By John Frazier Sr. Entertainment Correspondent & Chief Editor
The Kennedy Honors Awards for 2009 was entertaining. It was great to see the Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin honor opera diva, Grace Bumby. The Queen looked great, makeup and hair wise, but the 300 lbs on Ms Ree Ree looked unhealthy has caused concern, as her many fans and I'm sure, her family are worried.
The Queen is only 5'5". It was recently released that Jenny Craig wanted the soul diva as its spokesperson but, Ms. Franklin was quoted as saying, that the Jenny Craig meals tasted too good, the portions are too small and she couldn't stay on the diet plan.
Tony Enos long awaited CD, "Did It Rite", landed in my mailbox, autographed from Mr. Enos, himself and I must say that the CD is excellent. Of course, the parental advisory is printed on its cover, as it's an adult CD, one that you can just let play from start to finish. The CD sets the mood for lovers and for those who are looking for love. Vocals are great, lyrics are timely, sexual and if you are a lover of music, this should become a part of your music collection.
Well done, Mr. T., we, at "Chit Chat" are extremely proud of you. Candles, a fireplace burning, some wine or champagne, you and that special someone, and of course, "Did It Rite", playing in the background, makes a perfect evening for love and making love. Click for a quick listen:
Talk show host and newly "out" comedian, Wanda Sykes, is excited that African singer, Sade, is scheduled to release a new CD after a 10 year wait (and perhaps at the time of this "Chit Chat" issue, the CD may be in your retail stores). Ms. Sykes is pleading for Sade to perform on her late Saturday Night show. The single, "Solder of Love", is climbing the charts. I had to listen to it a few times before I started to like it. It has the old Sade flavor, nothing new is new, I guess. CD release date, February 8th. Mark your calendars. You want more Sade, click here: www.sade.com I can't believe that I can't stop playing Rihanna's latest CD, "Rated R". The music, the lyrics are personal, and vocally she sounds great. Her recent life experience is coming across loud and clear. Good job Rihanna.
Eminem agreed to delete the homophobic lyrics for the U.K. Festival event for 2010.
How about doing that for the rest of his music career, moving forward? Now haven't we traveled this road with Eminem before? Then we had Sir Elton John joining hands with Eminem, claiming freedom of speech, however, I don't believe hatred was what our forefathers had in mind or did they?
If the public would stop supporting anyone who preaches intense hostility against someone or a group of people who are different, only then will we see action for a positive change.
The amazing thing is that, according to Neilsen Soundscan, Eminem has been crowned the best selling rapper of the decade. Now come on , what happened to Jay Z?
The song in question is "Elevator", "Sorry, Lance (Bass), Mr. (Adam) Lambert and
(Clay) Aiken , ain't gonna make it/they getso mad, when I call them both fake/It's all these f-cking voices in my head, I can't take it/someone shut that f-cking baby up., before I shake it."
It's also been released that Sir John has been assisting Eminem with his fight with drugs for the last year. Are we supposed to feel some remorse for the rapper who continues to "hate" on us?
Why are we his target? Is he fighting something within himself? Eminem hasn't "outed" any black hip-hip artist. Why?
Because our gay black rappers are deep in the closet. And our "out" and proud gay black rappers are………. Oh, that's right, we don't have any "out" and proud black rappers. Must be in the "Kool Aid".
Asher Roth, a white rapper is gay and wants the world to know it. Mr. Roth was a part of the parade for Gay Rights during the Christmas holiday. In attendance, were Clay Aiken, REM's lead singer, Michael Stipe and the gay crowd's favorite, Lady GaGa. Roth came out of the closet during this time and has been dropped from his label, SRC Records.
Many may recall that I interviewed, author, Terrance Dean, "Hiding in Hip-Hop: Confession of A Down Low Brother", for GBMNews. Well now it has been posted on Mr. Dean's blog that Mr. Roth is the gay closeted rapper in his book.
I'm confused, I thought the closeted rapper was black.
Mr. Roth is currently living in the gay section of NYC, which means Chelsea, East or West Village, Tribeca, Soho or Noho and it's reported that since coming out, he's enjoying his new freedom, his new "open" and "out" life.
Rumors continue to fly as it came across my desk that T-Pain, Kanye West, Flo-Rida, Soulja Boy, Jody Breeze and Bow Wow are still believed by many to be bi-sexual or gay.
A baby mama, a few kids don't make you straight. And indicating that you are feeling "freaky" sexually doesn't make you less homosexual.
Nhojj is the first black male artist to win an OUTMusic Award from the Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists and Performers.
It is huge!
