4-1-1- Entertainment for the Week of July 19th

Janet Jackson is one busy lady she is the cover girl for the latest edition of Essence magazine. She is filming the new Tyler Perry movie for Colored Girls, she’s in love and she’s been named the new spokesperson for the Blackgama Fur campaign. PETA is not happy about Jackson’s latest venture but Janet seems to be happy with it. She looks fabulous in her mink in the black and white photo. Janet follows the likes of Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor who have starred in previous campaigns for What Becomes A Legend Most. PETA has lashed out against Janet accusing her of reviving her career on the backs of dead animals. Janet’s love life has also been heating up with her romance with Wissam Al Mana he’s a young rich Arab Man whose family is in the oil business.

Its wedding bells for Alicia Keys who is tired of being labeled a home wrecker. Keys is expecting her first child with producer Swizz Beats. Swizz Beats made headlines when he left his wife and young child to be with Keys. A Caribbean wedding is rumored to be happening this weekend. In September Keys is teaming up with Sade for her charity Keep a Child Alive which assists children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

According to published reports a drug dealer is spilling the beans on Whitney Houston accusing the singer of still being on drugs. The dealer says Houston has a 300 thousand dollar a year habit and that she has not stopped doing drugs. Houston has also gained an alarming amount of weight and sources say it’s because she is on a steroid to help her with her respiratory problems. I had a chance to interview Houston’s ex Bobby Brown. He had no comment on Houston he is currently on tour with the Heads of State, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill. He is keeping the weight off that he lost on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club. He looks good, he was happy and he says he is enjoying life with his fiancé and young baby.

Wesley Snipes is finally going to jail. After a ten year fight with the IRS Snipes will have to start serving a three year sentence for failing to file and pay taxes since 1998. Snipes has already given the government 15 million dollars but that did not sway a federal appeals court which ruled Snipes must serve his sentence. There is no word on when he will start serving that sentence.

Keisha Cole’s mom Frankie is working on a new book about her life. The book Two Sides to Every Story is a tell all about her life and the lessons she learned on the road to recovery. Frankie has also been added to the cast of VH1’S Celebrity Rehab.

Are Will and Jada headed to Broadway? After the success of the musical Fela which they co-produced the Hollywood power couple has been approached to star in a new revival of the Tennessee Williams classic A Streetcar Named Desire. The production is scheduled for 2011if it happens Will Smith will play the role made famous by Marlon Brando, Stanley Kowalski.

It’s official after dating for the past three years Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union have come out as a couple. Wade wanted to wait until his messy divorce was over and now he and Gabby can go on with their lives.

Tyrese has announced plans for a new album. Open Invitation is due out next year.

Ice T was embarrassed this week with his recent arrest. Ice T plays a cop on Law and Order and he was arrested in New York for driving without a seat belt and driving with a suspended license.

Actor Michael Ealy has joined the cast of the CBS TV show The Good Wife. Ealy who used to date Halle Berry has a new movie with Chris Brown and Idris Elba coming out in late August, Takers.

Former White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers has been shaking things up in her new role as consultant at Ebony/Jet Magazines. Rogers is unhappy with the rebranding of the magazine which has cost the company over 80 thousand dollars.

For the first time in its 24 year history The Oprah Winfrey Show has suffered its worst ratings. The show has been in reruns but recent data shows an all time ratings low. New episodes start in early September as the show enters its 25th and final season.

Actor Kristoff St. John says he is not leaving the Young and the Restless. St. John has signed on for a comedy pilot produced by the Wayans Brothers. St. John plays the character Neil Winters and he will be featured in a reduced role. St. John won an Emmy in 2008. Maybe if they bring back Actress Victoria Rowell who played his wife Drucilla they will know what to do with his character.

Actress Vonetta McGhee has died. The 70’s icon died from a heart attack at the age of 65. McGhee was married to actor Carl Lumbly. McGhee was best known for her work with actor Max Julian and the movies Shaft in Africa, Hammer and Blacula.

Kevin Hart’s latest DVD Seriously Funny is out in stores. His latest movie Death at a Funeral with Chris Rock, Tracey Morgan and Martin Lawrence comes out on DVD August 10th. Martin Lawrence got married a couple of weeks ago to his longtime girlfriend the mother of his two youngest daughters. Lawrence was previously married to Patricia Smith, the current wife of Football great Emmitt Smith.

John Legend is working on a new project which will include a remake of the Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes classic Wake Up Everybody.

Actress Tariji P. Henson has signed on for the Lifetime movie Taken From Me. The story is based on the true life story of Tiffany Rubin whose 7 year son was abducted by his Korean born father. The story traces her journey to get her son back to the USA.

Gospel Great Walter Hawkins is being hailed as one of the greats in the Gospel music industry. Hawkins died at the 61 from pancreatic cancer. He was working on a new album at the time of his death.

Actor Jaleel White has been cleared of charges for assaulting his baby mama. Authorities say there wasn’t enough evidence. The former star of Family Matters was accused of hitting his baby mama in the mouth. White played the character Urkel.

The 23rd Annual Soul Train Awards will air on November 28th.

Is Mel Gibson crazy or is he being set up by his baby mama? With all the controversy surrounding Gibson whether he’s a racist or a mad man many people wonder what his Lethal Weapon co-star has to say. Where is Danny Glover? Spokespeople for Glover say the actor has no comment on the Mel Gibson controversy.

Faith Evans is coming back with a new album at the end of summer. Something About Faith is coming out September 14th.

Terry McMillan’s long awaited sequel to Waiting to Exhale called Getting to Happy arrives in bookstores September 7th.

Denzel Washington has signed on for the spy thriller Safe House as one of his future projects. Washington, who just a Tony Award for his Broadway performance in Fences, has a new movie called Unstoppable coming out in November.

Maxwell says he will have a new album by next winter, and Fantasia’s long awaited release Back to Me comes out late August.

Idris Elba is hot on the cover of Ebony magazine. His new movie Takers arrives in theatres on August 27th. Speaking of new movies, on August 20th, it’s the Lottery Ticket with Loretta Devine, Ice Cube, Bow Wow, Mike Epps & Terry Crews. Idris is also going to be the Honorary Chairperson along with Jimmy Rollins at this year’s Philly’s Men are Cooking. This event is Saturday November 27th more details coming later.

The Wachovia Center is undergoing another name change. By the fall, the center will be renamed The Wells Fargo Center. The name change will happen before the start of the Sixers and Flyers’ seasons. The building opened in 1996 as the CoreStates Center then it became The First Union Center. The building has been named The Wachovia Center since 2003.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is being honored at The White House. McCartney is getting the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from The Library of Congress. Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae are among those honoring McCartney. The ceremonies will air on PBS July 28th.

The Steve Harvey Radio Show is coming to TV. The BET network will be airing The Steve Harvey Radio Show on their Centric network starting this fall. Also, get ready for the return of the TV show The Game. The cancelled CW comedy is being revived on the Bet network with the original cast.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This woman was not a good wife or ex wife to her late husband a famous child actor. She may have played a part in his death now she’s making demands on his estate.

This Oscar winning Actress is using her young daughter as a pawn to stay in the media and torture her baby daddy.

4-1-1 Entertainment, (Ending Week of 4/17/10

Why did Oprah’s family sell her out? The long awaited unauthorized biography on Oprah by Kitty Kelley is out. Kelley is known for her exposés on Frank Sinatra, Nancy Reagan, The Bushes and Elizabeth Taylor, and now she is doing The Mighty O. I didn’t think anything new would come out of this book because Oprah has always led her life like an open book. So what didn’t we know….well, she dated John Tesh, the musician and former anchor of Entertainment Tonight. He couldn’t deal with the interracial pressure, so he left her in the middle of the night. Oprah never knew her biological dad. She was raised by Vernon Winfrey. Vernon held nothing back. He can’t stand Oprah’s best friend Gayle King. He called her a street heifer. He talked about Oprah’s longtime boyfriend Stedman Graham. Referring to Stedman as a fixture and window dressing, Vernon says they are not in love. He also says the Oprah he knows is not the woman on screen. He talks about her strained relationship with her mother, and says Oprah doesn’t know Jesus. Vernon claims she lied about being poor growing up because he provided very well for her. Former boyfriends of Oprah’s were paid thousands to keep quiet, but that didn’t stop their girlfriends, who revealed to Kelley about past lesbian flings. So far, Oprah has had no comment on the book. Sources say she is just waiting for the storm to pass over. In the meantime, her media friends have been loyal to her. Kelley has been having a hard time getting booked on major shows (Letterman, The View, 20/20, Leno, Good Morning America). Why would Oprah’s stepdad bite her back out? Apparently, she and Vernon had a falling out years ago, and she stopped him from writing a tell-all of his own, so he gave all his dirt to Kitty Kelley.


In other news, she will be doing a nightly show on her Oprah Winfrey Network. In this show, she will travel the world conducting interviews with notable figures from around the world. Oprah’s daytime talk show ends September 2011.


Is Vivica A Fox getting turned out by her new boyfriend? Fox, 43, has been dating Slimm, a 26-year old promoter. She just spent a ton of money on a birthday party for him. During the party, he wasn’t paying attention to her so she started spazzing out. Her youngin’ was checking out the other ladies who were there to steal her man. Auntie Viv, the number one rule of a cougar…..if you are going to date the youngin’s, you can’t let them see you sweat, especially in this day and age of the video camera…aauugghh!!! Don’t let yourself get played. Remember how it was when you dated 50 Cent. C’mon, everybody is watching you with this young man. Be careful.


Shaquille O’Neal has a warning for his ex-wife. Don’t Clown Me Or Talk About Me On Your Reality Show! Shaunie O’Neal has a reality show on VH1 called Basketball Wives. The show is funny because only one of the ladies is married. The other women are divorced or ex-jumpoffs/girlfriends/side jawns….anywho… Shaq sees his ex-wife’s show as televised revenge. For years, Shaq cheated on Shaunie, and now, he is getting his lawyers after her. In other Shaunie news, the mother of five is dating 23-year old Model Marlon Yates. Shaq is not happy about this either. He’s been leaking stories about his ex-wife. Telling anyone who’ll listen how she used to be married to one of his business partners, but dumped that husband to hook up with him. Hmmmmmmmm!


Houston! We’ve Got A Problem! Whitney Houston has resumed her European tour, but she can’t hit the high notes…. and it’s embarrassing! She looks haggard, and she sweats profusely while performing. According to Houston, despite battling an upper respiratory infection, she is in good health. This tour has turned into a disaster. She needs money because she never wrote or produced her own music. Right now, the only way she can make money is by touring. Now she could write a book, but there’s the question: will she tell the truth? Will it be an honest book about her life with Bobby Brown and the years of drug abuse?


