Tuesday Tales

A private service will be held in Los Angeles for the late actress Farrah Fawcett. No funeral plans for singer Michael Jackson have been announced. Be sure to pick up the debut release from Jeramini, featuring the single, "Birthday Sex". Congradulations to Kimmora Lee Simmons. She has become the mom of a baby boy. If you haven't already, check out the new video from T.I. "Remember Me". The reality series "Tiny & Toya" debuts tonight on BET. Also on the tube: "Law And Order: SVU" on NBC, "Splash" on ABC and "House" on Fox. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

The "BET Awards" aired last night and there were several tributes to Michael Jackson. 80's boy band New Edition opened the show with a medley of Jackson 5 hits and Neo and Jamie Fox closed the tribute with a rendition of "I'll Be There". Sister Janet Jackson spoke on behalf of the Jackson family. Now to the performances. The highlights were performances by New Edition, Jamie Fox and Beyonce. In the what was he thinking department: Lil Wayne's performance of the unedited version of "Every Girl In The World". It was totally inappropiate. Keri Hilson and Ciera didn't do as well as expected. Latoya Luckett was another disappointment. All in all the show was great considering the last minute reworking. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

The entertainment world suffered a double lost yesterday. Iconic singer/dancer Michael Jackson passed away at age 50. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital where he was pronounced dead. Born on August 29, 1958, and the seventh of nine children, he began his career performing with his brothes as the Jackson Five. He later when on to record several solo albums, but really hit his stride with the album "Thriller". The album sold over 21 million copies in the U.S alone and had seven top ten singles. He revolutionized the music video during the MTV era with mini movies of his hit singles, one being the video "Thriller". A video "The Making Of Thriller" was released as well. He was also a humanitarian, giving to several charities and co-writting "We Are The World" with Lionel Richie for famine relief in Africa. Although in later years there was a media frenzy regarding his personal life and legal troubles, the impact he made on the music industry will live on. My heart and prayers are with the Jackson Family at this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Michael. We will miss you. 1970's televison icon Farrah Fawcett died after a long battle with cancer. She was 62. She began her career doing commericals and later landed a role on the 1970's crime fighting show"Charlie's Angels". A poster of the actress in a one piece bikini sold briskly and was even featured in the film, "Saturday Night Fever'. She was married to actor Lee Majors until the two divorced. She later began a relationship with actor Ryan Oneil. The two dated off and on until her death. She also made a splash on the big screen playing a rape victum in "Extremities" and a battered wife in the film, "The Burning Bed'. She also gave birth to a son with Ryan Oneil, Redman. Her leagacy will live on. My heart and prayers and with her family as well. Rest in peace, Farrah. We will miss you.

Thursday Dish

The accomplist in the Philant Johnson murder has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. He drove the getaway car in the drive by shooting involving Atlanta rapper T.I.. Have they or haven't they? It's been rumored that Memphis rap group Three Six Mafia has split up. DJ Paul has a solo CD in stores now. Be on the lookout for the Def Jam anniversary CD. The Roots will debut their new single on Jimmy Fallon tonight. Rapper Drake is creating quite a buzz in the industry. Check out his new single. On the tube: "Don't Forget The Lyrics" on Fox, "Without A Trace" on CBS and "Prime Time" on ABC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

For those who don't know, singer Tameka "Tiny" Cottle formally of the 90's R & B group Xscape and Antonia "Toya" Banks, mother of rapper Lil Wayne's eldest child, have a reality series for BET coming soon. The show will follow the two best friends as they pursue their own goals and ambitions aside from the high profile men they're involved with. Be on the look out for the book "The Vixen Manual" by Karrine Steffans due out next month. Sad news out of Hollywood. Former "Tonight Show' sidekick Ed McMahon has died. He was on the show from 1962 to 2004. He will be missed. Former "American Idol" contestant Adam Lambert is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine. The singer discusses life after "Idol" and those gay rumors. The "BET Awards" will air soon. On the tube: "Lie To Me" on Fox, "Criminal Minds" on CBS and "The Batchlorette" on ABC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

With summer in full swing it seems that this season will be a season full of remakes. You have remakes of "Footloose", "Fame" and others in the works. Which brings me to the question, what happened to creativity? It seems no ones coming up with fresh inovative ideas for the big screen these days and I shutter to think what lies ahead. The movie studios are reling on the same tried true formula and it's beginning to wear thin. Someone needs to let the executives at the movie studios know that if they want to succeed they need to something other than what they've tried previously. It should be about the consumers and not just what will earn the studios a quick buck. Just a thought.

