"Sunday Best" Returns!

Sunday Best is returning to the BET lineup. The second season of gospel's answer to American Idol will debut on Sunday, March 8th at 9pm ET/PT. Last year's team -- host Kirk Franklin and judges Mary Mary (Erica and Tina Campbell) and BeBe Winans -- remains intact.

The Casting Corner

Derek Luke is about to parlay his film success into TV. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Madea Goes to Jail star has landed a starring role on NBC's new pilot, Trauma. In this medical drama, Luke plays a stoic trauma doctor who's trying to be a good family man. Law & Order: Criminal Intent alum Jamey Sheridan is also in negotiations to join the cast...

Chiwetel Ejiofor -- best known to me for his role in Talk to Me -- has signed on to co-star in Salt. The film follows Angelina Jolie, who stars as Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent who has been accused of being a Russian spy. Ejiofor plays a CIA agent assigned to catch her. Shooting begins in March...

The Chrihanna Chronicles: He's Managing His Anger, She's Managing Her Tan

When we last left our favorite celebrity couple, Rihanna was pining away for Chris Brown as she celebrated her 21st birthday. While he'd sent her numerous gifts and had called to wish her a happy birthday, they hadn't seen each other since that fateful fight on February 7th. And now, another installment of The Chrihanna Chronicles...

The New York Daily News is reporting that Chris Brown has started taking anger management classes. While he's not required to go by law, he wanted to get a few classes in before his March 5th court date so he can look good to the judge. According to an inside source, Brown attended his first session on Monday in Glendale, California, thanks to his spin doctor Michael Sitrick.

At this point, Chris has to do everything he can to clean up his image. Even though he allegedly beat the soup out of Rihanna, he's feeling the pain where it hurts the most -- in his wallet. His golden-boy image has been severely tarnished and he's lost several of his endorsement deals. In addition, some radio stations have temporarily taken his songs off the air.

Of course, some say that Mr. Take You Down shouldn't be taking those classes alone since the Good Girl Gone Bad is temperamental, too. The source went on to say, "They're both too hot-headed for their own good." Another insider added, "It didn't help that Rihanna grabbed the keys out of his rented Lamborghini and threw them down the street. She knew it would really infuriate Chris, and it worked."

While there's some speculation that the two might rekindle their romance, for now the only time they're scheduled to be back together is for Brown's March 5th court date. Even though there haven't been any formal charges filed in the case, Rihanna still has to testify. The insider doesn't foresee any jail time for Brown because it's his first offense.

Meanwhile, even though the media (i.e., you and me) have been led to believe that Rihanna was recovering in Barbados following her and Chris Brown's February 7th incident, TMZ.com has obtained photos of the 21-year-old frolicking on the beach in Punta Mita, Mexico. Her first public pictures -- which show her healing up nicely -- were taken on Saturday, the day after she was reportedly in Los Angeles to celebrate her birthday.

Stay tuned for another exciting installment of The Chrihanna Chronicles, coming soon...

BET to Spotlight Clean Comedy on "A Time to Laugh"

If you've got what it takes to get a good giggle out of your friends and family without being offensive or using profanity, BET is looking for you!

The network's latest comedy venture, Gospel Comic View: A Time to Laugh, will feature clean comedians competing for cash and prizes. Vickie Winans will host this 30 minute study in hilarity, and the shows will be taped in Atlanta.

BET is holding an open call audition in ATL on Wednesday. If you know that laughter doesn't have to be lewd, head down to the Uptown Comedy Corner tomorrow morning between 10am and 2pm. The following topics are open to discussion:

Relationships
Dieting/Weight
Issues
Differences between Black and White Churches
Growing Up
Siblings
Family Funny
Being Single
Being Married
Customer Service
Music (different kinds/genres)
Crazy TV shows
Political humor

The Uptown Comedy Corner is located at 800 Marietta St. (1 mile West of the CNN Center in Atlanta). See you there!

Is There a Reconciliation in Store? The Chrihanna Chronicles Continue...

When we last left the Chris Brown-Rihanna saga -- heretofore known as The Chrihanna Chronicles -- she was in Los Angeles to celebrate her 21st birthday on Friday while he was somewhere free on 50-thousand dollars bail. Now, here's the latest installment...