His song, "Love" was named R&B/Soul Song of the Year.
Women of color have won throughout the years, but this is the first for a male, which is a crying shame. Received a lovely note from Nhojj, quote, " I am excited to tell you that "Love" won the 2009 OutMusic Award for Outstanding R&B/Soul Song of the year.
I am especially happy because this marks the first time a black male has won an OMA - I couldn't ask for a better gift. Thank you for sharing this time with me and may the new year bring you all the success and happiness you can dream."
We at Chit Chat, are extremely happy to be a part of Nhojj's journey. We are so proud of him. Continued success! LOGO will televise, so check with your local stations. I remember saying to Nhojj that it would have been wonderful for him to perform with Mr. Michael Jackson, it would have been a great pairing.
Have you seen the Vanity Fair Tiger Woods cover? Like him or not, he's looking HOT! Will his infidelity kill his fabulous career? Has it murdered his marriage?
Tiger Woods is proving to be a real stud or as many might say, real male whore. Women are still coming forward. Rumor has it that his wife has hired the best attorney as a divorce is in view.
A close buddy said I was crazy when I said that I was waiting for the gay guys in Tiger's closet to come out. Now there's suppose to be "Tiger The Sex Video", Hold that Tiger! And the latest, a mistress claims that Tiger Woods has had gay encounters.
I'm not surprised due to his hunger for sex, however, I can only imagine the blond white guys lining up. So sorry guys, if you're black, brown, yellow, red or any combination, Mr. Woods isn't into you. Blond, blue need only apply.
Round-up
Beyonce's mom, the beautiful, Ms. Tina Knowles, 55, has filed for divorce as it appears, husband, Matthew, has gotten a young lady pregnant. This will be interesting to watch unfold. Divorce effect's not just the parents, but the children and everyone involved emotionally. But we don't know what life was like behind closed doors, do we? A 30 year old designer has claimed that Matthew Knowles, 58, in the father. Where's Maury?
Mary J. Blige is all over the place with her new great CD, "Stronger With Each Tear", 330,000 copies sold week one. She looks beautiful and sounds great. On every talk show that the hip-hop diva appears, I fall more and more in love with her. What a beautiful spirit. Ms. Blige's current CD is number one, making this her ninth number one CD. You better work girl!
The Princess and the Frog was number one at the box office on its first weekend's release, earning $27.9 million worldwide. This film has earned a Golden Globe nominee for Best Animated Feature. Anika Noni Rose, actress, dancer and singer is the voice and the likeness of the Princess and has gone down in history as the first black princess featured for Disney.
Bow Wow started the year 2010, off with a bang by firing his entire management team. The handsome, sexy, "I'm not gay with my man-pocket-book", rapper wrote on his Twitter page, "In one of those 'please don't f**k with me moods' today. I'm firing all managers! "I'm managing myself. Who knows me better than me? I know this game very well..."
The 22 year old entertainer needs to re-think his actions. Perhaps he should also reinvent himself. Putting negative energy out there, hating on others who are different isn't the way to go, especially in the entertainment industry, where we, "the gay folks", are everywhere doing everything.
Vivica A. Fox spoke to Mo'Nique on her show, about her relationship with 50 Cents. The relationship was intense and ended just as intense. Ms. Fox as she told the story, began to cry. The audience was loving it. Curtis as Vivica calls 50 Cents, telephoned her to apologize and now the two of them a friendly but I don't see them getting back together. The glass is cracked, you can't un-crack a glass.
Mo'Nique declared ALT the black Hollywood. Actor, director, Tyler Perry lives, recording artist, Monica, the Housewives of Atlantic (my personal favorite), and a host of other powerful black entertainers have made ALT the Mecca for African American's. I might have to relocate there myself.
Sean "Puffy" "Diddy" Combs is suing the landlord of the property where his "Sean John" store stands in Manhattan, NYC. According to the complaint, scaffolds were left in front of the store for an unreasonable amount of time, which caused lots of money to be lost. Mr. Combs is suing for, are you sitting down? $2.5 million in damages. Ouch!
Daddy Dearest, producer, singer, Teddy Riley's daughter, 18 year old, Taja, has accused him of beating her up. Where are the photos? Mr. Riley released a statement, "Due to recent events, I am compelled to respond in detail to accusations made against me, by my daughters, I love my daughters, but I will not allow my children to disrespect me in my home.
Contrary to what I have been accused of, I would never beat my children." "I didn't hit her, I collared her." She must have been extremely disrespectful. Daddy don't take no mess.
There's a $10,000 reward to anyone with information on the break in at rapper, Nelly's, St Louis mansion. Electronics and other duffel bag items were stolen. Was this an inside job? Where was the security?! Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers.
