I just wish you to stop.'

Hurd claims that the two had a romantic relationship, and that the fact Ashanti never blocked him on Twitter is proof that he's not guilty.

Hurd first went to jail for harassing Ashanti in 2009, when a jury found him guilty of sending pictures of himself masturbating to the singer's mother.

He faced trial again in 2014, when he continued to send inappropriate messages to Ashanti and even posed for a picture with her sister, who didn't know what he looked like.

However, the case went to mistrial then when a juror fell ill during deliberations. The case was tried again the following year, but the jury deadlocked on the felony stalking charge and it was called a mistrial again.

If convicted, Hurd faces a four year sentence.

CONGRATS! Proud Mom… Melanie Fiona Gives Birth.

Congrats on the new bundle of joy.

Melanie shares details on her baby boy.

Awwww!

#GrowingUpHipHop Egypt Criss Designs $4 Million Sneakers for Charity!

Growing up Hip Hop Star Egypt Criss the daughter of Pepa of “Salt & Pepa” and Treach of “Naught by Nature” is working on million dollar shoes for charity.

Check out the details on how you can get a pair of 4 million dollar blinged out tennis shoes

Egypt Criss the daughter of Treach & Pepa and upcoming Hip Hop Star thanks to WeTV’s hot new reality show ‘Growing Up Hip Hop’ is using her celebrity to make music and designer kicks. She has a pair of blinged out bedazzled looking kicks going for $4 million!!!!!!!!

People are lining up to snag the exclusive pair of shoes that will benefit charity.  The shoe is called “The Fire Monkey,” but it’s really just Dwyane Wade’s Li-Ning Way of Wade 4 … with several hundred carats of white diamonds and sapphires strategically added!

The Bedazzled kicks is a collaboration between Bicion, owned by the Egypt and Mache Customs.

A Bicion employee posted a brief peek at a pair that’s only 60% completed. According to sources close to the company there’s enough product for 2 potential buyers — from the Middle East and China — who are flying to NYC next week to see the finished product.

Proceeds from the eventual sale will support the Soles4Souls charity.

#EGGPLANT NATION: ENCORE! That Atl Cub Mike!

Mike Cub is back! That furry one is back with some new pics to Bless you folks with. Well enough of us. Just GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And as always they’re NSFW!

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.o.WM

‘Getting Your Goat’

I see you’re trying to “goat” me into an overreaction for having an animal in Walmart unnecessarily. Well it’s not going to work.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!

EFREM

The Daily Buzz For Oct 30

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Will Smith’s Deadshot Gets His Own Awesome Cover For ‘Empire Magazine’

Meet the man who never misses: Will Smith, 47, will take on the role in the upcoming David Ayer-directed film Suicide Squad, which will premiere in August next year.

The character was brought to life on the front cover of Empire, as the magazine continues its previews of the 2016 villain film.

When asked about the amount of work he put in to bringing to life DC’s Deadshot, he said that it was in a “whole other level”.

“On Bad Boys, I trained in Miami with special-ops guys, but this is a whole other level,” said Smith, who has also played another protagonist with superpowers in Hancock.

Earlier this year while promoting his 2015 film Focus, Smith was asked by the media about taking the role of Floyd Lawton, a.k.a. Deadshot, in the upcoming superhero film.

In the comics, Deadshot was once known as an assassin with almost superhuman aiming skills. Earlier in his villain years, he was considered a heartless marksman who always finished off his targets just to earn money.

However, the report said that recently, he has been portrayed as a character that kills just so he can raise his daughter, thereby giving the character depth. Cinema Blend thinks that this could be the Deadshot that Smith will portray.

 “I guess I like the concept of dubious morals. I’ve always liked to play in that area. With Suicide Squad, we just started on that,” he said.

In addition, he also said that he thinks he has not yet explored a character such as Deadshot, who is willing to kill people just for money.

Meanwhile, the actor’s Focus co-star Margot Robbie has also appeared on another Empire cover, but this time flaunting the eerily beautiful Harley Quinn.

OH?! Does Sheree’s Ex-Husband Bob Whitfield Make An Appearance For Season 8?

With the newest season of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” around the corner, we have a another spoiler…possibly. It appears that Sheree Whitfield’s ex-husband Bob Whitfield will be making an appearance While snooping around on Instagram, we stumbled upon a picture of the “RHOA” cast and we notice a familiar faces in the group shot.