If the New York Daily News is to be believed, Brown is doing his very best to get back on Rihanna's good side. An insider said that Chris called to wish her a happy birthday. In addition, he already sent her a diamond bracelet and necklace and an iPod Touch. As if that weren't enough, Brown's mother, Joyce, sent flowers for the Good Girl Gone Bad. Apparently Mom has a lot of love for the Barbados-born beauty.

While some girls can't be won over by expensive gifts and expansive gestures -- especially after taking the kind of beating she took -- looks like Rihanna isn't one of those girls. An insider was quoted as saying, "Rihanna so wanted Chris with her on her big day, but obviously realizes why they can’t be together right now. But it’s becoming more and more clear that she can’t be without him." Look for a reconciliation soon, sources say.

In spite of everything, Rihanna was in a festive mood for her party -- a casino-themed soiree held at a rented house in the Hollywood Hills. All the guests gambled, and while alcohol flowed aplenty, the newly-legal lady didn't partake. In addition to celebrating another year of life, the singer was happy that her face is healing up nicely and is practically scar-free.

After everything was said and done, Rihanna headed home to Barbados to kick it with her family. Stay tuned...

Prince's Party Pooped -- Big Time!

We told you all about the exclusive and elaborate post-Oscars party that Prince was supposedly throwing on Sunday evening. Well, if you didn't make it, sources are saying that you didn't really miss much. Apparently His Purpleness decided at the last minute to move the shindig from his house to Club Avalon in Los Angeles. Not only could anyone get in -- provided they could pay a hundred bucks at the door -- one insider said that there was no open bar -- not even in VIP.

Dove Award Nominations Announced

Nominations for the 40th Annual Dove Awards were announced Monday. The Doves, which are sponsored by the Gospel Music Association, are to Contemporary Christian Music what the Stellar Awards are to Gospel. Unlike the Stellars, the Doves strive to represent all genres of inspirational music.

Marvin Sapp picked up nods in the Male Vocalist of the Year and Artist of the Year categories. Other multiple nominees include Deitrick Haddon and his wife, Damita (pictured). The two are competing against each other in both the Urban Song and Urban Album categories. Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, and Mary Mary were also recognized.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 23rd at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. If you're not able to be in attendance, you can see it live on The Gospel Music Channel. For our purposes, here are some of the nominees urban audiences might recognize. A complete list can be found at the Dove Awards' website:

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Marvin Sapp

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Mandisa

GROUP OF THE YEAR
Mary Mary

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Marvin Sapp

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan Nelson

RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG
Beautiful Morning; Reiterate; Grits featuring Pigeon John
Do Yo Thang; The Yearbook; KJ-52
Recordings/Uprok
Joyful Noise; Our World Redeemed; Flame featuring Lecrae & John
Reilly
Pull Your Pants Up!; Pull Your Pants Up!; Dooney “Da Priest”
So Beautiful; Citizen Activ

RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM
Citizen Activ; Manafest
Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew
Pull Your Pants Up!; Dooney “Da Priest”
Rebel; Lecrae
Reiterate; Grits

URBAN RECORDED SONG
Declaration (This Is It); The Fight Of My Life; Kirk Franklin
Get Up; The Sound; Mary Mary
Love Him Like I Do; Revealed; Deitrick Haddon with Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary
No Looking Back; No Looking Back; Damita
Not A Slave; Life By Stereo; J.R.

URBAN ALBUM
Bold Right Life; Kierra Sheard
The Fight of My Life; Kirk Franklin
Kingdom Business; Canton Jones
No Looking Back; Damita
Revealed; Deitrick Haddon

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
Cry Your Last Tear; Cry Your Last Tear; Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir
Deliverance; Past And Present; Lillie Knauls
Free At Last; Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama
God Is Good; Love Forever Shines; Regina Belle
Souled Out; Souled Out; Hezekiah Walker
Take It Back; Take It Back; Dorinda Clark-Cole

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM
A New Day; Paul Porter
After 40 Years…Still Sweeping Through the City; Shirley Caesar
Cry Your Last Tear; Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir
Do It!; Dottie Peoples
Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
Favor Of God; Change The World; Martha Munizzi
Great Grace; Overcomer; Alvin Slaughter
How Great Is Our God; How Great Is Our God; LaRue Howard
My Name Is Victory; Right Now Praise; Jonathan Nelson & Purpose
Shall We Gather At The River; The Standard; Take 6
Waging War; Thy Kingdom Come; CeCe Winans

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM
Change the World; Martha Munizzi
Stand Out; Tye Tribbett & G.A.
The Sound; Mary Mary
The Standard; Take 6
Thy Kingdom Come; CeCe Winans

INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
The Breath of Life; Angella Christie

The Academy Awards From a Macklicious Point of View

Please forgive my lateness in posting the Oscar results. I guess I was so bummed that neither Taraji P. Henson nor Viola Davis came close to getting love from the Academy Awards that I just didn't want to comment.

