By John Frazier Sr. Entertainment Correspondent & Chief Editor
Mary J. Blige is set to play legend, Nina Simone, set to be released in 2012. This will be the first time that the Hip-Hop Queen will headline a featured movie. Ms. Blige has been quoted, Playing a character like her is like playing myself."
I would imagine she can relate to Ms. Simone, Ms. Blige continued, "because Nina Simone was a manic-depressive, drug addict and alcoholic, cursing wild maniac like I was". Ms. Blige will also release a CD featuring the great music of Ms. Simone.
The "Rollingstone" magazine gave Justin Timberlake two stars for the single, "Carry Out", stating that perhaps the magic that he and fellow producer, Timbaland share has lost its shine.
But I'm sure the 2 Tim's aren't worried. They will go back into the studio and remix it 100 times and public will gladly race to the music stores to purchase it.
Ms. Erykah Badu's new CD will have been released. I don't know if it's just me, but she hasn't been able to top her first CD, "Baduizm". I still play it, the lyrics and music are so powerful, it's a masterpiece. It touched my soul. From what I've heard this new CD is off the hook. Can lightening strike twice?
Ms. Badu got butt-naked in her hometown, Dallas, Texas while doing a video. Probably when this issue has been released, the singer may have charges filed against her for disorderly conduct. According to a Dallas news station, Ms. Badu didn't have a permit and shocked the passerby's when she can out of her panties. Anything to sell a CD, I guess.
It's been reported that the great late Michael Jackson's love-child, and oldest child, Omer Bhatti has stepped in as a father figure to his younger siblings, Michael, Paris and Blanket. My feeling is if the Jackson clan have embraced Omer, then it has been proven that he's Mr. Jackson's son. And from the photo, he does look like Michael.
So Ricky Martin finally came out of the closet. The singer said, "feels blessed to be himself". I'm happy that he's come into his own, however, everyone knew that he was/is gay.
Of course his female fans are in shocked. "Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment.
Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution. I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am," quote, Ricky Martin.
Round-up
I've heard great things about Susan Boyle's CD. I still haven't purchased it, however for 2009, Ms. Boyle was the fourth bestselling artist. Now that's amazing. You can't help but be happy for her and she has real talent, no studio tricks here.
Maybe next year she will be invited to the Grammy's. Ms. Boyle wants to sing with Lady GaGa and Ms. Gaga thinks that Ms. Boyle is incredible, so kids you might be dancing up a storm to Ms. Boyle & Lady Gaga in the near future. Imagine Ms. Boyle in Ms. GaGa's telephone hat.
Puff Daddy, Puffy, I mean, Diddy aka Sean Combs its rumored, that he's in negotiation to buy a soccer team? Yep, you read it right.
The team is called, "Crystal Palace in South London. Mr. Diddy is said to have offered $550 million. If everything goes to plan, he will be the first African American to own a major league team.
When does it stop? It amazes me that celebrity's who chose to drink and drive are just stupid. They can call or hired a driver or car service. Ronnie Brown, "running back" for the Miami Dolphins, was arrested for DUI.
He was pulled over as he drove home under the influence. He's hired an attorney and its said that he's extremely upset on the incident. It's his first arrest, and hopefully it will be his last.
"I'm a Little Nervous…to be honest with you", said the great golf god, Tiger Woods. It appears that he has realized that he can't walk on water.
He's back at work, trying to but his family and his life back together. If you've missed his press conference, to go YouTube. Personally, I'm over the Tiger drama.
Tiger Woods is reported to be doing a "do over", as it renewing his wedding vows with his heartbroken wife, Elin. You may notice that she has not attended any of his tournaments, and how can she? I don't know, but you cannot un-crack a glass.