It’s  Sheree Whitfield’s ex-husband Bob Whitfield in the mix. WHAT?! Yes, Sheree’s ex-hubby is also spotted all smiles in the background. Wonder what he was doing there.

Based on this pic (and the first sneak peek)…this season will be very interesting. If you missed the shocking trailer, check it out HERE.

Tune in to the season 8 premiere episode November 8th at 8/7c on BRAVO.

Why are Gay Rappers (Miles and Milan) From #LHHH Beefing On Instagram?

The current season of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood hasn’t even finished airing and yet another couple has bitten the dust. First it was Moniece and Rich Dollaz and now it is Miles and Milan. Before the season begun the names Miles Brock a.k.a. SIIR Brock and Milan Christopher were virtually unknown to rap fans but on the first episode, the two made the push to break Hip-Hop’s hate affair with gay people (men specifically) by depicting their relationship for the VH1 cameras. The network also launched an offset miniseries titled Out in Hip Hop that gives an in-depth look at homophobia in the culture.

Alas, it appears it wasn’t meant to be. If you take Milan’s word for it, it was all a storyline to boost Miles’ visible profile and he has begun to air out his former partner out on Instagram before viewers have gotten a chance to see the grand finale.

SIIR Brock also fired back with threats to release a “cemetary’s worth” of skeletons if he was pushed even further. Seeing that Milan is the one who is more tune with his sexuality and self-awareness, we’re wondering what could possibly be so bad worth “exposing.”

In the meantime, look at the struggle these two have cooked up for the world to feast their eyes on in the gallery below. The last one is a bombshell.

MESSY!

Is this Woman the one Who Broke Up Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez’s Marriage?

Halle Berry‘s ex, French actor Olivier Martinez was spotted loading up on groceries and pumpkins at Bristol Farms with, actress Ashley Greene.

She’s only 28 and she is an actress who could be forever be known as the woman who broke up Halle and Olivier’s marriage.

Halle filed for divorce under the alias Hal Maria on Tuesday. Hal Maria is a combination of Halle’s first and middle names. Olivier Martinez is listed as Oliver Martin, and the couple’s son, Maceo Martinez, is listed as Mac Martin. The subterfuge was probably necessary to thwart TMZ’s spies who hang around the courthouse scouring court documents for scandalous dirt on celebrities.

Court Doc courtesy of Sandra Rose

TMZ’s founder Harvey Levin, who is an attorney, doesn’t think filing under an alias is legal. He says a judge may have to decide if Berry’s petition is legitimate or if Martinez becomes the petitioner.

Kordell Stewart Files Lawsuit Over Gay Accusations, Says Andrew Caldwell LIED To Promote A Reality Show!

The day Kordell Stewart retired from the NFL, we suspect he planned to live a life of leisure while raising his son. Unfortunately, those folks in Atlanta haven't let him have a moment of rest. 

First, he messed around and married Porsha Williams, which introduced him to a new generation of internet trolls, haters and fame-seekers.  You would have thought after he divorced Porsha, he could fade back into obscurity....but no!  Andrew Caldwell wasn't gonna let that happen.....he's got a reality show to promote.

A few weeks ago, internet sensation Andrew made headlines across the nation after he gave a radio interview about his "alleged" sexual relationship with Kordell.  The interview went viral and garnered Andrew what he craves....attention.  However, he backtracked a few days later, admitting that he lied.  But the damage was done.

We're not sure how much damage was done, but Kordell and his legal team have definitely put a price tag on his pain, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

Kordell filed suit in DeKalb County Superior Court this week, accusing Andrew only promoting false and defamatory allegations that harmed his reputation and image.  But Andrew isn't the only defendant, Kordel is also suing Jarrius Keyun Moon and Catalyst Next LLC, which controls the Internet morning show “The ShakeUP.”

We're sure you're wondering who Jarrius is......catch this tea.  Jarrius is a reality tv producer and he's launching a show called "The Gospel Truth" starring....you guessed it.....Andrew Caldwell (both shown above).

In his lawsuit, Kordell asserts that Andrew and Jarrius got together and concocted the "lie" to serve as a PR spring board for their upcoming show. SHADE!