Rakim has released a new CD "The Seventh Seal", first since 1999. He was a favorite with his unique rhymes, beats, sex appeal and beautiful blackness. Hopefully, my commenting on his beauty doesn't make him hate the gay community.
Many wondered why Oprah would not allow Chris Brown to appear on any future shows but she allowed gospel great BeBe Winans to appear with his sister CeCe. Mr. Winans was accused of assaulting his ex-wife, Debra Winans. Well, all allegations were dismissed.
Mr. Winans was quoted as saying, "This has been a trying year, beginning with the death of my father." "Even though this allegation has affected not just me, but also the entire Winans family, my children and certain aspects of my career. I chose to stay quiet because I knew the truth. To be exonerated of all charges shows the power of trusting in God, and is a wonderful Christmas for me and my children." To God be the glory.
Heather Headley, Broadway "The Lion King" diva, R&B artist and now gospel artist, it's said to have had the best Gospel CD for 2009, "Audience of One". She and gospel great, "Smokie Norful, who reminds one of the late Donny Hathaway, joined forces on song, "Jesus Is Love". This is definitely a CD to make part of your collection.
PBS aired Sam Cooke: Crossing Over, on January 11th. For many of our younger readers, this is a wonderful way to be exposed to the magic of Mr. Cooke. He was a church boy who crossed over from singing gospel as the lead singer of the famous, "the Soul Stirrers".
His signature sing is "A Change is Gonna Come". Unfortunately, his life came to an end when he was murdered. Some believe that it was mafia related. Other's believe it was because of drugs and women, "a white woman", from the dangerous side of the tracks. I don't think we will ever know the truth of his last day.
Tyra Banks has announced that she's leaving her talk-show. First Oprah, now Tyra, what are we going to do? As for black females to replace Oprah, perhaps Tyra was next in line, as she has the class, grace, sophistication, beauty and brains. The other ladies in waiting are either too ghetto or campy, something's missing.
Rumor has it that Janet Jackson and actor, Colin Farrell are dating.
Colin just returned from Dublin, in December 2009, after attending his gay brother's wedding celebration.
Now many of you may recall that last Summer, 2009, the new gay couple originally got married in Canada, since it was impossible to get married in Ireland. Could there be a wedding in the future for Janet and Colin?
Naomi Campbell is said to file for bankruptcy. A while ago for GBMNews, I reported that Ms. Campbell was dating a billionaire and the two had purchased a beautiful mansion as they played house. Even though the two hadn't separated, the modeling diva is said to be in financial trouble.
Perhaps she's not asking for help, as to prove her love for him, but whatever the reason, it will be interesting to see if he will rescue her. Also when the rich and famous file for bankruptcy, it's totally different than the common folk, she's not about to file for public assistance and food stamps. But we do wish her well. Everyone loves a great come-back story.
Just recently it was reported that Lady GaGa is a hermaphrodite. Wasn't it back in the day, that we heard rumors about Donna Summer having 3 nipples, Grace Jones being born a man, Madonna loving Latin boys, ( well that still might be true). Now there's a minister who claims that Lady GaGa is driving our youth, our gay youth, to hell.
If I thought this minister's views were important, carried some weight and had some truth, I might have printed his name…. Lady Gaga is on tour, "The Monster's Ball", she's all over the place, all over the world, click for locations, dates, times: http://ladygaga.com
Oprah's leaving her popular talk show but I have a feeling that this successful sister has other things ahead. "If living your best life were a test, I would not get a passing grade for 2009," the media queen confessed in the January 2010 edition of O: The Oprah Magazine.
"All the things I vowed to do this time last year, I didn't. I didn't give myself more balance or more time. I failed." Quote, the Queen of Media. After interviewing Charla Nash, the Connecticut victim, who's 200 lb chimpanzee attacked her, Ms. Oprah felt it was time to count her blessings and to also stop and smell the roses, perhaps to even make a greater difference.
Amy Winehouse has a new CD coming out for 2010. Along with a new CD, the singer is said to be purchasing a new pair of buns to match her newly purchased breast. It's an apple booty that she wants.
The words that come to mind, when I think about Ms. Mariah Carey's acceptance speech for her role in the movie, "Precious", is "go girl, enjoy yourself, live your life!" Yes, she was a bit tipsy, lovingly. Again, the media, implying that the diva had too much to drink, tired tearing down one of our great entertainers.
She's not the President of the United States, where she's suppose to be on best behavior at all times, not that this was bad behavior, she was only being human. By the way, Ms. Mariah has announced that she's going on 19 city tour for 2010, after a 3 year absence, starting from January in NYC. Click here for details.