I'm sure that at the time of this print, if you're a fan, you are watching, "Dancing with the Stars 2010". The fun this about this show is watching the D-list celebrity's reinvent themselves. Pamela Anderson, 42, Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Doll lead singer), Kate Gosselin (the reality show mom with 8 children), Shannen Doherty (original 90210 series) and Aiden Turner (cutie from All My Children), the others I don't know. But overall it should be fun and I'm sure the ladies will be wearing little to nothing.
After 3 years, Ms. Macy Gray returns with "The Sellout", the new CD to be released on June 22, 2010. The first release is called, "Beauty In the World", which is a great song that radio friendly and will be remixed for the dance clubs. 12 new songs co-written & executive produced by Ms. Gray. She's spent a year putting this project together.
The singer/actress was last seen on "Dancing With the Stars". All the Macy Gray fans and soon to be fans, mark your calendars, as this will be Summer hit for 2010.
The times are a changing, as transgendered Laverne Cox has landed her own reality show, "Transform Me", after receiving her walking papers from Diddy's, "I Want To Work For Diddy's reality series. "To this day, people say, 'Hey, you're Laverne from 'I Want to Work for Diddy' and we think you should have won.'
That's what people say to me at airports and at the library - that they were rooting for me and that's been the overwhelming response." The show will allow Laverne and 2 gal pals to travel the country, doing make-over's. Will you watch? I know I will. Watch out Rupaul!
Can't you believe this? Lance Gross and Eva Mercille broke up when it was just a few weeks ago, Lance appeared on Monique and on the Wendy Williams show expressing his undying love. What happened?
Of course, the press release states that the split is completely amicable. Could it be that Lance is about to blow up big time, with a movie coming out. Could it be that the two are afraid of the pressure? Who knows. But are beautiful as I'm sure either will be alone for long.
Have you seen Tony Enos new poster ad for his "Did It Rite Tour 2010?" Honey, he's butt-naked, nude, not wearing a thing. I can only imagine what he will wear or not wear when he comes to a city near you.
Perhaps this is for shock value, but Mr. Enos is extremely talented. You know, "shock" worked for the group, Labelle, also Madonna, and Lady GaGa and this will work for our man-diva.
Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae will headline the Lilith Fair tour. The first is on July 2nd in Portland, Oregon. Now the line up may change since Mary J. will join them on July 17th in Chicago. Wish they were in my neck of the woods. Fans check the diva's "facebook" and "my space" accounts for scheduled dates. This summer is going to be HOT!
Jennifer Hudson has signed up with Weight Watchers. I thought Ms. Hudson looked fine, I mean, not everyone is suppose to be a size 2. But it's all about her feeling comfortable with herself. We wish her total success. We will be watching.
Howard Stern is at it again, now is claims that Oscar and Grammy winner, Jamie Foxx is gay. Mr. Foxx who is extremely gay friendly, told his views on his radio show, that he's not gay. What's with Howard Stern, does he have a problem with black person?
His sidekick, Robin, stopped being black years ago. As for Mr. Foxx and I quote, "He's a white liar, a colonizing liar," in regard to Stern trying to say that Jamie made comments against Jewish people.
Have you seen the new Snickers candy bar commercial with the Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin? If you haven't, look out for it. She looks fabulous. Hail to the Queen! In the play of Ms. Aretha's life, Karen Clark-Sheard is said to play Kitty Parham of the famous renowned Ward Singers in the Aretha Franklin autobiography, "From These Roots" and yes, I have my autographed copy.
Ms. Aretha and Ms. Karen also did a duet on the Queens forthcoming CD, "A Woman Falling Out of Love", and I can't wait to hear it. By the way, American Idol, Aretha's still waiting to be invited to the show.
Diva, Ms. Diana Ross will start her USA "More Today Thank Yesterday" tour in May, starting from Boston. For dates and location, click here: http://www.myspace.com/dianaross Usher has been appearing on everywhere to promote his CD, "Raymond vs Raymond", 15 songs which is to give up the inside story to his prior marriage, as its rumored. His guest artist are: T.I., who's recently released from jail, Nicki Minaj, and Will. I. Am. Feedback hasn't been great, but what do I know?