A portion of the suit states, “Although they are well aware that Mr. Caldwell has admitted that he lied on ‘The ShakeUP,’ Defendant Catalyst Next continues to proudly share and broadcast the Interview on their website online…although they know that the statements concerning Mr. Stewart are false. As a result of the Defendants’ continuous intentional and malicious conduct, Mr. Stewart has been subject to public embarrassment and ridicule as the statements have operated to impair his career, damage his reputation and cause acute anguish to him and his family.”

TMZ Sports reached out to Andrew about the lawsuit and he was cocky and unapologetic.  He told them, "It's true, I never dated Kordell. But I'm not worried about the lawsuit. If Kordell wants money, he has money. I don't owe him a dime."

In spite of the cockiness, Andrew did admit to TMZ that he was dead wrong for what he did.  "[What I said] did damage Kordell. He has a son. For his son to think, 'Is my dad gay?' That is damaging."

We've got one last bit.  Hold on to your chair.  Andrew says he might file a lawsuit against Kordell, because he was very "negative" towards him while denying the accusations.  "I may go after Kordell. Yes, I hurt his name, but he also hurt mine."  #isheserious

We will keep you posted about the lawsuit developments as they occur...

Rihanna Reportedly Inks $25 Million Deal with Samsung for New Album & Tour

Rihanna’s new album is reportedly getting a huge push from electronic giant Samsung. According to The New York Post, Rih and Samsung have inked a $25 million sponsorship deal.

via NYP: Rihanna, known for hit songs such as “Umbrella” and “Rude Boy,” is signed to Roc Nation, run by rap mogul Jay Z, who has had a long and profitable relationship with Samsung.

The Rihanna deal follows seven months of talks and is the biggest music-marketing tie-up in recent memory. Hammering out the details took longer than expected in part because Rihanna made some last-minute tweaks to the album, sources said.

Samsung couldn’t immediately be reached for comment, while Roc Nation declined to comment.

Rihanna, the 27-year-old beauty from Barbados, is releasing an album in the next few weeks, reportedly titled “Anti.” It will be her eighth studio album. She has talked about wanting to approach an album release in a fresh way.

Both her manager Jay Brown and Jay Z were integral to the deal. Jay Z was pictured on Twitter earlier this month leaving Samsung offices, prompting speculation about whether he was there to sell Tidal, his streaming music service, but sources suggest he was instead trying to nail down details of the Rihanna partnership.

Samsung wants to use Rihanna to help promote its Galaxy line of products and wants exclusive use of Rihanna-related video content to release via its Milk Music radio service, sources said. An open question is whether Jay Z’s Tidal streaming music service will gain any exclusivity given that Rihanna is a backer.

Samsung, which has also cut deals with NBA player LeBron James, will be integrally involved in any Rihanna tour, sources said.

The deal is bad news for marketers, said one source, noting that few have pockets deep enough to afford such multi-million dollar global tie-ups. “No-one wants to have $25 million deals in the market place,” said a source.

But event sponsorship is a huge growth area. IEG notes that spending in the space will rise 5 percent in 2015 to $1.4 billion.

Bobby Brown Arrested for DUI

R&B singer Bobby Brown arrested for DUI in Los Angeles… According to reports Bobby Brown was pulled over for talking on his cell phone on Monday when officers detected the smell of alcohol.

Bobby failed his field sobriety test and was charged with DUI and driving with a suspended license.

Chrisette Michele ENGAGED To Longtime Manager Doug “Biggs” Ellison..

Congratulations are in order for one bride to be! R songstress Chrisette Michele shared some exciting news …she’s engaged to be married! Yep, chick done copped herself a ring and will soon be the wife of her longtime manager Doug “Biggs” Ellison.

Chrisette's rep tells us that after asking her father for her hand in marriage, Biggs got down on one knee on the roof top of New York City studio "Jungle City."  She said yes!

On Instagram Chrisette, CEO of her own record label Rich Hipster, gushed:

She happily captioned, "The Queen of Four Kings | My heart has been officially stolen | Soon to be Mrs. @biggs4k"

So who's the lucky guy? If you’re a fan of TV One’s “R&B Divas: L.A.,” the first person that may have come to your mind would be her then boyfriend, whom she brought on the show, Justin Lyons

Remember he came on to help the ladies come up with a song for their Puerto Rico project? Well...it's NOT him.