The 81st Annual Academy Awards were more entertaining than usual, thanks to Hugh Jackman. He was a good host, and his Broadway background made it fun for us, too. I thought it was nice that they didn't spend a lot of money on the opening sequence, and Anne Hathaway was good, too.

Speaking of performances, Beyonce and Queen Latifah really did their respective things. Very nice.

While my girls Henson and Davis didn't pick up Oscar gold, it was a big night for people of color. Slumdog Millionaire was the belle of the ball, picking up eight statues, including Best Picture.

The presenters were pretty good, too. Ben Stiller was the standout, even though I wasn't really sure what he was trying to do. It was still funny, though. Another thing that was cool was the way they had the five presenters for the individual awards.

Oh, and can someone please give Cuba Gooding Jr. a high-five for saying what we all were thinking about Robert Downey Jr.'s nomination? Not to take anything away from his performance in Tropic Thunder, but it's hard enough for brothers to get work in Hollywood without White boys dressing up in blackface to take roles.

All in all, the show ran long, but it was worth it. Now, without further ado, here are the winners of the 81st Annual Academy Awards:

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire

Actor in a Leading Role: Sean Penn, Milk

Actress in a Leading Role: Kate Winslet, The Reader

Actor in a Supporting Role: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Actress In A Supporting Role: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Director: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

Foreign Language Film: Departures, Japan

Music (Score): Slumdog Millionaire

Music (Song): Jai Ho, Slumdog Millionaire

Animated Feature Film: WALL-E

Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Slumdog Millionaire

Writing (Original Screenplay): Milk

Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire

Costume Design: The Duchess

Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Documentary Feature: Man on Wire

Documentary Short Subject: Smile Pinki

Short Film (Animated): La Maison en Petits Cubes

Short Film (Live Action): Spielzeugland (Toyland)

Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire

Sound Editing: The Dark Knight

Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire

Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Jean Hersholt Honorary: Jerry Lewis

My Take on "Madea Goes to Jail"

I'm all about supporting Black film, but I had a hard time with Madea Goes to Jail. I saw the latest Tyler Perry effort weeks ago, but I couldn't write a review because I didn't like it enough to give it any ink.

Here's the brief synopsis of the film. After a high-speed freeway chase puts Madea in front of the judge, her reprieve is short-lived as anger management issues get the best of her and land her in jail. While her brother, Joe, couldn't be happier at Madea's misfortune, her daughter and baby daddy -- The Browns, played by David and Tamela Mann -- rally behind her and lend their support.

Meanwhile, Derek Luke plays Assistant District Attorney Joshua Hardaway. His career is on track and he's engaged to another ADA. However, his world is turned upside down when he has to turn down a case involving a young prostitute and former drug addict. Candace, played by Keisha Knight Pulliam, turns out to be a childhood friend and he can't handle it because of their shared past. After she ends up in jail, too, Madea takes her under her wing and protects her.

Don't get me wrong -- the Madea parts were funny. In fact, if Tyler had just fleshed out that storyline, I think it would've been a better film. Unfortunately, the 'serious' storyline was a bit too contrived and not properly developed, in my opinion.

Character development is key if the audience is to understand their motivation. There's a different kind of writing needed for the screen as opposed to the stage. On stage, you only have the space you're working with. In film, you can use flashbacks, imagery, whatever to get your point across. Remember Malcolm X? If you read the book, you know that Spike Lee had a lot of material to work with in order to get folks to understand why Malcolm did what he did. He used flashbacks. Same thing in Ray.

While I'm a fan of Perry's work, this isn't the first time he's left us hanging with the characters. In The Family That Preys Together, why does Sanaa Lathan's character hate her husband so much? You see the wedding, you see the white boy push up, and then four years later, she absolutely hates him. Why is that? Did he cheat? We know he's not as successful as she is, but I needed a bit more than that to get into it.