The Huffington Post reported that Beyonce did a gig for a Terrorist this past New Year's Eve. The terrorist, who supports the Gaddafi Family, is said to have paid Ms. Knowles very nicely.
Say this isn't so. It's not like the diva needs the money or the exposure. This engagement took place in St. Barts, where other entertainers were present, Usher, Russell Simmons, Lindsay Lohan, Jon Bon Jovi. Now what's the whole truth? I have a feeling that the diva didn't know about her employers beliefs.
Not that we needed another one of these shows, but American Idol Winner, Fantasia, starts a new reality show. Everyone has a reality show or wants one. I guess it's the new way to jumpstart one's career. Fantasia is also a supporter in the gay community and is very well loved. Stay tuned.
Jennifer Lopez told "Latina" magazine that marriage isn't easy. The Bronx diva, quoted, "Anybody who's successful at it deserves a pat on the back," Lopez says. "You've got to grow with each other; you've gotta bend over backwards for each other."
It can't be easy when you have two entertainers in the marriage, ego's probably get in the way, especially when it comes to who's bringing in the most money and who's the bigger star. This is the third marriage for Ms. Lopez, she's married to Latin superstar, Marc Anthony and the two of them have twins.
The Black Eyed Peas are touring between the United States and Canada, currently till April 11, 2010. This group is amazing as it taps into every kind of music, and transcends every group. The group will also tour Europe. "I Got A Feeling" that the Grammy's will be rewarded for such excellent work. "Boom Boom Pow", need I say more.
While Ms. Alicia Keys is on tour, she's finding time to set up housekeeping with her boyfriend. Now supposedly, the boyfriend, Swizz Beats was married when he and Alicia hooked up. Beats wish that his soon to be ex-wife would leave Alicia out of it.
Amazing watching this brother mature as an artist, he's come a long way from the boy singing on the bus, with the headphones on, and drinking a Pepsi. Sexy chocolate soul singer, Tyrese was in a car crash. Thank God, no one was seriously hurt. After Tyrese was assured that no one was injured, they all want to a spa, his treat. Now that's class.
He's not music, but I thought I should mention this month's Essence's February magazine, the Men's issue. Yes, the sexy athletic Reggie Bush is on the cover, he's showing body, his chest, one nipple, this issue is not only for women, trust me.
I'm sure Essence's marketing people knew what they were doing. Now many will question why Mr. Bush is featured. He's involved with Kim Kardashian, who's White, she's shown that she loves our black brothers. It wasn't long ago that she was involved with Brandy's little brother, Ray J., then there was the sex tape that Ray J. and Kim made. Anyway, sex sells and Reggie is sexy.
The Neo-Soul Queen, Ms. Jill Scott is said to be release her fifth CD, "Light of The Sun" sometime this Spring or Summer. Along with this, "Why Did I Get Married 2" will hit the theaters on April 2nd.
Plus the singer, writer, poet, actress has been nominated for a NAACP award as outstanding actress for her lead role in her HBO series, "The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. The diva has other things going on as well, but I thought I would just mention a few. She's indeed, fabulous and golden.
Michael Vick, who played for the Atlanta Falcons for 6 seasons, later disgraced for his association with illegal dog fighting has a reality show on BET called "The Michael Vick Project". Perhaps his show will give us a different view of the quarterback.
San Fran resident, Tony Haze told a Bay Area Reporter that he feels that television and radio personality, Wendy Williams, is not a real friend of the LGBT community. Williams during an interview with the Bay Area Reporter stated, "You need very visible, outspoken African American gays and lesbians, that will help convince some to support gay marriage.
You need some of these closeted gay ministers, the black ones, to get out and say it. Let's all vote together and make this happen." Haze continued, saying that he feels that Ms. Williams is using the LGBT for personal gain. Are you Ms. Williams?
First "American Idol's", William Hung became an overnight sensation due to his off key singing, now General Larry Platt, 62, sang for the Idol judges, "Pants on the Ground". This was a total surprise since the cut-off for auditions is 28. Now the "soon to be senior" may have entertainment opportunities. And he wasn't bad.
It was quite enjoyable. Head judge, Simon Cowell, told General (his nickname), "I don't think this is the last we'll hear from you". He also said that he felt that the song could become a surprise hit. Hopefully the message hits our youth hard as baggy loose waist pants, showing underwear and gold in the mouth and cap turned to the side is so played out.