The King children are getting along. Dexter, Martin, III and Bernice have settled their differences and are getting ready to continue the legacy of their parents. The King siblings will be doing work for The King Center with Martin, III being placed in charge. For years, the siblings were embroiled in controversy ranging from charges of theft to mishandling of funds. A judge had to step in to restore order. After a car accident nearly killed Dexter, the siblings realized life was too short to continue feuding. Plus, it was embarrassing to the family.


Another King is having his own problems. Talk Show Legend Larry King filed for divorce from his seventh wife Shawn. She filed her own papers the same day. Shawn’s been married three times before Larry. The Kings have two sons together, Chance, 11, and Cannon, 9. Larry is denying published reports of an affair with his wife’s sister. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm!


How long will NBC keep Tiki Barber around? The former Giants football great made headlines for all the wrong reasons last week when it was revealed he dumped his wife Ginny, who is 8 months pregnant, for a 23-year old intern. Barber and Ginny had been married for 11 years with two sons, but apparently he has been carrying on with the intern for the past two years. He’s been showering her with expensive gifts, clothing, jewelry, designer handbags and trips around the world. The young intern didn’t care who knew about their relationship. She would put daily posting on Facebook wearing Barber’s jersey. Her parents thought she was the babysitter for Barber’s children, but the fact is she was having an affair with him. Barber’s career is in jeopardy. He was recently dropped from the Sunday night NFL games on NBC. He was also paid $2 million by The Today Show, but he was disappointing and dull on screen. What man turns his back on his pregnant wife? No one likes a jerk. Now NBC has a reason not to renew his contract.


Speaking of jerks, Hollywood Agent Mike Nilon has been busted for cheating. Nilon is married to Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon. Garcelle played “Fancy” on The Jamie Foxx Show and a D.A. on NYPD Blue. The Nilons are the parents of two-year old twin boys. When Garcelle found out her husband was cheating, she sent an email blast letting everyone know about Nilon’s five-year affair with another woman.


Actress Stacey Dash is headed to divorce court. The former Clueless star is divorcing husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb. They had been married for two years, and she claims he beat her and has a drinking problem.


At the movies, it’s Death At A Funeral. It’s an all-star cast with Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Danny Glover and Kevin Hart. Speaking of Martin Lawrence, he’s going to start work next month on Big Momma’s House III: Like Father, Like Son. The new movie will also star Faison Love and Brandon T. Jackson. In the new installment, Lawrence recruits his son to help solve a crime. Lawrence will also be teaming up with Jamie Foxx in the Sheneneh And Wanda movie, based on their popular characters from In Living Color and the Martin show.


Get ready for the return of The Dell East. Yes, The Dell East at 33rd and Ridge Avenue! After a two-year absence, The Dell East is returning with a new season. The kickoff is July 12th. As soon as we find out the lineup, we will let you know. There will be 8 shows this season.


Trey Songz and Monica are gearing up for a summer tour. Songz also has a new reality sow debuting on BET on June 27th.


Does Tyler Perry have a gay problem? According to Writer/Columnist Rob Smith, Perry does. He claims there are no positive gay role models in any of Perry’s movies. Smith says this is probably done so that Perry’s predominately African American church-going audience won’t be offended.


Former 76er Derrick Coleman is broke. Coleman owes his creditors $4.7 million, and he has filed for bankruptcy. In 1991, Coleman was the NBA’s Rookie Of The Year, and he was a standout player for Syracuse. During the course of his NBA career, he made millions, but lost it due to bad business deals.


Singer Jaheim had a run in with the police last week. Jaheim was stopped for speeding, and police found marijuana in his car.


Actor Quinton Aaron, who played NFL Player Michael Oher in the movie The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock, has been dropped by his talent agency. They claim they couldn’t find him any work.


The legendary Pam Grier is coming to Philadelphia. The original “Foxy Brown” is telling all in her new book Foxy: My Life In Three Acts. The book comes out April 28th, and she is doing a free book signing at The African American Museum, 7th and Arch Streets, on Thursday, May 6th from 6pm until 8pm. At 60, Grier still looks fabulous, and I will be the hostess for the evening. Make plans to join us. Grier has a lot to tell, including her romances with Richard Pryor, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and the late Comedian Freddie Prinze, Sr. from The 70’s show Chico And The Man.


Philly’s own Patti LaBelle is getting a new honor right here in town. LaBelle will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate Of Humane Letters at Temple University’s 123rd Commencement on May 13th.


Bobby Brown has a June court date. Brown is trying to get his child support payments reduced. Brown has no source of income, and he can’t afford to pay Kim Ward, the mother of two of his children, $5,500 a month. Back in 2007, Brown was jailed for falling behind on his child support payments by $22,000.


It’s official. Kevin Eubanks is leaving The Tonight Show. After 18 years by Leno’s side, Eubanks wants to embark on a different musical journey. Famed Music Director Rickey Minor is replacing Eubanks. Minor will be leaving his position with American Idol to take The Tonight Show gig. Minor is known for his work with the Superbowl, The Grammy Awards and The NAACP Image Awards.


In other late night news, Conan O’Brien is going with the money. FOX wouldn’t pay up, so Conan O’Brien will be doing a late night show for the TBS network. O’Brien’s show will air Mon-Thurs at 11pm followed by George Lopez. O’Brien will own the show and get $10 million a year.


Basketball Superstar Julius Erving is living the quiet life outside of Atlanta. Dr. J is happily married to Dorys Madden, and they have three children. The Ervings met in 2003, and have been married for two years.


Paula Deen is back with a new book about southern flair. Savannah Style is a southern style decorating book. Deen co-wrote the book with her creative director and personal assistant, Brandon Branch. Deen says she came up with the idea for the book because she wants people to dare to be different with their decorating.


Neicy Nash is dancing up a storm on Dancing With The Stars. She’s also in talks to host her own daytime talk show. In the meantime, she’s been busy with her Clean House TV show and her work on The Insider. In other Dancing With The Stars news, is Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson dating his dance partner Cheryl Burke. NO! It’s just publicity. When he finishes up Dancing With The Stars, he will start work on his VH1 dating reality show. 85 women are already lined up to date him. He is going to be sooooo tired once he starts up football season with the Cincinnati Bengals.


Jennifer Hudson says she has not forgotten about her singing career. Hudson is currently the spokesperson for Weight Watchers. She went from a size 14 to a size 4. She’s also getting ready to start work on a movie based on the life of Winnie Mandela. Hudson says in between, she will be working on a new album that she says will be ready by the fall.


Congrats to 6ABC News Anchor Monica Malpass. Her twin boys, Hunter and Zeke, arrived earlier this week. The twins join their ten-year old big brother Jake. Congrats Monica!


Gabby Sidebe is headed to SNL as host. The star of Precious is hosting the show on April 24th. In other Gabby news, her mom, Alice Tan Ridley, has been chosen to compete this summer on America’s Got Talent. Ridley is a subway singer who is well known in the New York area.


The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin and The King Of Pop Michael Jackson are going to be the new inductees into the Apollo Theatre Hall Of Fame. The ceremony takes place June 14th. Past inductees include Patti LaBelle, Quincy Jones and Ella Fitzgerald. Jennifer Lopez and her hubby Marc Anthony are also going to be honored that night with a humanitarian award.


Ruben Studdard is gearing up for a summer tour with former Idol Contestant Clay Aiken. When the two competed on American Idol, Studdard won the competition. They will be performing in Lancaster on August 8th. In other Idol news, the charity show Idol Gives Back will air on April 21st. Alicia Keys will be one of the performers. So far, Idol’s charity has raised over $140 million.


Tyler Perry is coming to Philadelphia April 28th-May 2nd with his new stage production Madea’s Big Happy Family at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery. There are still tickets available, and Tyler wants to see you there. He just added the Wednesday show. The production will have video screens to support the play so everyone will have a great seat. Tyler’s new movie, Why Did I Get Married Too, is in theatres. The movie stars Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Malik Yoba and Perry himself. Tyler’s next project is an adaptation of the 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf. The play was about love, abandonment and rape. Rumored cast members include Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington and Macy Gray. Filming starts in June, and the movie is scheduled to be in theatres next January.


Check out the May issue of Essence magazine. Jill Scott is the cover girl. New Mommy Paula Patton is on the new issue Of Ebony. She and husband Singer Robin Thicke recently became the parents of a baby boy named Julian.


On May 14th, it’s Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton and Pam Grier in the movie Just Wright. Philadelphia Native Mike Elliott directs the comedy about finding love when you least expect it.


It will be the reunion of Run DMC at the 3rd Annual Roots Picnic. The event is happening June 5th at Penns Landing. This will be their first performance since the death of Jam Master Jay, who was murdered in 2002.


Babyface is doing a tour that will bring him to the Borgata in Atlantic City on September 3rd.


Toni Braxton’s new album, Pulse, has a new release date: May 4th. The album has undergone some changes, including appearances by Mo’Nique and Robin Thicke. Toni is also having major tax problems. She owes the I.R.S. over $400,000 in back taxes. Sources say it was money problems that led to the breakup of her marriage to Singer Keri Lewis of Mint Condition.


Oscar Winning Actress and Comedienne Mo’Nique is coming to Philly on May 21st with a comedy show at the Liacouras Center.


The new version of the Karate Kid hits theatres next summer with Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson and Jackie Chan.


Get ready for Sarah Jessica Parker and the girls in Sex And The City II coming out next month.


The 7th Annual West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival is going to an all-jazz theme this year. Mark your calendar for June 18th -20th. Three days, two stages and it’s all free with Al Jarreau, George Duke, David Sanborn, Diane Reeves and Joey DeFrancesco, to name a few. This year will have a New Orleans theme. The location is 7100-74 blocks of Ogontz Avenue. For more info go to westoaklanefestival.com


The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170. Join WDAS’ Mimi Brown on Wednesday nights for The Rising Star Talent Search. They are looking for up and coming musicians and singers to showcase their talent. For more info and to schedule an audition call 215-927-5455. The winner will get $5,000.


WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


This Singing Sensation broke up her fiancé’s marriage…but the joke was on her. Once he left his wife, she found out he had a jumpoff with a baby in another country. Is this man really worth all the drama?!!!!!


Check out who’s coming to town:


This Friday, April 16th- Angie Stone and Leela James in concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside for more info call 215-572-7650.

April 24th- Steve Harvey and Nephew Tommy at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

May 1st- Bill Cosby at the Keswick Theatre for more info call 215-572 -7650.