Karen Clark-Sheard is said to play Kitty Parham of the famous renowned Ward Singers in the Aretha Franklin autobiography, "From These Roots" and yes, I have my autographed copy. Ms. Aretha and Ms. Karen also did a duet on the Queens forthcoming CD, "A Woman Falling Out of Love", and I can't wait to hear it.
Lady Ga Ga and all of the other dance divas make room for Kelis. She performed her latest single, "Acapella" on the Jimmy Kimmel show and she was fabulous. She looked like a Queen and all the queens and kings will welcome her.
The CD will be released here in the states on July 6th and on May 17th in all other countries. Ms. Kelis has reinvented herself and it's working. Check it out for yourself, click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erm_MiD-70k
The new release from Bridgetown, Barbados born , Shontelle, "Licky (Under the Covers)" will definitely have the club kids bouncing all of the ceilings from this great beats and sexually charged song.
If you like Madonna and the Pussycats Dolls, then you need to run out a purchase a copy. Shontelle toured last summer with Beyonce, now it's time to have someone open up for her. If you're over 35 I'm not sure you will appreciate this song, who knows? Check it out for yourself: www.shontellemusic.com
Wrestler, Orlando Jordan, 39, has come out of the closet as being bisexual. This is a first. I'm not a fan of this sport but I'm sure Mr. Jordan's new claim will invite new fans from out LBGT community.
It appears that he's been totally came out in an interview in 2006 and we fired by WWE, who claimed it wasn't because of his sexuality. Yeah, right. TNA's show, "Impact" hired, the 6'4, 250 lb who will make this sport more interesting. He can wrestle me anytime he likes
Rumors are flying about our lovely lady, Ms. Whitney Houston. After the diva had to cancel the rest of her European tour due to an "upper respiratory infection".
It was also rumored that during her tour, many fans were disappointed as the voice of yesterday is no more. Her Rep's said that she's going fine but haven't we heard that before. We wish you nothing but love Ms. Houston, you can come to "Chit Chat", if you like, we would love to hear your side of the story.
Chad Johnson gave dance partner of "Dancing with The Stars", an 8.51-carat white diamond ring as a "thank you". Rumor has it that the two are a couple.
On TMZ, the two are caught having a disagreement. Now the way he looks at her, one would think that there's something going on. Only time will tell.
After giving an Oscar award performance in "What Did I Get Married Too", rumor has it that Ms. Janet Jackson may play the diva, the late Ms. Eartha Kitt. Ms. Jackson has gone on record to say that she had the honor to meet and sit with Ms. Kitt who expressed that she would love for Janet to play her if and when a movie was to be made.
Now I wonder will Ms. Jackson learn to speak like Ms. Kitt, who had a lioness signature way of speaking. Look I wasn't happy when Angela Bassett had been signed up to play Ms. Tina Turner, but Ms. Bassett surprised me and the world, so anything is impossible.
Chris Brown's having a benefit on May 15th, called "Virginia Stand Up" "I wanted to find a way to contribute personally to the on-going Haitian relief effort and also support an organization that helps people in need in my home state," quote Mr. Brown.
I believe that he's telling the public, I am more than my past. Look folks he's an extremely talent, handsome, sexy brother. Rihanna's benefited from the experience that they shared. Now it's time to forgive Chris Brown.
Looking for something different musically? Check out Marina and the Diamonds. Ms. Marina is indeed, different.
Check here: http://www.marinaandthediamonds.com RuPaul has a re-mix CD out called," RuPaul Drag Race- Re-mixes". Since RuPaul's first CD, Super Model, I don't recall hearing any of his music.
But I imagine he must have a fan base, otherwise, he wouldn't have a television reality show. Now for all you the reader's who are RuPaul fans, send me a note. Do you have the CD? Do you like the CD? Do you think that RuPaul can really sing? I would like to know, send me your feedback.
