Will Kanye Turn Into Kermit The Frog? September 23, 2008

The Emmys aren’t just about honoring the best in television. Some stars, such as Kanye West, use the parties as an opportunity to do a little networking.

Kanye was spotted huddling with MTV honcho Doug Herzog at Comedy Central’s bash, according to Rush & Malloy.

“We’re working on a pilot with Kanye,” Herzog told us. “It’s going to be a black version of ‘The Muppets.’”

Now this I’ve got to see.

Yung Berg Avoids Controversy September 23, 2008

Yung Berg isn’t sweatin’ the limited edition Transformer chain he was robbed of in Detroit. He’s either maturing or scared of getting another beat down the next time he visits the Motor City.

While on the set of his video for his next single, “Put It On Me, he said to RealTalkNY: 

“What happened in the D, happened in the D. I love ya’ll for making it happen in the D because ya’ll showing me that ya’ll inspire to be big. Whoever it is – I don’t even know who it is and I personally don’t care because at the end of the day, all I’m out here to do is make hit records and do my thing, and get my money. You know what? It is what it is. Karma’s a b&$%h.

“I got plenty chains. We ain’t sweating none of that. Jewelry, we not here to big up nothing. We hear to inspire everybody.”

And apparently he has slept with some “dark butts” along the way.

“I just turned 23 last week. You’d be a fool to think I ain’t never dipped in no dark pool… I’m sorry if I offended you. I still love you.”

Something New for Keyshia? September 23, 2008

It must be something in the air. Eve and Kelly Rowland were both recently pictured walking hand-in-hand with their white men. Is Keyshia  going to the other side as well?

She and her perhaps something new passenger were spotted leaving Villa in Los Angeles on Saturday. Nice Rolls Royce, Keyshia.

‘GOSSIP GIRL’ ADDS MORE COLOR September 23, 2008

Actor Wade Allain-Marcus will have a recurring role in the CW soap “Gossip Girl,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

 

      His character is described as a manipulative 19-year-old hipster photographer with ties to the New York fashion and art worlds.

 

      Allain-Marcus’ resume includes MTV’s movie-musical “American Mall” and the forthcoming Antoine Fuqua-directed feature “Brooklyn’s Finest,” opposite Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Wesley Snipes and Ethan Hawke.

NBA’S DARIUS MILES SUSPENDED FOR DRUGS September 23, 2008

Boston Celtics forward Darius Miles was given a 10-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug rules during the end of the 2007-08 season, the league announced Friday.

 

      The infraction had to do with the banned substance phentermine, an amphetamine most associated with appetite suppression. His suspension will begin with the first game of the regular season, according to Reuters.

 

       Miles was selected straight from high school by the Los Angeles Clippers as the third pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. He played for two years with Los Angeles, two years with Cleveland and three years with Portland.      

       The 6-foot-9 (2.05 meter) forward, who has averaged 10.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in his career, has not played for two years due to a knee injury but was signed by the Celtics in August.

NAOMI CAMPBELL TO FRONT DOLCE & GABBANA? September 23, 2008

Word has it that Naomi Campbell is about to become the new face of Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana.

 

      A source tells Britain’s Daily Star, “They (Campbell and the designers) have had a relationship that spans decades and now the plan is for Naomi to be their official muse and ambassador.

 

       “She’ll be at the shows and will star in their worldwide advertising campaigns. An absolutely huge deal is on the table.”

 

       London tabloids have the deal worth a reported $1.85 million.       

       D&C were well represented on the runway of Campbell’s charity fashion show last week in London.

FAIZON LOVE BOOKS NEW COMEDY FILM September 23, 2008

Comedic actor Faizon Love has been cast opposite Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Jason Bateman in the Universal Pictures comedy “Couples Retreat,” reports Variety.

 

      The story follows four couples who go to a tropical island resort. While one couple is there to work on their marriage, the others are there to play but soon discover that participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional.