May 1st- Corrine Bailey Rae in concert at the TLA, 3rd and South.

Saturday, May 8th- The Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley, Teena Marie and The Whispers in a Mothers’ Day concert at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Saturday, May 8th- A Mothers’ Day Gospel Celebration with Kirk Franklin, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy and Fred Hammond at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

Saturday May 15th – Charlie Wilson and Vivian Green in concert at the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City.

Friday, May 21st –Mo’Nique’s Spread The Love comedy show at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

Friday, May 21st- Diana Ross at Caesars in Atlantic City.

Saturday, May 22nd – Sunday, May 23rd -The stage play Your Girlfriend Needs To Mind Her Business! Starring WDAS’ own Mimi Brown and Yvette Money. Showtimes: Saturday, the 22nd is 8pm and Sunday, the 23rd is 7pm at The Arts Bank Theatre, 601 South Broad Street. For more info call 215-869-3509.

Friday, June 11th- Earth Wind & Fire at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

Saturday, June 19th –Maxwell/Jill Scott at the Wachovia Center.

Saturday, June 26th- Frankie Beverly & Maze and Will Downing in Concert at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. For more info go to http://livenation.com .

Saturday, June 26th- Gladys Knight in concert at the House Of Blues Showboat Casino in Atlantic City.

Thursday, July 22nd –Chrisette Michelle at the House of Blues Showboat in Atlantic City.

Friday, September 3rd – Babyface in concert at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

An Overdue Dose of Entertainment...

It’s a boy for Actress Paula Patton and Singer Robin Thicke. They are the proud parents of Julian, who was born on Tuesday night. Check out Patton on the new issue of Ebony magazine. She looks amazing with two beautiful photos showing her pregnant.


Brian McKnight won’t talk about his secret child. Yes, secret child! McKnight is paying child support for his one-year old son, Evan Brian McKnight. Lil’ Evan’s momma wants more money, so she’s gone public with their love child. McKnight has two older children from a previous marriage, and he just got engaged to another woman. Sources say she is mad at McKnight for dumping her to marry another woman.

What a Jerk! Former Football Star Tiki Barber is showing just how much of a jerk he is. Barber has left his pregnant wife of 11 years for a 23-year old blonde intern. Barber has two sons with his wife Ginny. The kids are ages six and seven, and now Ginny is 8 months pregnant with twins. How could he do this to her? In a statement, Barber said the decision was painful. I wonder how he thinks this will affect his public image. YEAH, TIKI THE JERK!


The Jackson family came out in full force for the preliminary hearing for Dr. Conrad Murray. Dr. Murray was the personal physician of Michael Jackson at the time of his death. Dr. Murray admitted giving Jackson the anesthesia medicine propofol that gave Jackson a heart attack. Dr. Murray insists he did nothing wrong, and his defense is claiming that Jackson killed himself. Dr. Murray is fighting to keep his medical license so he can make a living. The Jackson family wants to see justice. They feel Dr. Murray murdered Michael Jackson.


Erykah Badu has to pay up for her nude publicity stunt. In her new video for her song Window Seat, Badu strips off her clothes in the downtown plaza where JFK was assassinated. Badu says the video and message has gotten lost in the controversy. She has to pay a $500 fine.


Our get well wishes go out to Singer Whitney Houston. Houston had to postpone dates on her European tour as she battles an upper respiratory infection.


Nick Cannon says he is not Mr. Mariah Carey. Cannon is featured on the cover of Jet magazine, and he talks about his life with Mariah Carey. He also opens up about his business life (becoming a millionaire at the age of 15). Cannon is the host of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, and he is the CEO of his own multi-media company, which handles his radio and TV ventures.


Jennifer Hudson reveals how she went from a size 14 to a size 4 in her new commercials for Weight Watchers. She looks amazing. She joined the program right after she gave birth to her son, and she says it took six months. Later this spring, Hudson is headed to South Africa to star in a move based on the life of Winnie Mandela.


Kel Mitchell, from the popular kids show Kenan And Kel, is broke. Mitchell had to file for bankruptcy. The former Good Burger star is in debt to the tune of $1.7 million. In court statements, he claimed to only own an SUV and clothes. His former partner Kenan Thompson is doing much better. Thompson is currently one of the cast members of NBC’s Saturday Night Live.


Speaking of Saturday Night Live, Gabby Sidebe is headed to SNL as host. The star of Precious is hosting the show on April 24th. In other Gabby news, her mom, Alice Tan Ridley, has been chosen to compete this summer on America’s Got Talent. Ridley is a subway singer who is well known in the New York area.


Patti LaBelle has introduced her new line of bedding at Macy’s. I love good bedding, and Ms. Patti has a great collection and excellent colors. LaBelle also has a line of seasonings and sauces, and you can check them out at Shoprite supermarkets.


The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin and The King Of Pop Michael Jackson are going to be the new inductees into the Apollo Theatre Hall Of Fame. The ceremony takes place June 14th. Past inductees include Patti LaBelle, Quincy Jones and Ella Fitzgerald. Jennifer Lopez and her hubby Marc Anthony are also going to be honored that night with a humanitarian award.


Ruben Studdard is gearing up for a summer tour with former Idol Contestant Clay Aiken. When the two competed on American Idol, Studdard won the competition. They will be performing in Lancaster on August 8th. In other Idol news, the charity show Idol Gives Back will air on April 21st. Alicia Keys will be one of the performers. So far, Idol’s charity has raised over $140 million. The show needs a boost. For the first time ever, Dancing With The Stars beat Idol in the ratings by a couple million viewers. Does American Idol still have the same sizzle? I find that I’m just not interested this season. Simon looks bored, and as much as I love Ellen DeGeneres, she isn’t adding anything to the show.


The radio world lost a legend this past week with the passing of Reggie Bryant. Bryant was a radio host for WHAT-AM and for WURD-AM. He was also one of the founding members of the Philadelphia Association Of Black Journalists. Bryant was bold and outspoken, and he didn’t mind ruffling feathers. His voice will be missed.


Services have been announced for another late Philadelphia media legend. Malcolm Poindexter, alumnus of CBS 3 and The Philadelphia Tribune, will have a celebration of life service on Friday, April 16th with a 1pm musical tribute followed by the memorial. The service will take place at Deliverance Evangelistic Church, 2001 West Lehigh Avenue.


Tyler Perry is coming to Philadelphia April 28th-May 2nd with his new stage production Madea’s Big Happy Family at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery. There are still tickets available, and Tyler wants to see you there. He just added the Wednesday show. The production will have video screens to support the play so everyone will have a great seat. Tyler’s new movie, Why Did I Get Married Too, is in theatres. The movie stars Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Malik Yoba and Perry himself. Tyler’s next project is an adaptation of the 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf. The play was about love, abandonment and rape. Rumored cast members include Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington and Macy Gray. Filming starts in June, and the movie is scheduled to be in theatres next January.


Check out the May issue of Essence magazine. Jill Scott is the cover girl.

Shaunie O’Neal’s new reality show, Basketball Wives, debuts April 11th on VH1. Shaunie is excited about the new show, and she’s already showing off her new love Marlon Yates, a 23-year old model. No, he’s not a baller, but he is cute. Go Shaunie!

On May 14th, it’s Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton and Pam Grier in the movie Just Wright. Philadelphia Native Mike Elliott directs the comedy about finding love when you least expect it.

It will be the reunion of Run DMC at the 3rd Annual Roots Picnic. The event is happening June 5th at Penns Landing. This will be their first performance since the death of Jam Master Jay, who was murdered in 2002.

Get ready for three new reality shows. This week, it’s LisaRaye’s The Real McCoy on TV One. The eight-episode series will air Thursdays at 9pm, and shows LisaRaye’s life as the former First Lady Of The Turks And Caicos Islands, a mother to a 19-year old daughter, dealing with her incarcerated sister, Rapper Da Brat, and caring for her ailing mother. We’ll also see LisaRaye with her celebrity friends, and she will reveal the celebrity women who have betrayed her. On April 11th, it’s Chilli from TLC in her reality show What Chilli Wants airing on VH1. Chilli says she wants a man who is gorgeous, sensitive, and charming but he can’t drink, smoke, or eat pork. Plus, get ready for the brother and sister duo of Brandy and Ray-J. The Norwood siblings are getting their own reality show. Brandy and Ray-J: A Family Business debuts Sunday, April 11th on VH1.

Babyface is doing a tour that will bring him to the Borgata in Atlantic City on September 3rd.

Toni Braxton’s new album, Pulse, has a new release date: May 4th. The album has undergone some changes, including appearances by Mo’Nique and Robin Thicke. Toni is also having major tax problems. She owes the I.R.S. over $400,000 in back taxes. Sources say it was money problems that led to the breakup of her marriage to Singer Keri Lewis of Mint Condition.

Oscar Winning Comedienne Mo’Nique is coming to Philly on May 21st with a comedy show at the Liacouras Center.

The new version of the Karate Kid hits theatres next summer with Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson and Jackie Chan.

Get ready for Sarah Jessica Parker and the girls in Sex And The City II coming out next month.

The 7th Annual West Oak Lane Jazz And Arts Festival is going to an all-jazz theme this year. Mark your calendar for June 18th -20th. Three days, two stages and it’s all free with Al Jarreau, George Duke, David Sanborn, Diane Reeves and Joey DeFrancesco, to name a few. This year will have a New Orleans theme. The location is 7100-74 blocks of Ogontz Avenue. For more info go to westoaklanefestival.com

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170. Join WDAS’ Mimi Brown on Wednesday nights for The Rising Star Talent Search. They are looking for up and coming musicians and singers to showcase their talent. For more info and to schedule an audition call 215-927-5455. The winner will get $5,000.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Superstar should keep quiet about his love life…..everybody knows he’s lying. Don’t fake it! Just be quiet!

Check out who’s coming to town:

This Saturday & Sunday, April 10th & 11th– Diary Of A Black Man starring Clifton Powell & Darrin Dewitt Henson at the Merriam Theatre on Broad Street’s Avenue Of The Arts. For more information: http://Kimmelcenter.org

This Sunday, April 11th – Fourplay in concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside. For more info call 215-572-7650.

April 16th- Angie Stone and Leela James in concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside for more info call 215-572-7650.

April 24th- Steve Harvey and Nephew Tommy at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

May 1st- Bill Cosby at the Keswick Theatre for more info call 215-572 -7650.

May 1st- Corrine Bailey Rae in concert at the TLA, 3rd and South.