In fact, her husband-to-be is the man responsible for getting her a record deal and putting her name on the map. Meet Four Kings Production's CEO Doug "Biggs" Ellison:

According to reports, he was the one who brought Chrisette to the attention of music execs at Def Jam, which ultimately resulted in her signing with the major label and Biggs becoming her manager.

He's also uber excited to be taking the next step in their relationship, posting a picture of the rock he gave her with the caption:

"She said #Yes @chrisettemichele my everything! #Godcan"

It's interesting to note, a few years ago there was some bad blood between these two. Back in 2007, Chrisette filed a lawsuit against Biggs’ production company Four Kings with claims that he/his company was embezzling money from her Def Jam contract and was harassing her. She later dropped the suit.

Then in 2010, Biggs, who once managed slain rapper Chinx, filed a $20 million lawsuit against Chrisette, Def Jam AND her parents, claiming that Chrisette was engaged in unlawful activity as she tried to get out of her contract.

But now, all of that is behind them and they have decided they can't live without one another.

The best part? She's currently in the midst of recording her upcoming album, Milestone:Minimalism. Get ready for those ballads to reflect their incredible love story.

CONGRATS to the couple!

Rick Ross REMIXES Adele's "Hello"

Rick Ross dropped a remix to Adele's instant worldwide smash "Hello" from her upcoming album 25. Rick didn't change the music or the tempo, but you know he's put his spin on it with a few bars, and you hear the signature calling card "Maybach Music" before the track starts.

He raps: "Tears fall all the way to the south of France. Poverty line hang lower than my pants / Invited to the Grammys but I feel so out of place / After we watch plates they were always out of state."

LISTEN HERE

The newly engaged rapper will release his eighth studio album, Black Market, in December.

SADNESS: Model/Actor Sam Sarpong Dies at 40

Actor and model Sam Sarpong, best known for co-hosting MTV’s “Yo Momma” with Wilmer Valderrama, died Monday. He was 40.

via Variety: Sarpong died after jumping off a bridge in Pasadena, Calif., according to E! News. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has ruled his death a suicide, with an autopsy pending.

“It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel Sarpong, Jr. must share the news that Sam has passed away,” said his publicist in a statement. “The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation and no additional details are known at this time. Information about final arrangements will be forthcoming. The family appreciates the thoughts prayers and other expressions of sympathy, and request their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time.”

“[Sarpong] had a pure heart and always went out of his way to help others,” his rep, J.D. Sobol, told Variety. “We will all miss him dearly.”

The British-American star was born in London and moved to Los Angeles with his father when he was 11. He would go on to book modeling work, including being the face of Tommy Hilfiger for six years, as well as walking runways for Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Donna Karen.

Sarpong’s first onscreen role came in an episode of Claire Danes’ “My So-Called Life” in 1994. His big TV break, however, came in 2006, when MTV cast him as one of its co-hosts for “Yo Momma.” Sarpong and Valderrama traveled across the country for three seasons to find the best trash talkers. After the show ended in 2007, Sarpong hosted BET pre-awards show “All Access.”

His other TV credits include “Pacific Blue,” “Family Matters,” “ER,” “Boston Public,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Veronica Mars,” “Bones” and “24.” He also had a role in FX’s heavily buzzed “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson,” which is set to debut next year.

He appeared in films “Carmen: The Hip Hopera,” “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and “Anchor Baby.”

Sarpong is survived by his father, Samuel Sarpong Sr., and his sister, June.

So sad. Prayers up for his friends and family.

Here’s THE REAL Reason Derick Rose is being SUED!

Text Messages Show Alleged Derrick Rose Victim Planning To Use Money For Plastic Surgery

By now you're familiar with the debacle surrounding Derrick Rose and an ex who claims that he and his friend gang raped her. Derrick Rose has denied any claims of rape, saying that the group sex was consensual and that the young lady is just upset because he would not pay her back for a sex toy. The young lady is now willing to settle out of court for $2 million. In a previous post Baller Alert hinted at knowing the identity of the woman, referring to her as "Ms. M."

Apparently there is a little more to the story. "Ms. M", who we can now identify as Monica, may indeed be going after Derrick's money, at least according to text messages from a source close to the incident.