 

      Favreau, who also penned the script, takes the acting job before preparing to direct Robert Downey Jr. in the “Iron Man” sequel next year.  Vaughn will produce “Couples Retreat” with Scott Stuber in a co-production between his Wild West Picture Show Prods. and Stuber Prods.

 

      Faizon Love, meanwhile, will next be seen in the films “G.E.D.” and “Days of Wrath.”

P. MILLER’S BBTV ADDS TEEN SHOW September 23, 2008

Master P’s new cable TV venture, Better Black Television (BBTV), has announced the addition of a new program titled “Teens Real Talk” (TRT).      

        The show gives teens an opportunity to express their ideas and feelings in order to help and advise both parents and teens on coming-of-age issues, according to a press release.       

       “This show is the home base where teens can freely connect with their peers, share their stories without fear of judgment, and collaborate with their families and community leaders to discuss resources and organize for social justice,” said network chairman P. Miller. “It’s time for Barack Obama to be the first African American president and it’s time to empower the next generation of our nation’s teens to be more responsible.”       

       The show provides universal access to inform and equip teens through communication and information offered by special guests, teachers, doctors, volunteers, coaches, religious leaders, and influential role models. TRT is committed to the free expression of all people.       

       “The difference between this show and other teen shows is we’re taking this one on the road, to the schools, to the churches, to the communities, to the people to talk about real issues and find real solutions,” said Miller. “Education is what changed my life and I want to give teens across the country a wake-up call before it’s too late; not everybody gets a second chance and it’s easier to catch up now than to catch up later.      

       “We will also visit incarcerated teens in juvenile halls who are seeking answers and solutions. We have teamed up with major corporations and sponsors that share our vision of change and positivity. Our goal with this show is to preserve our future leaders.”      

       Also in production is the family-friendly original sitcom titled “Uncle Willy’s Family,” a show about a Vietnam veteran who comes to California from Louisiana in order to raise his brother’s grandchildren.

MARIAH CAREY MAKES ANOTHER FILM ‘PUSH’ September 23, 2008

Hot on the heels of her good reviews in director Lee Daniels’ upcoming film “Tennessee,” Mariah Carey has been cast in the filmmaker’s next project as well, a drama entitled “Push.”

 

      Carey will play a Harlem social worker working with an overweight, HIV-positive woman impregnated twice by her father, according to the New York Daily News. The role follows her part as the battered wife of a state trooper in “Tennessee,” which won raves at the Tribeca Film Festival.

 

      The Grammy winner is also developing a movie musical based on her popular 1994 holiday album “Merry Christmas.”  According to the Daily News, the film is set in a town outside a city where a ruthless developer wants to turn it into one big mall.

 

       “Mariah doesn’t want to let that happen,” says her producing partner Benny Medina. “Her character uses song and love to keep the Christmas spirit alive.”      

       Mariah says the script, from “High School Musical” writer Peter Barsocchini, is still in the early stages. She tells the Daily News: “Since I recorded the Christmas album, I’ve always wanted to make a movie to go with it, something that people could watch and hear and enjoy every year. I’m into it. I’m all about the holiday season.”

It’s About Time: Run DMC Nominated For Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame September 23, 2008

Inductees to be announced next year

There are nine nominees for next year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies, and after a long time coming, seminal rap group Run DMC is now one of them.

The group is up against Metallica, the Stooges, Jeff Beck, Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, War, Bobby Womack, and Chic. Only five winners will be chosen, the Associated Press reports. They will be announced in January and inducted on April 4 in Cleveland. For the first time ever, tickets to the show will be made available to the public.

Though Run DMC is the only rappers for consideration this year, they certainly aren’t expected to be “out the running.” In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were the first rap act to be inducted into the hall of fame, opening up the possibilities for hip hop.

Run DMC suffered the tragic lost of their dee-jay, Jam-Master Jay in 2002. The group is best known for the 1986 singles, “My Adidas” and “Walk This Way” featuring Aerosmith.