Saturday, May 8th- The Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley, Teena Marie and The Whispers in a Mothers’ Day concert at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Saturday, May 8th- A Mothers’ Day Gospel Celebration with Kirk Franklin, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy and Fred Hammond at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

Saturday May 15th – Charlie Wilson and Vivian Green in concert at the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City.

Friday, May 21st –Mo’Nique’s Spread The Love comedy show at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

Friday, May 21st- Diana Ross at Caesars in Atlantic City.

Friday, June 11th- Earth Wind & Fire at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

Saturday, June 19th –Maxwell/Jill Scott at the Wachovia Center.

Saturday, June 26th- Frankie Beverly & Maze and Will Downing in Concert at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. For more info go to http://livenation.com

Saturday June 26th- Gladys Knight in concert at the House Of Blues Showboat Casino in Atlantic City.

Friday, September 3rd – Babyface in concert at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

Courtesy of Patty Jackson...

Entertainment News Week of 1/24

Ron Isley is out of jail and ready to go to work. Isley did close to three years in federal prison for tax evasion, but now he is ready to go on tour. Saturday, May 8th at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, it’s Ron and The Isley Brothers, The Whispers and Teena Marie. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 29th at all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 215-336-2000.Sources say Golfer Tiger Woods is getting the help he needs.

Woods is currently doing a stint at a rehab clinic in Mississippi. Before he returns to golfing or the public, he is seeking help for his addiction. Still no word on whether his wife will take him back after he humiliated her with various women.

Former Talk Show Host Montel Williams is being labeled a deadbeat dad. Williams’ children by his ex-wife Grace say even though their dad pays child support ($19,000 a month), he gives them no emotional support. The kids, who are now teenagers, claim they have seen their famous dad four times in five years. They say they have tried therapy, but because their dad is mad at their mom, he refuses to have anything to do with them.

Will the Jackson brothers return to the A&E network? Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon and Tito have been silent on whether or not they will return. The A&E network wants the brothers back. Maybe they are holding out for more money. I thought the show was funny as heck. The dynamics between the brothers was interesting.

He may not be going to Hollywood, but General Larry Platt has a hit on his hands with Pants On The Ground. The 63-year old civil rights veteran appeared on American Idol during the Atlanta auditions, and he became an overnight sensation. The song, Pants On The Ground, is infectious and truthful. Hopefully, General Platt will have a fruitful fifteen minutes of fame. Now speaking of American Idol, the rumors are swirling about who is going to take Simon Cowell’s place when he leaves at the end of the season.

Producer Rodney Jerkins, who has worked with Brandy, Beyonce and J-Lo, has had his name pop up, and LaToya Jackson is inquiring about the job. LaToya says she would be perfect, and if producers hire her, they would get the REAL LaToya Jackson.

The drama surrounding the love life of 72-year old Oscar Winner Morgan Freeman continues. Freeman has been escorting his manager to his public events portraying her as his latest squeeze. But, Freeman, who is still married to his long suffering wife Myrna, has been seeing his 27-year old step-granddaughter. The young woman, E’Dena Hines, is the granddaughter of his first wife, and Freeman helped raise her since she was ten. Freeman’s current and soon to be ex-wife has put him on blast because of his scandalous behavior. Freeman has been warned to cool it because it could hurt his chances of getting nominated for another Oscar for his role in Invictus. Freeman is not letting anything stop him, including an injured hand that he hurt during a car crash with a jump off.

Book Of Eli Star Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta were in town a couple of days ago enjoying the sites, including the African American Museum at 7th and Arch. The Washingtons have been spending a lot of time on the east coast. They have two sons in school in the area, and Denzel is about to star in the Broadway production of Fences, which kicks off in April.

She’s funny, talented, the host of her own late night talk show and now a Golden Globe winner, but when will she shave her legs. Mo’Nique looked stunning, and she was gracious accepting her award for best supporting actress in the movie Precious. But, the fashion critics were all over her when she lifted her dress and revealed her hairy legs. Mo’Nique has always walked to the beat of her own drum, but the hairy legs are a distraction. Up next for Mo’: will her name be called around Academy Awards time? The nominees will be announced on February 2nd, Groundhogs’ Day. The 82nd Annual Academy Awards air March 7th on ABC.

It’s a topless Lisa Raye in the new issue of Giant magazine. The former First Lady Of The Turks And Ciaos Islands looks amazing. Lisa Raye has a new reality show debuting later this year on TV One.

Mariah Carey, Please Stop Drinking! For the past few weeks, Carey has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. And, it’s all because she the bubbly. Her most embarrassing moment was at the Palm Springs Film Festival. She won an award for her role in Precious for break through actress. Close friends of Carey realize she has a problem. At the rate she’s going, no one will take her seriously whether she’s acting or singing. Her last album was a flop because she refused to sing. She would rather whisper over a hip hop beat. Mariah: Open Your Mouth And Sing! You Have A Great Voice! Use It! Meanwhile, how much can her hubby Nick Cannon take? Cannon’s career is thriving, but he always has to stop what he’s doing so he can be there to hold Carey up.

VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club is returning. Sergeant Harvey is ready to whip some celebrities into shape, including Kevin Federline and his baby momma Actress Shar Jackson. Bobby Brown is also part of the pack. The new season of Celebrity Fit Club kicks off February 14th.

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards air January 31st on CBS. Beyonce and Maxwell are scheduled to perform. One of the highlights of the evening will be the tribute to Michael Jackson featuring Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood and Smokey Robinson. The tribute will be in 3-D and various Target stores will be giving away the 3-D glasses.

The Hope For Haiti Telethon is happening on Friday, January 22nd. Actor George Clooney is producing the event, and he will be live from Los Angeles. Wyclef Jean will be live from New York, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper will be live from Haiti. Scheduled performers for the evening include Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and a possible Fugees reunion with Wyclef, Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel. The show will air starting at 8pm on all the major networks and cable stations.

VH1 is producing a documentary about the TV show Soul Train. Terrence Howard is narrating the documentary called The Hippest Trip In America. It airs February 5th on VH1.

The Third Annual BET Honors is happening February 1st. Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah and Diddy are among the honorees. Gabrielle Union returns as host. Scheduled performers include Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, India.Arie and Patti LaBelle.Toni Braxton has pushed back the date of her latest album Pulse. The album’s new release date is March 2nd.

Benicio Del Toro stars as The Wolfman, which opens in theatres February 12th.

John Travolta sports a new look. He’s got a shaved head in the movie From Paris With Love, which opens in theatres February 5th.

On February 11th, PBS presents a celebration of music from the Civil Rights movement. John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Seal, Smokey Robinson and The Blind Boys Of
Alabama will join President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for a special from The White House during Black History Month.

Will Celebrity Apprentice help this funny man get out of debt? Actor/Comedian Sinbad is having serious financial problems, and he is going to be a part of the new season of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice. The show will also feature Holly Robinson Peete, and kicks off March 14th on NBC.

Lionel Richie is this year’s honoree for the UNCF Evening Of Stars. Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole were just a few of the stars on hand for the festivities that will air on FOX Saturday, January 23rd at 2pm.

Big Daddy Aaron McCargo, Jr. from the Food Network is working on a cookbook. The book is due out this fall. You can catch Big Daddy’s House on the Food Network every Sunday at 1:30pm.

The Lee Daniels’ movie Precious is leading the pack with 8 nominations. Singer Maxwell leads all entertainers with five nominations.

Get ready for the DVD release February 16th for Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair.

Alicia Keys is bringing her Element Of Freedom tour to Atlantic City. Mark your calendars for March 20th at Trump Taj Mahal’s Mark G. Etess Arena. Hot new singing sensation Melanie Fiona will be the opening act for her tour.

Philadelphia’s own Bill Cosby will be the 2010 recipient of the Marian Anderson Award. The Marian Anderson Award is an honor that salutes artists whose leadership benefits society. The awards ceremony takes place April 6th at the Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce. Past winners include Danny Glover, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier and Quincy Jones.

The new version of the Karate Kid hits theatres next summer with Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson and Jackie Chan.

Get ready for Sarah Jessica Parker and the girls in Sex And The City II coming out next May.

Tyler Perry is going to be in Philadelphia with his latest stage production, Madea’s Big Happy Family. Tix are on sale for the show, which runs April 29th- May 2nd at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

Chris Rock teams up with Martin Lawrence for the comedy Death At A Funeral. The movie opens in theatres April 16th. The comedy also stars Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart, Zoe Saldana, Luke Wilson and Danny Glover. I have the trailer on my page, Patty’s page, at wdasfm.com. Check it out. It’s very funny.

Idris Elba, Michael Ealy and Rapper T.I. will be starring in the new movie Takers, which opens in theatres February 19th, 2010. Elba has also signed on for the movie Thor, where he will play a superhero.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

Join WDAS’ Mimi Brown on Wednesday nights for The Rising Star Talent Search. They are looking for up and coming musicians and singers to showcase their talent. For more info and to schedule an audition call 215-927-5455. The winner will get $5,000.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!She’s losing weight and staying quiet. She has toned down her silly antics and suspect behavior. Sources say she is gearing up for her next gig on a new TV show.She’s beautiful, sexy and a handful. She needs a man, and she’s on the prowl. She doesn’t care if he’s someone else’s man, or someone’s leftover. She needs a man….now! Here’s a hint: she tried some civil rights lovin’, but it didn’t work out. He got scared and bolted!

Entertainment News Week of 1/11

We begin with the loss of Philly’s own “TP.” Teddy Pendergrass has passed away at the age of 58. A life-long resident of the city and an international sensation, Teddy came to prominence as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes. They signed with Gamble and Huff on Philadelphia International Records in 1971. They had a string of hits with If You Don’t Know Me By Now, The Love I Lost, Bad Luck and Wake Up Everybody. Pendergrass left the Bluenotes and went on to a solo career with the hits Love TKO, Come Go With Me and Close The Door. Although a 1982 car crash left Pendergrass paralyzed, he continued recording and had a hits with You’re My Choice Tonight, Joy and Hold Me, a hit duet with Whitney Houston. In the last years of his life, Pendergrass created The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, a non-profit advocacy organization for those living with spinal cord injuries. Pendergrass’ record-breaking album sales and concerts set the standard for most of today’s hottest artists. The world will miss the legendary “Teddy Bear.”

There are a lot of changes in TV land. Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol for his own show, The X-Factor. The FOX network offered him millions to do both shows, but Cowell says he wants to do his own thing. The buzz is on ex-Idol Judge Paula Abdul. Will she be joining Cowell on his new show X-Factor, which debuts in 2011?

David Hasselhoff is out as judge on America’s Got Talent. His drinking escapades got to be too much for the producers. He is being replaced by Howie Mandel from Deal Or No Deal.