Monday Madness

Singer Rihanna will be required to testify at ex-boyfriend Chris Bown's hearing today. The defense will reportedly state how the singer attacked Brown the night of the incident. Singer Beyonce will have to face a judge as well. It appears a designer is claiming he was not compenstated properly for items the singer wore. Be sure to check out the video for rapper T.I.'s single, "Remember Me". There's also a remix of "Digital Girl", with Jamie Fox, T Pain and The Dream in the works as well. Quite a few new shows will be making their way to prime time. I'll have the details soon. Actress Sandra Bullock scored her first number one film in ten years with "The Proposal" over the weekend. The film grossed over 34.1 million dollars at the box office. Rounding out the the top films are: 2. "The Hangerover", 3. "Up", 4. "Year One', 5. "The Taking Of Pelham, 123", 6. "Night At The Museum", 7. "Star Trek", 8. "Land Of The Lost", 9. "Imagine That", 10. "Terminator Salvation". Black Music Month Salute: Charlie Parker. Born Charles Parker, Jr in Kansas City, MS, he began playing alto sax as a youth around the area and soon became one of the most inovative jazz artist of all time. He played with several other jazz artist of the area, but became known for his unique style. A herion addict, he died at 34. Known as Bird, he music will live one. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS and "Wipeout" on ABC. Happy Monday!

Thursday Dish

Producer Timberland is suing his record label claiming the label is trying to sabotage his career. King, the men's lifestyle magazine, has folded. Be on the lookout for the DVD "Kiss And Tail". Narrated by shock jock Wendy Williams, the documentary takes a behind the scenes look at rap artists encounters with groupies. The life of former video vixen Karrine "Superhead" Steffans is the catalist for the documentary. Lady T is back!. 70's-80's R & B singer Teena Marie has new music in stores. Her latest CD contains a duet with Faith Evans. Black Music Month Salute: James Brown. Know as the Godfather of Soul, James Joseph Brown was born and raised in Augusta Georgia and started performing as a youth. He was given his big break by Bobby Byrd and joined the singer's group before striking out on his own. He then went on to form the Famous Flames and performed at the world famous Appolo Theater, which was recorded and has become a landmark album. He recored such hits as "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag", "Try Me", "Night Train' and " I Feel Good". He also published a autobiagraphy of the same name. He died on Christmas day, 2006. He music will live on. On the tube: " Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "Without A Trace" on CBS and "Splash" on ABC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Congradulations are in order to actress Joy Bryant. The co-star of such films as "Get Rich, Or Die Trying" recently tied the knot in the Hamptons. In a surspising move, the latest contestant on "The Batchlorette" has left the reality series. Be on the lookout for the artist on rapper Lil Wayne's label, Young Money. Several projects are due to be released soon. Black Music Month Salute: Kirk Franklin. The Dallas born singer started singing in gospel choirs as a youth before being signed to a record label. His first single, "Why We Sing" was the beginning of a illustrious career in the world of gospel.

Tuesday Tales

It's true, or at least seems to be. R & B singer Usher filed for divorce from his wife Tameka Foster in Atlanta superior court after two years of marriage. Rumors peristed for some time that all was not well with the couple and Usher was spotted out with friends. Tameka was spotted at the premier of Eddie Murphy's latest film "Imagine That" with her children. Best wishes to both of them. Acress Jada Pinkett Smith has a new show titled "Hawthorne" on TNT. Check it out. Fomer Destiny's Child member Latoya Luckett has a new CD in the works. Check out the hot single "Not Anymore". Black Music Month Salute: Tupac Amaru Shakir. Today would have been the rapper/actor's 38th birthday. He got his start as a roadie for the group Digital Underground. He got a solo deal with Interscope Records and released his debut album "Tupacalispe Now". "Strictly 4 My Niggaz" , "Me Against The World" and "All Eyes On Me" soon followed. He also appeared on the silver screen in the films, "Juice", "Poetic Justice" and "Above The Rim". He was gunned down on the Las Vegas strip while in town to attend the Mike Tyson/Bruce Seldon fight. He may be gone, but his music will live on. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS and "According To Jim" on ABC. Teena Marie, DJ Drama and D-Dot have new releases in stores this week. On DVD: "Medea Goes To Jail" and "Woodstock". Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