I wasn't pleased with some of the performances, either. Rudy Huxtable as a hooker? Uh, that's gonna have to be a no. Not to say that Knight-Pulliam shouldn't branch out into other roles. However, she needs to wait until she's had a few more acting classes before she tackles such meaty fare. As for Luke, even though I liked him, it was hard to believe him as an attorney -- especially with his thick-tongued diction. It worked fine in Antwone Fisher, but it needed to be smoothed out more to be convincing as a lawyer.

I'm torn about this. On one hand, Madea Goes to Jail is funny. No matter what you think of a man in drag, Tyler Perry's Madea is hilarious, and her antics don't disappoint. However, it's the serious storyline that gives me pause because it's just not good. Basically, I'm tired of us having to deal with mediocrity just so we can keep Black movies in play. I want our filmmakers to consider the intelligence of the audience and stop playing to the lowest common denominator. I know Tyler Perry has great ideas. Now I just need him to make great movies.

"Madea Goes to Jail" Takes Box Office Gold

Congratulations are in order for Tyler Perry. His latest film, Madea Goes to Jail, topped the weekend box office with a take of 41.1 million dollars. Not only did the film exceed expectations, it has become Perry's highest opening film to date.

Here are the results of the weekend box office, courtesy of IMDb.com:

1. Madea Goes to Jail, $41.1M
2. Taken, $11.4M
3. Coraline, $11M
4. He's Just Not That Into You, $8.54M
5. Slumdog Millionaire, $8.05M
6. Friday the 13th, $7.83M
7. Confessions of a Shopaholic, $7.02M
8. Paul Blart: Mall Cop, $7M
9. Fired Up!, $6M
10. The International, $4.45M

Independent Spirit Award Winners

The Independent Spirit Awards took place on Saturday. The kudofest celebrates the independent films and filmmakers of the year. Here's a list of the winners:

Best Feature: The Wrestler

Best Director: Tom McCarthy, The Visitor

Best First Feature: Synecdoche, New York

John Cassavetes Award: In Search of a Midnight Kiss

Best Screenplay: Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best First Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, Milk

Best Female Lead: Melissa Leo, Frozen River

Best Male Lead: Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Best Supporting Female: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Supporting Male: James Franco, Milk

Best Foreign Film: The Class

Best Documentary: Man on Wire

Best Cinematography: Maryse Alberti, The Wrestler

Robert Altman Award: Charlie Kaufman (Director), Jeanne McCarthy (Casting Director), Hope Davis, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton, Tom Noonan, Emily Watson, Dianne Wiest, Michelle Williams Synecdoche, New York

Piaget Producers Award: Heather Rae; Frozen River, Ibid

Acura Someone to Watch Award: Lynn Shelton, My Effortless Brilliance

Lacoste Truer Than Fiction Award: Margaret Brown, The Order of Myths

Former Destiny's Child Member Gets a Job

Kelly Rowland isn't waiting for her recording career to pick up -- she's getting a job. Zap2it.com reports that the former Destiny's Child singer will serve as a co-host and judge on The Fashion Show, the latest design-centered show to come from Bravo. She'll share hosting duties with designer Isaac Mizrahi, and judging duties with fashion luminary Fern Mallis.

The Fashion Show will feature pro designers competing in challenges that will be judged by both fashion professionals and the studio audience. The winner will have his or her designs sold by a major retail outlet.

Look for The Fashion Show to air on Bravo later this year.

"SNL" Welcomes Chris Brown?

Even though Chris Brown is pretty much persona non grata in the wake of the alleged beating of Rihanna, Saturday Night Live star Keenan Thompson told Us Magazine that the 19-year-old singer is welcomed on his show.

Thompson was quoted as saying, "We don't care about scandal. We just care about what brings us ratings! If we had [Brown and Rihanna] both on the show, that would be crazy."

Before you get offended and vow to boycott NBC's late night sketch show, Thompson isn't condoning what he calls "an unfortunate situation." In reference to claims that the incident stemmed from a booty call text message, he said, "I know how women can get when you get a text message from another female, so I'm just saying -- you have to learn that you can't put your hands on a female."

No word on whether Chris Brown or Rihanna have been offered a role on SNL at this time.

The Real Reason Behind the Presidential BlackBerry

Even though I don't need another reason to love President Barack Obama, I found out that he and I have something in common -- a love for BrickBreaker, the game exclusively found on BlackBerrys. Even though the official story on why Obama wanted to keep his cell phone was to keep in touch with his friends and family and do work on the fly, Star Magazine is saying that it's all about the game. An insider said, "He plays to unwind. Every night before bed, he gives it a few minutes.” And get this -- he's actually good at it. The source said his high score is around 15-thousand.