It looks like Conan O’Brien is going to take the money and run. The fallout continues from The Tonight Show debacle. Jay Leno will return to his former time slot after the Winter Olympics. O’Brien feels betrayed, and is talking of leaving the network. Is there a FOX in his future? Here is what I want to know, Leno had excellent rating, so why did they move him to 10pm? Why would they make him leave his show to give it to someone else? O’Brien’s ratings were not as good as Leno’s. David Letterman is somewhere laughing his behind off.

The Michael Jackson death investigation has ended. The case has gone to the D.A.’s office. Sources say Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, will likely face some kind of criminal charge. The case took so long because it was so complicated. Murray didn’t break any laws, but he was negligent while administering the propofol, which caused Jackson’s death. He could face involuntary manslaughter charges.

Who robbed Usher? The superstar says he was robbed of a million dollars worth of goodies that were stolen from his SUV. Usher says he was holiday shopping when someone broke into his car and stole jewelry, furs, clothing and laptops. Who carries this kind of stuff in their cars? Usher says he did have insurance.

Get ready for Jill Scott. The new mommy is back with a vengeance in 2010. Check out her new column in the February issue of Essence magazine. She will be starring in the Lifetime movie Sins Of The Mother on February 7th. Her new Tyler Perry movie with Janet Jackson, Why Did I Get Married Too, opens in theatres April 2nd. She’ll also be playing the voice of “Storm” in the new BET animated series Black Panther. She has a new album, Light Of The Sun, coming out this summer, and she’ll touring on the Lilith Fair concert series with Mary J. Blige and Erykah Badu.

Oscar Winner Morgan Freeman is trying to hide his messy love life. The 72-year old has been put on blast by his soon to be ex-wife for dating his 27-year old step-granddaughter. She’s a young woman he never adopted, but has raised since she was 10. Over the past couple of years, skeletons have come out of Morgan’s closet with jumpoffs, mistresses, car crashes and now the step-granddaughter. The whole situation is messy, and Freeman has been asked to do something about it. He is up for a slew of awards for his role as Nelson Mandela in the movie Invictus, and his controversial love life is causing too much scandal. At future events, look for Freeman to have as his companion, his manager, a tall blonde who is just going along with the game. Hmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

VH1 is producing a documentary about the TV show Soul Train. Terrence Howard is narrating the documentary called The Hippest Trip In America. It airs February 5th on VH1.

Speaking of the VH1 network, they have a couple of hits on their hands with the Fantasia’s reality show, Fantasia For Real, and Pepa from Salt N Pepa with Let’s Talk About Pep. Pep’s show is funny as heck, and Fantasia’s show is deep. She’s taking care of everybody in her family. No wonder she’s broke. The shows air at 10pm and 10:30pm, respectively. Million tuned in for the premieres last week.

It may be a Valentine’s Day wedding for Singer Keyshia Cole and Basketball Player Daniel “Boobie” Gibson of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cole got a ten-carat engagement ring over the holiday, and they are expecting their first child in early spring. Cole has gone out of her way to distance herself from her controversial family. Her mom and sister are the stars of The Frankie And Neff Show on BET. Cole is embarking on a new chapter of her life, and she doesn’t want the drama associated with them. In a press release, she has asked them to not make comments on her life because they are not involved in it.

Is some color coming to Saturday Night Live? The long running sketch comedy show has come under fire for their lack of African American cast members. I hear Chris Rock’s brother Tony is being looked at as well as Comedienne Debra Wilson who used to star on Mad TV.

The new issue of Ebony magazine features Kimora Lee Simmons and her hubby, Actor Djimon Hounsou. Their family is featured on the cover in a beautiful spread. Meanwhile, Essence magazine is catching heat for their latest cover photo choice. New Orleans Saints’ Reggie Bush is on the cover. He is also the boyfriend of TV Personality Kim Kardashian. Not only did they use a photo from 2006, but they put a man on the cover who is not known for dating women of color. The issue celebrates love and relationship, and a lot of people feel they should have made a better decision regarding the cover choice. Hope it doesn’t hurt sales.

The Third Annual BET Honors is happening February 1st. Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah and Diddy are among the honorees. Gabrielle Union returns as host. Scheduled performers include Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, India.Arie and Patti LaBelle.

Toni Braxton has pushed back the date of her latest album Pulse. The album’s new release date is March 2nd.

Cedric The Entertainer will be doing a comedy show for the ABC network. The show, about a retired pro-athlete reconnecting with his son and granddaughter, has been given the green light by the network. The show should debut in the fall.

Hot couples news includes Southland Star Regina King and former Cosby Kid Malcolm Jamal Warner (“Theo”). King’s new TV show Southland is excellent. It airs Tuesday nights at 10pm on TNT.

Lisa Raye and Rapper Nelly have also been spotted getting cozy in Detroit.

Check out Beyonce on the new issue of Allure magazine. Beyonce is promoting her new fragrance Heat. She is also taking a much needed break. In the spring, Beyonce says she’ll step away from the spotlight for six months to live life.

Congrats to 6ABC News Anchor Monica Malpass, who is expecting twins this coming June. Malpass anchors the 5pm news with Rick Williams, and hosts the Sunday morning political show Inside Story. Malpass is the mother of a pre-teen son who is said to be excited about the upcoming arrival of her twins. Good Luck Monica!

Benicio Del Toro stars as The Wolfman, which opens in theatres February 12th.

John Travolta sports a new look, a shaved head, in the movie From Paris With Love, which opens in theatres February 5th.

On February 11th PBS presents a celebration of music from the Civil Rights movement. John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Seal, Smokey Robinson and The Blind Boys Of Alabama will join President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for a special from The White House during Black History Month.

The BET network presents The Michael Vick Project. It’s an eight-part series that will focus on the embattled football star who rejoined the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. The series will focus on his life after the dog fighting scandal that almost ruined his career.

Basketball Star Jayson Williams has pleaded guilty to shooting his limo driver. Williams will serve at least 18 months in prison for the 2002 Valentine’s Day cover up and accidental shooting of his limo driver. Williams pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. During the height of his career with the Sixers and Nets, he signed an $86 million contract with the NBA. Since the shooting, his life has been on a downward spiral. Just two weeks ago, he was arrested for drunk driving after crashing his car into a tree.

Will Celebrity Apprentice help this funny man get out of debt? Actor/Comedian Sinbad is having serious financial problems, and he is going to be a part of the new season of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice. The show will also feature Holly Robinson Peete, and kicks off March 14th on NBC.

Now that her talk show is going off the air is Tyra Banks going to embrace motherhood. Sources say the former supermodel is happy with her love life, and she has always wanted to be a mom.

Actress Zoe Saldana (Avatar, Star Trek) has been named the new spokesperson for Avon Cosmetics. Saldana will be joining Oscar Winning Actresses Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Hudson as faces for the cosmetics line.

Congrats to Educator/Author Salome Thomas-El. Principal El is a contributor to The Dr. Oz Show seen locally at 9am on CBS3. As a part of Core Team Oz, he is teaching people how to live better inside and out. Principal El has also signed on to the Oprah Radio network on Sirius, and he has a new book coming out in a couple of weeks, The Immortality Of Influence.

BET’s Celebration Of Gospel re-airs Sunday, January 17th at 7pm on BET.Lionel Richie is this year’s honoree for the UNCF Evening Of Stars. Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole were just a few of the stars on hand for the festivities that will air on FOX Saturday, January 23rd at 2pm.

More women are coming out of the woodwork, but this time, going after Shaquille O’Neal. Shaunie O’Neal, Shaq’s soon to be ex-wife, should expect a big payday. That’s because it appears Shaq cheated on her throughout their seven-year marriage, and didn’t use protection according to the jumpoffs.

Martin Lawrence has signed on as the executive producer of the new TV One show Love That Girl. This will be the first original sitcom presented by the network. The show will star Tatyana M. Ali of The Young And The Restless and The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. The show airs January 19th on TV One.

Big Daddy Aaron McCargo, Jr. from the Food Network is working on a cookbook. The book is due out this fall. You can catch Big Daddy’s House on the Food Network every Sunday at 1:30pm.

At the movies this week, Denzel Washington’s new movie The Book Of Eli. He is also returning to Broadway starting April 26th in the August Wilson play Fences. The play, about the life of the everyday man, originally debuted on Broadway in 1987 with James Earl Jones and Courtney B. Vance. Oscar Nominee Viola Davis (Doubt) is also starring in the stage revival.

The NAACP Image Awards air on February 26th on FOX. The Lee Daniels’ movie Precious is leading the pack with 8 nominations. Singer Maxwell leads all entertainers with five nominations.

Get ready for the DVD release February 16th for Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair.

Robin Thicke and his wife Actress Paula Patton are expecting a baby boy this year. Thicke says his name will be Julian.

Alicia Keys is bringing her Element Of Freedom tour to Atlantic City. Mark your calendars for March 20th at Trump Taj Mahal’s Mark G. Etess Arena. Hot new singing sensation Melanie Fiona will be the opening act for her tour.

Andre Leon Talley is headed to America’s Next Top Model. The fashionista extraordinaire is the editor-at-large for Vogue magazine. Talley will serve as the 4th judge.

Philadelphia’s own Bill Cosby will be the 2010 recipient of the Marian Anderson Award. The Marian Anderson Award is an honor that salutes artists whose leadership benefits society. The awards ceremony takes place April 6th at the Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce. Past winners include Danny Glover, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier and Quincy Jones.

The new version of the Karate Kid hits theatres next summer with Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson and Jackie Chan.Get ready for Sarah Jessica Parker and the girls in Sex And The City II coming out next May.

Tyler Perry is going to be in Philadelphia with his latest stage production, Madea’s Big Happy Family. Tix are on sale for the show, which runs April 29th- May 2nd at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

The Grammy Awards take place January 31st. Scheduled performers include Maxwell and Beyonce.

Chris Rock teams up with Martin Lawrence for the comedy Death At A Funeral. The movie opens in theatres April 16th. The comedy also stars Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart, Zoe Saldana, Luke Wilson and Danny Glover. I have the trailer on my page, Patty’s page, at wdasfm.com. Check it out. It’s very funny.