First off, congradulations to the Los Angeles Lakers for winning the NBA title over the weekend. It's the teams 14th title. Rumors keep swirling regarding singer Usher Raymond and his wife Tameka. Reports suggest that the marriage of two years is in trouble. But a report in a Atlanta newspaper says the two are hanging in there. Check out singer Beyonce on the cover of Forbes. The singer and hubby Jay Z are among the magazine's celebrity one hundred. Rapper T.I and crew grace the cover of the latest issue of the Source. The crew discuss upcoming projects and how business will be handled while the general's away. Black Music Month moment: Check out the latest effort by Shameka Covington. The blues sensation has a new CD in stores. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS and "Splash" on ABC. Happy Monday!

Wednesday Roundup

R&B singer Monica is slated to appear in a reality series for BET called "Still Standing". It will follow the singer's life as a mother of two and her business ventures as well. She also has a new CD due to be released this fall also titled "Still Standing". Former "American Idol" contestant Allison, has a new record deal. The 17-year old singer has been signed to TNT Records. Rumors are flying about singer Solange being dropped from her label and Michael Jackson asking her to be an opening act for a London show. Both are untrue. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox and "CSI on CBS. Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday Tales

You know, it never ceases to amaze me how shows with prodominately White casts can remain on the air, even with horrific ratings and Black shows are given the boot by networks with no hesitation. The list is too numerist to mention here. When it comes to Nielson ratings, no one bothers to ask what Black households tune in to. I think it's time for a grass roots effort to change the way the networks and Nielson does business. It is a travesty when quality Black shows are shoved off the air when shows not of the same quality are given a chance. As our president would say, it's time for a change.

Monday Madness

The NBA Finals are in full swing, and love it seems, is in the air in Black Hollywood as well. Los Angeles Lakers Lamar Odom and Taraji P. Henson, The Dream and Christina Milan, Nick Cannon and Maria Carey and Kanye West and Amber are a few of the couples to watch this season. In celebration of Black Music Month be sure to check out Unsung on TV One. It will include profiles of Minnie Riperton and Shalimar, among others. I'd also like to mention, Mahalia Jackson, Clara Ward and Edwin Hawkins. These individuals changed the sound of Gospel and blazed a trail for others to follow. A very happy 51st birthday to Prince. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS and "Wipeout" on ABC. Happy Monday!

Thursday Dish

Sad news out of Hollywood. Actor David Carridine, star of the 1970's hit show "Kun Fu" has died. It's been reported that the 72-year old actor was found hanged in his hotel roon by a hotel maid. He was in Bangkok shooting a film at the time of his death. Sad news out of the Blues world as well. Blues legend Koko Taylor is dead at 80. Dubed the Queen of The Blues, Taylor died of complications from surgery. Although she never achieved mainstream success, she was very much revered by blues fans. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of both at this difficult time. On a lighter note, rapper Drake has reportedly signed a deal with Def Jam Records. Rapper Jay Z's Rocka Wear line will soon be sold in China. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "Without A Trace" on CBS and for you NBA fans, the "NBA Finals" on ABC. In celebration of Black Music Month, I've compiled a list of my Top Ten Favorite Summer Songs. 1. Summer Madness, Kool & The Gang, 2. Summertime, D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, 3. Crazy In Love, Beyonce, 4. Hot Fun In The Summer Time, Sly & The Family Stone, 5. Farewell, My Summer Love, Michael Jackson, 6. Ghetto Love, Rick James, 7. September, Earth Wind & Fire, 8. Boogie Nights, Heatwave, 9. Give Me The Night, George Benson, 10. Slide, Slave. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

A source close to singer Omarion has confirmed that he has signed to Young Money Records, rapper Lil Wayne's label. There's also some controversy brewing over a Twitter page where he reportedly stated he only dates light skinned women. Actor/rapper Nick Cannon is set to host the new season of "America's Got Talent". Congradulations to Kimmora Lee Simmons are in order. She and her beau have become the parents of a baby boy. No word on what the little tykes name is . It has been confirmed that singer Jennifer Hudson is a mom to be also. A story in the Chicago Tribune mentioned a weekend baby shower for the singer. Finally, June is Black Music Month, for those unaware, and it's time to pay tribute to the innovators of the genre. I'll be posting tributes the rest of the month. Be on the look out. Happy hump day!