The source tells our friends over at Baller Alert exclusively that the alleged incident went down 2 years ago. Derrick's driver picked Monica up to take her to Derrick's place, and later dropped Derrick, his friend and Monica off at her apartment. The source also says that Derrick is telling the truth, this entire thing is over a sex toy. Apparently Monica's broken sex belt is the center of it all. The sex belt retails no more than $200. Derrick agreed to pay Monica back for it, he would ask for her account number, but would never deposit the funds. After the group sex encounter, Derrick began to cease communication with Monica and after growing frustrated at getting the cold shoulder, Monica allegedly concocted the rape story.

The source tells also claims that Monica has been out of a job for a year and has been running low on cash. She relied on money from family to get by. The source claims she even attempted to hustle/steal money from friends. In the text messages, which span through out the year, we see what appears to be Monica planning out what she plans to do with the money, should she win her case against Rose. It appears that she wants to get plastic surgery and is fascinated with before and after photos. In another text conversation, she discusses being low on money and says she will use Derrick's money to buy a plasma television. In another convo, she expresses regret for what she is doing to Derrick, but says she can't back down due to her financial situation.

View the texts below and share your thoughts.

Keep in mind we can't confirm how much of any of this is true, so we are posting it and allowing you to draw your own conclusion.

If what the source says is indeed true, this is what makes it extremely difficult for real rape victims. A person's livelihood shouldn't be your way of making money.

Also, below is a photo similar to the belt Monica wanted to be compensated for. Retails on Amazon for $60.

RACHEDNESS at it’s best if it is TRUE! h/t balleralert

In Health News: About 3.7 billion worldwide are infected with the herpes virus

Approximately two-thirds of all people under age 50 across the globe are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the virus most commonly associated with cold sores, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report released today in the journal PLOS One.

The burden of infection varies in different parts of the world and between men and women, according to the report. In the Americas, about 39% of all women are infected and 49% of men. In the Eastern Mediterranean, 75% of both men and women are infected and 87% of both men and women are infected in Africa.

And that’s just men and women under age 50. Above this age, the burden of infection would probably “trend toward 100%” in many places, says Bryan Cullen, director of the Duke University Center for Virology, although the WHO study doesn’t include these statistics.

HSV-1 is the same virus most commonly responsible for causing skin lesions, or “cold sores,” around the mouth, a disease than can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing. But while cold sores are a mostly cosmetic issue, there’s good reason to collect data on the virus, argue some experts.

The research suggests that HSV-1 may be increasingly responsible for genital herpes as well, and it’s also been known to cause infections leading to blindness and, albeit rarely, encephalitis.

HSV-1 is one of two types of herpes simplex virus. The other, HSV-2, has historically been associated with genital herpes and is almost exclusively sexually transmitted. Infection with HSV-2 can have more serious consequences, too, since it has been shown to increase a person’s risk of becoming infected with HIV.

In 2012, the WHO released a report on HSV-2 estimating that its global prevalence in people between the ages of 15 and 49 is around 11.3% — low in comparison to the HSV-1 estimates released in the new paper.

This is likely because of the differing methods of transmission between the two viruses, says Anna Wald, a professor at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine whose research specialties include the herpes simplex virus.

Since HSV-2 most commonly affects the genitals, it typically isn’t transmitted until people become sexually active. HSV-1, on the other hand, has historically been commonly transmitted in early childhood, for instance if an infected adult kisses an uninfected child.

Both types of HSV can lead to genital herpes infections

However, in recent years research has increasingly shown that both HSV types can be responsible for either oral or genital infections, and either type may be transmitted via oral sex. The new paper notes that, worldwide, about half a billion people between the ages of 15 and 49 have a genital herpes infection caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2.

This is worth noting, as genital herpes in particular can carry a heavy social stigma.

It’s thought that genital HSV-1 infections are becoming particularly prevalent in developed nations. This is likely

because rates of oral transmission in early childhood are decreasing. Once infected with the virus in one part of the body, the immune system generally protects against infection in another area.

So if fewer people are infected with the virus as children, they’re susceptible to genital infection as they become sexually active later in life, the WHO paper says.

The authors of the paper write, “In a number of developed settings (e.g., the USA, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand) there is evidence that the proportion of first episode genital herpes that is due to HSV-1 has increased, particularly among young people. It is thought that decreases in rates of childhood infection over time, combined with increases in the frequency of oral sex in these populations, are driving this trend.”