Idris Elba, Michael Ealy and Rapper T.I. will be starring in the new movie Takers, which opens in theatres February 19th, 2010. Elba has also signed on for the movie Thor, where he will play a superhero.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170. Join WDAS’ Mimi Brown on Wednesday nights for The Rising Star Talent Search. They are looking for up and coming musicians and singers to showcase their talent. For more info and to schedule an audition call 215-927-5455. The winner will get $5,000.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Male Celebrity is famous in his own right, but he is not as famous as his Superstar Wife. This guy is talented, good looking and has a good head on his shoulders. It’s a shame his career will stall because he has to constantly babysit his wife, who loves to drink.This Female Actress just wants someone to love. She’s a nice woman, sharp, witty and attractive. She always falls for the wrong man. This time it’s a young Club Promoter who has a history with the ladies, and the ladies are telling his business for money. He is a ladies’ man, and he just may break this Actress’ heart.

Entertainment News Week of 1/10

Teddy Riley says he loves his daughters. They will always be his little girls, but they will not disrespect him, especially in his own house. Riley faces a court hearing later this month for assaulting his daughters, who he says attacked him first. Riley’s daughters, ages 18 and 21, fought their father, and he whipped their behinds and kicked them out of his house. Riley says he had to fight his daughters off of him. So what started the fight? Riley, 43, has a 22-year old girlfriend, and his daughters don’t like her. Riley is best known for his work with Guy and Blackstreet, being a top producer in the new jack swing era and his work with Michael Jackson.

Mariah Carey is still trying to explain her bizarre behavior at the Palm Springs Film Festival. Carey, minus hubby Nick Cannon, appeared tipsy and confused when she went to accept her award for Breakthrough Actress for her role in the movie Precious. Stunned on lookers were shocked by Carey’s behavior. This may explain why Carey is often seen in the grips of her husband Nick Cannon. Cannon couldn’t be there with his wife because he is doing a radio show in New York. After this incident, she may need him to be with her at all times.

Boyz II Men are gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony. Yes, it’s been 20 years for Nate, Shawn and Wanya. I hear Mike McCrary, who left the group few years ago, may be back in the fold for the reunion if it can be worked out. The guys are currency celebrating the release of their new CD, Love, and they are also fighting off controversies. Shawn “Slim” Stockman is being accused of being a polygamist. Stockman is an Israelite, and sources say they are allowed to have seven wives under their religion. Well one lady, a swimsuit model, claims she was in a spiritual marriage with Stockman for nine years. Stockman’s wife, who he has been with for nine years, had no idea this was going on, but, according to the swimsuit model, his other women around the world did. The swimsuit model claims she had to leave Stockman when she found out about the other women. She didn’t mind the wife, but the other women… no way! I know… I know….. WTH! At press time, there was no word from Stockman or his wife, who now knows everything.

All is well between Mary J. Blige and her husband Kendu. After she went upside his head at her album release party, he came to his senses. No more flirting within 20 feet of his wife Cause Mary Don’t Play That! Mary and her hubby were recently spotted hand in hand smiling at a recent Lakers game.

WDAS morning man Steve Harvey is back as the host of the 10th Annual BET Celebration Of Gospel. The show airs this Sunday, the 10th at 8pm on BET.

Regina King returns to TV in the cop drama Southland. The show originally aired on NBC, but now has a new home. The show now airs Tuesday nights at 10pm on the TNT network. King is best known for her roles in the movies Ray, Poetic Justice, Jerry Maguire and the TV show 227, where she played “Brenda.” King now plays “Detective Lydia Kirkland” in Southland. , a no-nonsense detective who is trying to find a balance in her life.

Lionel Richie is this year’s honoree in the UNCF Evening Of Stars. Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole were just a few of the stars on hand for the festivities that will air on FOX Saturday, January 23rd at 2pm.

Congrats to Singer Keyshia Cole. Cole is getting married to Basketball star Daniel “Boobie” Gibson of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Boobie gave Keyshia a nine carat diamond ring to go along with her growing belly. They are currently expecting their first child in a few weeks.

Singer/Actor Tyrese is lucky to be alive. He was involved in a car crash a few days ago, which totaled his Dodge Charger.

The February issue of Essence magazine is a celebration of sexy black men. Football Star Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints is on the cover. The issue deals with black men, love and relationships. Idris Elba, Lance Gross and LL Cool J are some of the men featured representing sports, music and Hollywood. This issue also highlights Singer/Actress Jill Scott, who’s debuting her new column.

Disgraced Golfer Tiger Woods is on the cover of Vanity Fair. In a photo that was taken in 2006, it shows Woods topless and raw. In the interview, he appears to be obsessed with black men, making various jokes about black men and their body parts. Woods never refers to himself as black it’s always Calabanasian. I know….. very confusing.

Supermodel Beverly Johnson is being sued by an ex-boyfriend. He claims he was a kept man, and she took care of him. Now that the relationship is over, he still wants the money. He is suing her for $5 million. Johnson is known as one of the first black supermodels, and she has her successful line of wigs and hairpieces.

More trouble for former Basketball Star Jayson Williams. Williams suffered minor injuries after crashing his car into a tree in Manhattan. Williams was intoxicated and was charged with drunk driving. The past decade has been a nightmare for the former NBA player and TV personality. At the height of his career, he signed an $86 million contract, he was funny, he was writing books and he was a hit on the talk show circuit. Then he broke his leg, never recovered and retired from the NBA. Then, he accidentally shot his limo driver, but was acquitted of all but the manslaughter charge. This case is going to be retried at a later date. He is currently estranged from his wife who stated her husband needs psychological help. With his recent arrest, maybe he will get it. Williams is slowly killing himself.

More women are coming out of the woodwork, but this time, going after Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq’s soon to be ex-wife Shaunie has all the evidence she needs to prove that Shaq has been cheating on her throughout their marriage. The latest woman with Shaq claims she had a five-year affair with him, but he dumped her when she thought she was pregnant. She also claims Shaq harassed her, and now this woman has a lawyer seeking money. She better get in line. There is a long line of women associated with Shaq, including strippers, jumpoffs and other players’ women.

Martin Lawrence has signed on as the executive producer of the new TV One show Love That Girl. This will be the first original sitcom presented by the network. The show will star Tatyana M. Ali of The Young And The Restless and The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. The show airs January 19th on TV One.

Big Daddy Aaron McCargo, Jr. from the Food Network is working on a cookbook. The book is due out this fall. You can catch Big Daddy’s House on the Food Network every Sunday at 1:30pm.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, The Book Of Eli, opens in theatres on the 15th. He is also returning to Broadway starting April 26th in the August Wilson play Fences. The play, about the life of the everyday man, originally debuted on Broadway in 1987 with James Earl Jones and Courtney B. Vance. Oscar Nominee Viola Davis (Doubt) is also starring in the stage revival.

We remember Eunice Johnson, who passed away this week at the age of 93. Johnson was the wife of publishing giant and Ebony/Jet Founder John H. Johnson, who passed in 2005. He created the Johnson Publishing Company, whose principal publication, Ebony magazine, celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. Mrs. Johnson actually suggested the name Ebony for the magazine. In 1961, she created The Ebony Fashion Fair. As producer and director, Mrs. Johnson built the event into the world’s largest traveling fashion show, which eventually gave starts to many performers including Oscar Nominee Diahann Carroll and the original “John Shaft,” Richard Roundtree. The Ebony Fashion Fair also raised over $50 million for charities, including the United Negro College Fund.

Morgan Freeman is the new voice of the CBS Evening News With Katie Couric. Oscar Winner Freeman, whose latest movie is Invictus, started the voiceovers this week for the network. He replaces legendary Broadcaster Walter Cronkite, who was the voice for many years before he died last year.

The NAACP Image Awards air on February 26th on FOX. The Lee Daniels’ movie Precious is leading the pack with 8 nominations.

Singer Maxwell leads all entertainers with five nominations.

The new season of American Idol kicks off on January 12th. This is the ninth season. In a few weeks, Ellen DeGeneres will make her debut as the new idol judge replacing Paula Abdul.

Fantasia’s new reality show, Fantasia For Real, debuts January 11th on VH1. The show takes a look at her life, and her cousins (Singers K-Ci and JoJo Hailey) will also be featured.

Pepa, from Salt N Pepa, is also debuting her new reality show, where she is looking for love. Let’s Talk About Pep debuts on the 11th at 10:30pm on VH1.

Get ready for some DVD releases:

January 12th it’s Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself, and February 16th, it’s Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair.

Robin Thicke and his wife Actress Paula Patton are expecting a baby boy this year. Thicke says his name will be Julian.

Alicia Keys is bringing her Element Of Freedom tour to Atlantic City. Mark your calendars for March 20th at Trump Taj Mahal’s Mark G. Etess Arena.

February 8th is the long awaited date for the new album from Sade. Soldier Of Love is her latest project. She is backed by her longtime band Sweetback. She wrote most of the songs on the album which deals with lost love. I hear Maxwell is doing a duet with her. At 50, Sade looks fabulous. Let’s hope she tours with this project.

Andre Leon Talley is headed to America’s Next Top Model. The fashionista extraordinaire is the editor-at-large for Vogue magazine. Talley will serve as the 4th judge.

Philadelphia’s own Bill Cosby will be the 2010 recipient of the Marian Anderson Award. The Marian Anderson Award is an honor that salutes artists whose leadership benefits society. The awards ceremony takes place April 6th at the Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce. Past winners include Danny Glover, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier and Quincy Jones.The new version of the Karate Kid hits theatres next summer with Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson and Jackie Chan.

Get ready for Sarah Jessica Parker and the girls in Sex And The City II coming out next May.

Tyler Perry is going to be in Philadelphia with his latest stage production, Madea’s Big Happy Family. Tix are on sale for the show, which runs April 29th- May 2nd at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery.

The Grammy Awards take place January 31st. Scheduled performers include Maxwell and Beyonce.

Chris Rock teams up with Martin Lawrence for the comedy Death At A Funeral. The movie opens in theatres April 16th. The comedy also stars Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart, Zoe Saldana, Luke Wilson and Danny Glover. I have the trailer on my page, Patty’s page, at wdasfm.com. Check it out. It’s very funny.

Idris Elba, Michael Ealy and Rapper T.I. will be starring in the new movie Takers, which opens in theatres February 19th, 2010. Elba has also signed on for the movie Thor, where he will play a superhero.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170. Join WDAS’ Mimi Brown on Wednesday nights for The Rising Star Talent Search. They are looking for up and coming musicians and singers to showcase their talent. For more info and to schedule an audition call 215-927-5455. The winner will get $5,000.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This famous Singer is starting to act strange again. She may have stopped drugs, but now she has to stop drinking!

Remembering Micheal

Man...I don't even know what to say. I was waiting for someone to say that he
was breathing again or in stable condition or something...but nothing came
about...

Weird how fast news flys...from country to country...