D.J. Rob Swift's new CD, "The Architect" will be released on February 23rd on Ipecac Recordings. This is his first release since the mid 1990's. It's a blend of classical and hip-hop. Swift is no stranger to the music industry as he's worked with Herbie Hancock, Dan the Automator, the Blue Man Group, Cypress Hill, to name a few. Quote from his bio: Much in common with Mozart as it does with Grandmaster Flash. It will be interesting to see what happens with this amazing project. You Tube below:
Another reality show from one half of rap duo, "Salt and Pepper", Sandra (Pep) Denton, creatively titled, "Let's Talk about Pep". The feedback has been mixed as many feel that it's worse than, the guilty pleasure," The Flavor of Love" show. I happened to like its first offering. In my opinion it's a black, "Sex in the City", as you have four sisters in their late 30's and early 40's, searching for love.
Ms. Pep makes it a point to let the viewers know that she hasn't had sex in 4 years as she's on a manhunt for a soulmate. Fans are surprised that serious TV journalist, Jacque would take part in this kind of reality show. Joumana, newly divorced from NBA star, Jason Kidd appears to be the conservative one, whereas Kittie, who I've never heard of, is the wild, out of control one and will probably be the crowd favorite. All in all, it's mindless fun, check it out.
Singer, Keyshia Cole is expecting her first baby boy in March, with boyfriend, NBA, Daniel "Boobie" Gibson. Couple are engaged but no wedding date as of this posting.
Former Hunk from HBO's True Blood, Mehcad Brooks and Soul Food, the series, beauty, Nicole Ari Parker are part of the cast for the new ABC's nighttime series, "The Deep End".
The show takes place in LA, a law firm with 5 new, eager, fresh and beautiful "eye candy" associates who bring drama. Billy Zane heads up this comedy-drama on Thursday nights just before Grey's Anatomy. I hope Mehcad has a lot of scenes with his shirt off. Brooks has been outspoken about gay marriage, yes, he's for it!
First Kelly Rowland, now Michelle Williams, fires Beyonce's dad, Mathew. Kelly and Michelle have had separate success away from Destiny's Child, but not on the level of its lead singer and daughter of Mathew, Beyonce.
Williams, always the lady, released a statement, "From Destiny's Child to my solo career, I am grateful for everything Mathew & his team has done for me. We've shared great success together. However, as I move in a new direction in my career, I felt it was time. I wish Mathew Knowles & the Music Entertainment family all the best." We will be watching and wish Michelle the best.
Steve Harvey to replace current host on television's Family Fend and Mel B. to replace host on cable show, where the overweight folks dance to lose pounds. Now will I watch either of these shows? No, but I thought you might want to know anyway.
Rumor, rumor, Jamie Fox to replace Simon Cowell on American Idol? Say it isn't so! Now I know the "Jamie" fans will probably send me some hate mail but I 'm not "hating", I just don't get it.
NFL Star Eric Green, 27 accused by drag queen, Angelina Mavilia, 38, of rape? Ms. Mavilia claims that Mr. Green invited her back to his condo, raped her then said that she better not tell anyone. Girlfriend is suing for $10M. Sounds like she said, he said. This will be interesting to watch as it unfolds.
Legend, Etta James, 72, is in the hospital for undergoing drug treatment cause by a urinary tract infection. She was on painkillers and developed a dependency. Get well soon, my lady.
Disney teen idol, Selena Gomez and the Scene have remixed her hit, "Naturally", and it's a club hit naturally. She's part of that new generation of young money super stars. Her close girlfriend is Taylor Swift. If you're a fan of Ms. Swift, you will definitely like Selena.
1960's, Funk master legend, Sly Stone, 66, has filed a $50 Million against his former money keeper, Jerry Goldstein, manager. Mr. Stone claims that he's been ripped off for the last 20 years, royalties and everything else money related.
I don't know why it's taken 20 years to discover this. It's like you have to hire a lawyer to watch your lawyer, an accountant to watch your accountant. As Labelle sang once upon a time, "Who's watching the watcher?"
John, Thank you so very much for such a beautiful review for "DID IT RITE." All your love and support over the past few years have meant the world to me. I hope you now how much I love, appreciate and adore you. Thank you for always supporting me :) Have a beautiful weekend and an awesome week & I'll talk to you soon. All my love always, ~T
John,
Thank you so very much for such a beautiful review for "DID IT RITE." All your love and support over the past few years have meant the world to me. I hope you now how much I love, appreciate and adore you. Thank you for always supporting me :) Have a beautiful weekend and an awesome week & I'll talk to you soon.
All my love always,
~T
LOVE YOUR WORK! PLEASE KEEP IT UP (NO PUN).
Q