The authors conclude that genital HSV-1 infections are becoming a public health concern in certain parts of the developed world.

In other parts of the world, such as in Africa and Southeast Asia, the authors note that oral transmission in childhood is still high and has a tendency to protect people from genital infection later on.

“The new estimates highlight the crucial need for countries to improve data collection for both HSV types and sexually transmitted infections in general,” said Marlene Temmerman, director of the WHO’s Department of Reproductive Health and Research, in a statement.

In addition to better tracking of a sexually-transmitted infection, such data collection can help scientists gain a better understanding of the ways the virus could influence other serious health conditions, Wald says.

It’s unclear whether infection with HSV-1 has a similar effect as HSV-2 in raising the risk of HIV, according to Wald.

And HSV-1 is a leading cause of a condition known as HSV keratitis, which is an infection of the cornea that can lead to blindness. In fact, it’s the “biggest cause of infectious blindness in the United States,” says Cullen.

Both types of HSV can also cause encephalitis, which is rare but can lead to severe brain damage or death. And infection of either HSV type in newborns can sometimes cause severe reactions, including high fever, seizures or even death.

Both types of HSV are usually responsible for skin lesions only, which can be painful but are not typically seen as a serious health risk. And while the lesions may recur repeatedly in some infected people, others become asymptomatic after the first outbreak — or they may never have an outbreak at all.

This behavior is part of what makes the virus so difficult to track, as many people are unaware that they are infected. And while it’s possible to perform a blood test that will show whether the virus is present, “those kinds of studies are expensive and take up a lot of resources,” Wald says.

In the absence of symptoms, many medical providers also typically do not test for either type of the virus during routine sexually transmitted diseases (STD) screenings for a variety of reasons, some of them practical and others ethical.

Since the disease carries a social stigma and currently has no cure, the CDC also notes: “Because the tests can be expensive and the diagnosis may have adverse psychological or effects for some people, widespread testing for HSV is not currently recommended.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend testing for people who do not present with symptoms, stating, “STD screening tests are usually done for infections that can have serious outcomes if they are left untreated. … Genital herpes infections can cause intermittent symptoms that may be uncomfortable, but infection does not usually result in serious complications in healthy adults.” h/t Mashable

Beyoncé vs. Channing Tatum Will Be Coming to ‘Lip Sync Battle’

Beyoncé and Channing Tatum are about to battle, Lip Sync Battle. We all know that Bey has no need to lip-sync, but she will do so to beat the Hollywood hunk in an upcoming episode of Spike TV’s Lip Sync Battle.

Entertainment Weekly reports the duo will go at each other once the series returns in 2016. If you want to check out what the show is all about, be sure to watch past episodes like the battle between Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson.

What song would you like to see Queen Bey battle Channing Tatum with on Lip Sync Battle.

New Music Video JoJo – Say Love

JoJo premiered the video for “Say Love,” second song released from her ‘tringle’ earlier this year.

She told Buzzfeed: “For the second visual off the tringle, I wanted something to contrast our stylized warehouse from “When Love Hurts.” This song called for something open and intimate, while focusing on the tension of being with someone but not fully being on the same page. Calling out for more. The backdrop of sprawling field and tall trees reminded me of autumn in New England, my favorite time and place. I had so much fun making this video and I hope you love it like I do.”

Check out the clip HERE

Me Likey!

Why was K. Michelle Spotted Leaving Doctor’s Office With Brain Scans?

K. Michelle with a friend leaves a doctors office with brain scans in Beverly Hills

Reality TV star and part-time singer K. Michelle, left, was seen leaving a doctor’s office carrying brain scans. It looks like the doctor gave Michelle some bad news. Michelle was seen leaving her doctor’s Beverly Hills officer with a friend on Wednesday.

The two women seemed very concerned about the results of the brain scans.

K. Michelle looked unkempt and disheveled in baggy sweatpants, a white t-shirt and a ball cap

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.o.WM

‘THE BAD DISGUISE’

Those camo booty shorts are quite the oxymoron you’ve got going on here. The camo is supposed to hide everything but those bottom biscuits scream “look at this ass!!!” I just can’t figure you out girl.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!

EFREM