One of my coworkers emailed me (from a different office), then my mom called me, checked Facebook, it was all over, all over MSN search,l TMZ, Enews, etc. =(

I figured if he was not breating when they picked him up it might not be good.

Micheal had a very hard life...poor guy. He has always been at the end of someones jokes, and I will admit Ive made a few too. Must admit...he was different. But alot of it had to do with his upbringing and being forced into the entertainment industry as a little boy.

He completely missed out on his childhood, didn't even have a chance! I mean, they guy has never really lead a "normal" life.

I truly hope the family keeps it together as best as they can, and no drama starts as it usually does in most families. I pray for peace in their family, and especially those children of his. How many did he have 2? 3?

Well my nana's bday was yesterday, I guess he was invited to her birthday party! And Farrah was the guest of honor...Ed was also among the list of attendees...I could only imagine the partying that went on up there!

Micheal will truly be missed! That man made some great music! WONDERFUL music! Party hits, just music you can 2 step to, swing your hips, that twirl-a-round, grab your crotch, HEEE HEEE music!

I will be making some tribut CD's for my coworkers...glad I have a few of his greatest hits.. =)

Whew. Rest in Peace Mike.....Farrah...and Ed. Lost 3 great entertainers in one week....too much to swallow.

My 25 cents... =)
More like a $1.00

Hope you all enjoyed the slideshow...

Mrs. Tricia

4-1-1 Entertainment for the Week (3/23/08)

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 23rd, 2009

Tyler has got two new leading ladies. Filming has started on Tyler Perry’s new Madea movie, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Taraji P. Henson stars along with Singer Mary J. Blige. Blige will play a waitress. The movie opens in theatres this September.

“The Don” stays out of jail. Don Cornelius, the 72-year old founder of Soul Train, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor spousal battery charge. During an incident last fall, Cornelius was charged with attacking his young, brunette wife, Viktoria. Cornelius got three years probation, and he will have to attend a year-long domestic violence course.

When is Michael Jackson coming home? Will he do any concerts in the United States? After he’s finished up with a new round of plastic surgery, The King Of Pop is set to start a 50 night concert stand in London. If all goes well overseas, Jackson is expected to do a series of shows in New York and Los Angeles. Jackson is working to repay his debts, plus he misses the spotlight. There is even word he may pop up on American Idol this season. It depends on how much plastic surgery he gets because his face has to heal.

Now speaking of plastic surgery, have you noticed a change with Rapper Lil’ Kim since she joined Dancing With The Stars. She looks a lot better. Well, that’s because she had more work done, and she’s looking a Lil’ cute. I love her on the show: her attitude, her dance moves. Bruno the judge looks like he wants to snatch her up when she dances. I think she’s going to go far in the competition.

Spike Lee is doing a telepic for ESPN about Kobe Bryant. This look at a day in the life of the Lakers star is called Kobe Doin’ Work.

Actress Alfre Woodard is coming back to TV. She will be one of the stars of the FOX show Maggie Hill. Woodard will play a doctor.

And they said it wouldn’t last. I was one of them. The first anniversary of The Cannons is coming up. Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey are getting ready to celebrate their first anniversary. The two are rumored to be buying a mansion in California. Despite pregnancy rumors and the fact that she has Cannon on a leash, he has made out great. Not content to rest of his laurels, Cannon recently signed a deal to develop shows for Nickelodeon where he got his start. Plus, this summer he’s hosting NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Jennifer Hudson is returning to American Idol. In a segment that will air later this year, Hudson will return to the stage that booted her off four years ago. She didn’t win American Idol, but she is the most successful contestant. In addition to the Oscar, Grammy, movies and new album, she also made headlines with the unfortunate murders of her family. Ruben Studdard is also returning for a special show later this year. Hudson will sing something from her Grammy award-winning album. She is getting ready for her national tour with Robin Thicke.

Jennifer’s sister Julia is also making headlines. Julia Hudson has started her modeling career. With the help of Fashion Maven Harvey Star Washington, Julia Hudson wants to make her mark on the modeling world. Reppin' the big girls, Julia says after her family tragedy five months ago, she is ready to move on with her life. Her former husband has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her family members.

Oprah Winfrey is sharing again. First, she teamed up with First Lady Michelle Obama. Now she’s sharing a cover of O magazine with fellow Talk Show Hostess Ellen DeGeneres for the May issue.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s new TV drama about nurses, Hawthorne, debuts in June on the TNT network.

Congrats to Actor Taye Diggs and his wife, Broadway Star Idina Menzel. They are expecting their first child.

Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy back together! HUH?! It was just a few weeks ago that the former NFL star caught Nicole Murphy cheating on him. Strahan, who just retired from the New York Giants, had a tracking device installed in Nicole’s car. That’s when he found out she was seeing another man, a young record executive. The record executive broke things off with Murphy, and now it appears Murphy and Strahan are getting close again. Murphy’s children really like Strahan, and he recently accompanied Murphy and her children to the premiere of Monsters Versus Aliens. It was a fun, family night, but a lot of people were shocked to see them together. Why would Strahan take her back if he’s spying on her? It’s obvious he can’t trust her. Well, Nicole Murphy has long money, long, long Eddie Murphy money. Since divorcing the entertainer, she is one of the richest divorcees in town. Strahan is trying to jump start a TV career, but he lost his money divorcing his last wife, Jean. I guess he figures if he can track her, he might as well stay and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Whatever happened to Chico DeBarge? Since his release from prison, the popular singer has been named the managing director of People Reclaiming Ourselves. He is planning to travel across the country helping other people make the transition from prison life to regular society.

The Norman Lear Collection, a boxed DVD set, is coming out on June 9th. Norman Lear is the famed producer behind the TV classics The Jeffersons, Good Times, All In The Family, Maude and Sanford & Son to name a few. The first seasons of those and other Lear classics will be included in the set.

Whoopi Goldberg is tired of people criticizing the way she dresses. Since taking the helm of the daytime talker, The View, ratings have soared, but, so has the criticism regarding her fashion sense. Goldberg is fed up. She says Don’t Judge Me By What I Wear, Judge Me By What I Say. Basically, she is telling the critics to kiss her behind.

Since getting fired from Grey’s Anatomy, times have been tough for Actor Isaiah Washington and his family. Washington, along with his wife and kids, may be losing his home. He is five months behind on his rent. He owes $100,000 to his landlord. Reports say he has been arguing with his financial consultants, and that’s why he doesn’t have the money.

Check out Jill Scott on the new issue of Heart And Soul magazine. She’s expecting her first child, a son, any day now, and this Sunday her new TV series The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency debuts on HBO. I loved the kickoff. Anika Noni Rose co-stars as her assistant and is very funny. Jill is amazing. She brings the precious character, “Mma Ramotswe,” to life. The movie was filmed in Botswana, Africa. It was very beautiful. If you like mysteries, this is the show for you. The show debuts this Sunday, March 29th 8pm on HBO.

Legendary Entertainer Ben Vereen has signed on to be the new spokesperson for Diabetes awareness. Vereen was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and he will be starring in the new Take The Stage For Diabetes Awareness campaign.

Comedian George Lopez is coming to late night TV. Lopez has signed a deal with the TNT network for a late night show starting in the fall.

Does Beyonce wear butt pads? According to designer Thierry Mugler, B has a little back there. He says he always adds padding with her corsets so she can have an hourglass figure.

Jimmy Rollins in Playboy magazine? Yes! Rollins, a.k.a. “J-Roll,” of the Philadelphia Phillies is doing a fashion spread with his beautiful girlfriend, Johari Smith. Look for the issue in June.

Get ready for more Stevie Harvey. Harvey says with the success of his bestselling book, Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man, he will be doing a follow-up. Meanwhile the WDAS-FM morning man is coming to town. On April 1st, Harvey will be signing copies of Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man at Borders Bookstore, Broad and Chestnut Streets. He’s also hosting his Radio Star talent competition April 2nd at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets. Tix are on sale now.
Chrisette Michele will be performing. Celebrity judges include Singer Ginuwine, Philly International Records’ Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff and WDAS’ own Butterball.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller with Walter Matthau about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage.

Fantasia starts her stint in the national touring company of The Color Purple in June. Fantasia reprises her role as “Celie.”

On March 31st, Access Hollywood TV Host Shaun Robinson hits the shelves with a new book celebrating girls’ self esteem with advice from America’s most successful women. The book, Exactly As I Am, features Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer Hudson and Robinson all sharing their journeys to womanhood while passing along advice today’s youth.

Ruben Studdard’s new album is produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and hits stores May 19th.

Beyonce’s new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th. Check out Beyonce on the new issue of Vogue magazine as well as the latest edition of Ebony. Beyonce is gearing up for a summer tour and once again she’ll be backed by a female band.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou has an exciting new project. Letter To My Daughter: Her Path To Living Well And Living A Life With Meaning. In the book, Angelou shares her life lessons.

Producer Lee Daniels has changed the name of his upcoming release. The long awaited project Push will be renamed Precious. The movie is scheduled to be released later this year and stars Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and new comer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe as “Precious.” Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have joined forces to help Lee with the promotion of this movie. The film Precious is based on the book Push by Sapphire, and focuses on the plight of a 16-year old who suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.
The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

The T.D. Jakes film Not Easily Broken starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson hits DVD shelves April 7th.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans.
Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Celebrity Couple is trying to fool the public. They may be on different coasts, but they are still a couple. They are taking a breather from their controversial relationship to salvage their careers.

This woman wormed her way into this celebrity family. She had her children by two brothers, and is still broke. This celebrity family has no money. Maybe she should have hooked up with their sister. She has the money.

4-1-1 Entertainment for the Week (3/9/09)

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 9TH, 2009

The truth is out! Did Chris Brown ever love Rihanna? In the latest installment of the saga between the two pop stars, the other woman in this drama has been revealed. On the night of the fateful beatdown (nice words...) , Brown received a text message from a woman he was having an affair with. Rihanna read the message and went off. She allegedly hit him and he not only hit back but attacked her. The message on the text came from his 40-year old manager. There was a rumor that the two were having an affair, and now it’s been confirmed. Apparently, the manager, Tina Davis, a former VP of A&R at Def Jam Records started having an affair with Brown when he was 16-years old. ( JAIL TIME!) Brown is now 19. It appears despite his relationship with the 21-year old Rihanna, Davis and Brown never stopped messing around. Did Brown embark on a relationship with Rihanna to cover his affair with his much older manager? I always thought it was a publicity stunt, but along the way, Rihanna fell in love. What will happen now? Will Rihanna leave this horrible situation? He beat her, and he doesn’t love her. It’s all about his career. Rihanna and her managers should get her away from Brown and worry about her career and her endorsements. No book tours, no duets, end it now! He has humiliated you enough. Save your career. (nuff said!)

What do you do when your boyfriend doesn’t trust you? Eddie Murphy’s ex-wife Nicole Murphy had to find out the hard way. She was caught cheating on her boyfriend, former Football Star Michael Strahan. Murphy is seen as one of the most eligible bachelorettes in the world. With her hot body and Eddie Murphy’s money, men were jumping out of the woodwork to date her. She may be the mother of five children, but you’d never know it to look at her. Strahan was recently divorced from his wife, Jean, and the settlement left him broke. Strahan thought he hit the jackpot with Nicole, but he didn’t trust her. Strahan is known for his private snooping, and this didn’t stop with Nicole. They appeared to be a good couple, but behind the smiles, there was the cheating. Strahan had a tracking device installed in Nicole’s car, and he found out she was involved with a younger man, a record executive. For awhile, Nicole juggled both men. Then she was caught. Now Nicole has no one. The record exec broke it off, and Strahan had enough. Don’t cry for Nicole. She is still beautiful, single and loaded with money. Who will step up to the plate next? Batter up!

Filming has started on the new season of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. The new episodes should air this summer. The ladies have been busy, and there’s a new housewife. Here’s the scoop on your favorites: Sheree Whitfield is still broke (LOL!!!! Didn't particualry care for her too much!) . She has no income, no home, and she is leasing her Landrover. How are they going to cover this in the new season? Sheree owes her lawyer over $90,000 in unpaid legal fees from her divorce from football Star Bob Whitfield. He’s broke too, and she couldn’t get the settlement she wanted from him. A few weeks ago, Sheree was arrested for speeding. When she came to court, she stated to the judge that she’s broke and asked for government assistance to pay for her lawyer (what!? Personal bailouts!? Who can I speak to about getting mine!!) . Things are looking up for show favorite NeNe Leakes. She just signed a deal for a mini-mansion so she can live there with her family. Kim Zolciak is going to reveal who Big Poppa is. Big Poppa is Kim’s married boyfriend. He’s an Arab real estate tycoon who leaves his wife to move in with Kim and her two daughters this season (Ugh...fake!) . DeShawn Snow is out, and Kandi Burruss is in. The new housewife is a Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter. Burruss used to sing with the 90’s group Xscape, and she also used to date the late singer, Gerald Levert. Levert was crazy about Burruss, but the relationship ended when he couldn’t take her ego. She used to think she was more successful than Levert because she was a Grammy winner. When he died, she realized how wrong she was for not appreciating him. Burruss is the mother of a six-year old, and during season two of Housewives, she is scheduled to marry a producer. The producer is the father of six kids, and depending on who you talk to, he is still on the prowl. Will she still marry him? I hear a fight has already broken out during the taping of the show. All the ladies have had to sign affidavits, but the storylines and fights are leaking out all over the place.. (Lawd have mercy!)

Tyler Perry has found his new leading lady, and she’s on the cover of Essence magazine. Taraji P. Henson is featured on the new issue of Essence with Tennis Champ Serena Williams and trailblazing Model Iman. They appear on the issue celebrating being sexy at any age. This is Henson’s first appearance on the cover of Essence. Fresh off of her Oscar nominated role in The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Henson has signed on for the new Madea movie, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Yes, Tyler Perry is bringing Madea back, and filming starts this week. The new Madea movie is coming out September 10th (Sheila...can you take me with you please?) . In other Tyler Perry news, look for him in the new Star Trek movie coming out in May. And, there will be a sequel to Why Did I Get Married with the original cast. That movie is coming out in spring 2010 (WOW! Love Tasha Smith!)

Morris Chestnut has just signed a deal with ABC for a new drama series set to debut in the fall. (oooohweee!!!!)

LisaRaye McCoy says no married men for her. The former First Lady Of The Turks & Caicos Islands is shooting down reports that she was messing around with married Singer Ginuwine. They recently shot a music video together, and the sparks were so hot on the set, rumors started flying that the two were having an affair. Ginuwine is married to Rapper Sole, and they have three children. LisaRaye says yes she is looking to find love again, but he will have to be single.

Football’s Terrell Owens has a new football home. The former 49er, Eagle and Cowboys star is seeing his career wind down on a low note. Teams are tired of his antics, and he is only being offered one-year deals. His latest deal with the Buffalo Bills is only for one year. It’s like when someone only wants to date you but never marry you. Owens is 35-years old. He wants to do TV now that he is no longer a Cowboy. Will he still do his planned reality show?

Sherri Shepherd of The View has just signed a deal with the Lifetime network. The show will be much like her personal life: being married with a baby and dealing with her husband’s pregnant girlfriend. In the TV show, they all live together, but in real life Shepherd sent her hubby packin’. (WOW!)

Steve Harvey is coming to town. On April 1st, Harvey will be signing copies of his best-selling book, Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man, at Borders Bookstore, Broad and Chestnut Streets. He’s also hosting his Radio Star talent competition at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets. Tix are on sale now. Steve is also teaming up with Oprah Winfrey. He is doing a show about his book on her show. She will turning her show over to Steve.

A million people have registered for tickets for Michael Jackson’s concerts in London. The demand has been so great, another series of shows have been scheduled for London early next year. Now there is concern about Jackson health, and how he will hold up during his concert tour. So far everything is set to launch July 9th. The King Of Pop says he is touring one last time so his kids can see what he does for a living.

This was not a good week for Singer/Actor Tyrese Gibson. Tyrese has been ordered to pay almost $10,000 a month to his ex-wife Norma Gibson. Tyrese and his ex-wife have a two-year old daughter Shayla. They were married for 10 months when Tyrese decided to call it quits. A judge responded not so fast and how he has to pay up. He has come a long way from his smiling days with Coca Cola. Now it’s time for Tyrese to get serious about his career. Sources say he wants to concentrate on his acting.

Fantasia starts her stint in the national touring company of The Color Purple in June. Fantasia reprises her role as “Celie.”

The new issue of O magazine features not only Oprah Winfrey, but our First Lady Michelle Obama. This is the first time Oprah has shared the cover since she started the magazine 9 years ago.

The funky Divas are back! After 20 years, the ladies of En Vogue, Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones and Dawn Robinson, are back. In addition to going on tour, the ladies may do a reality show. (Is this how people make a "come back" now?)

Comedian Joe Torry is in trouble. During a stint in Japan, Torry got into a fistfight with a female comedienne. The female comic, Vanessa Fraction, alleges Torry punched her and pulled her hair during a fight.(DANG TORRY!!!) Torry says there was an altercation, but he apologized. Fraction says that was not enough. She is planning to press charges and file a civil suit against the comedian.

Chris Rock has signed on for the movie Death At A Funeral. Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, Danny Glover, Loretta Devine, Regina Hall and Columbus Short have also signed on. (That should be classic! (Cheryl...you can take me to this one...) The movie is due out next year.

Speaking of Chris, his brother, Tony Rock, is going to have to face the music after his recent D.U.I. arrest. Rock faces up to six months in jail for drunk driving. During his arrest, Rock allegedly mocked the police officers, and told them he would skip the alcohol ed. courses. He’s going to have to do a lot of explaining to the judge.

Is Kimora Lee Simmons a married lady? Well not exactly. She and longtime boyfriend, Actor Djimon Hounsou, participated in a commitment ceremony last summer in Africa. They view themselves as married, but it is not legal in the United States. A legal ceremony is scheduled for later this year along with the birth of their first child. Kimora was decked out in African garb for her commitment ceremony. She did bring her daughters by ex, Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons. They were very confused about what was going on with mommy. One of the girls fell asleep while the other cried. Kimora was recently granted a divorce from Simmons, and was awarded $40,000 a month in child support.

Congrats to the Smiths! Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, recently opened their new school in California. The new Village Leadership Academy is for kids from pre-K to sixth grade.

On March 31st, Access Hollywood TV Host Shaun Robinson hits the shelves with a new book celebrating girls’ self esteem with advice from America’s most successful women. The book, Exactly As I Am, features Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer Hudson and Robinson all sharing their journeys to womanhood while passing along advice today’s youth.

Ruben Studdard’s new album is produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and hits stores May 19th. (Thats who Janet needs to hook back up with!)

Halle Berry has been named the Sexiest Black Woman Alive. In a recent poll conducted by TV One/Access Hollywood, Berry came out on top. Her new fragrance, Halle, recently debuted in stores.

It’s a good thing David Alan Grier is Dancing With The Stars because Comedy Central recently dropped his show Chocolate News. (whoops!)

Another show cancelled this week was D.L. Hughley Breaks The News on CNN. Hughley says this was a mutual decision with the network, and he will stay with CNN as a contributor. (Heard it wasn't that great anyway!)

Beyonce is on the cover of Ebony magazine talking about marriage and movies. Her new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th.

Speaking of Idris, he’ll play Jill Scott’s love interest in the series opener of Scott’s new HBO series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. The show debuts on HBO March 29th.

Singer Jazmine Sullivan will be featured in the new George Lucas film, Red Tails. Sullivan will play a jazz singer in the movie about the Tuskegee airmen. Singer Ne-Yo is also starring.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou has an exciting new project. Letter To My Daughter: Her Path To Living Well And Living A Life With Meaning. In the book, Angelou shares her life lessons.

Prince recently signed a deal with Target retail stores. Prince is releasing a three-disc set of new music, which will be sold exclusively at Target. The set comes out March 29th. Prince is also doing a series for shows for Jay Leno. Prince will be performing live on The Tonight Show on March 25th, 26th and March 27th. Prince is also helping Jay say goodbye to Tonight. Prince will be performing on May 28th. After 17 years, Leno’s last night on The Tonight Show is May 29th.

Producer Lee Daniels has changed the name of his upcoming release. The long awaited project Push will be renamed Precious. The movie is scheduled to be released later this year and stars Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and new comer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe as “Precious.”

Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have joined forces to help Lee with the promotion of this movie. The film Precious is based on the book Push by Sapphire, and focuses on the plight of a 16-year old who suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

The T.D. Jakes film Not Easily Broken starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson hits DVD shelves April 7th.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans.
Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Bill Cosby and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This Hip Hop Mogul is desperate for publicity. His latest stunt made him look like a fool. Maybe he will finally wakeup and mind his own business instead of trying to always be in the spotlight.

This Diva is tired of being a housewife. She longs for the bling and notoriety of her former life. Now she is hooking up with her old manager to reclaim her throne.

There is a lot of excitement about this reunion. If they can keep a Group Member off of drugs and away from crazy men, their reunion could be a success.