Not to burst your bubble, Barack, but MackDiva's high score is 18-thousand. Get like me, Pres!

Rihanna Finally Speaks

After TMZ.com this picture of Rihanna's badly bruised and swollen face on Thursday, her spokesperson released the following two-sentence statement on Friday, the singer's 21st birthday:

"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown. She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."

The Umbrella singer's remarks came after her father, Ronald Fenty, ripped the Los Angeles Police Department for the release of the photo. While he called their work sloppy, he was glad that people were getting to see just how badly his daughter was hurt.

The LAPD said that releasing that picture of Rihanna's injuries was a serious violation that could lead to departmental firings. As for TMZ, the celebrity website wouldn't comment on a blog report that it had paid "a law enforcement insider" -- wink, wink -- over 62-thousand bucks for the photo.

Although Rihanna had originally gone home to be with her family in Barbados in the wake of the February 8th incident, she was spotted in LA on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Chris Brown is currently free on 50-thousand dollars bail. While the 19-year-old hasn't been formally charged, he's due back in court on March 5th. Stay tuned as this drama unfolds...

Prince Party in Possible Limbo

When it comes to Oscar after-parties, apparently Los Angeles isn't big enough to handle two -- at least as far as Prince is concerned. We told you last week that His Purpleness was holding a soiree at his house after tonight's big event. However, if MSNBC's The Scoop is to be believed, his decision is contingent upon whether Madonna throws one.

Last year, Prince's party was second only to Vanity Fair's post party in exclusivity. While the plans are still in place for this year's affair, a source close to the planning was quoted as saying, "It will literally be decided at the last minute. If [Madonna] has a party, he just won’t do it." Stay tuned...

***UPDATE***
I guess Madonna decided to forgo the pleasure of her own party because Entertainment Tonight has released more details about Prince's super secret post-Oscars soiree . It was originally reported that the festivities were going to be at his house. However, that's apparently is not the case. While several VIPs have already RSVPd, the actual location is very much on the hush. We'll keep you updated on this story...

John Legend Speaks on Post Cartoon

John Legend is lending his voice to the chorus of those saying that the New York Post should be boycotted after running a racist cartoon on Wednesday's Page Six that showed a bullet-riddled chimpanzee. The implication was that it was President Obama. Here's his open letter to the editors of the Rupert Murdoch-owned rag:

Dear Editor:

I’m trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy. I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community. Really? Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee? Did it occur to you that our President has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy? Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery? Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon?

If that’s not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectible dots. If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans. Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible. I can’t imagine what possible justification you have for this. I’ve read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked. Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton. This is not about Rev. Sharpton. It’s about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences. You are responsible for printing this cartoon, and I hope you experience some real consequences for it. I’m personally boycotting your paper and won’t do any interviews with any of your reporters, and I encourage all of my colleagues in the entertainment business to do so as well. I implore your advertisers to seriously reconsider their business relationships with you as well.

You should print an apology in your paper acknowledging that this cartoon was ignorant, offensive and racist and should not have been printed.

I’m well aware of our country’s history of racism and violence, but I truly believe we are better than this filth. As we attempt to rise above our difficult past and look toward a better future, we don’t need the New York Post to resurrect the images of Jim Crow to deride the new administration and put black folks in our place. Please feel free to criticize and honestly evaluate our new President, but do so without the incendiary images and rhetoric.

Sincerely,
John Legend

The NY Post Offends Again

Regular readers of the New York Post are used to their racist overtones and innuendos. After all, what can you expect from a newspaper owned by Rupert Murdoch -- the same man who owns Fox News? However, this latest incident may actually be over the top for even The Post. Unless you've been under a rock, you've probably seen this awful caricature, drawn by cartoonist Sean Delonas:


Since President Obama is the author of the current stimulus package, and a monkey is racist symbol, this is a direct attack on him and -- by extension -- African Americans in general.

Rev. Al Sharpton and his National Action Network have called for a boycott of the paper. Barbara Ciara, the president of the National Association of Black Journalists, was quoted as saying, "To compare the nation's first African-American commander-in-chief to a dead chimpanzee is nothing short of racist drivel."

At the prompting of Sharpton, protesters gathered outside of the News Corp building Thursday to demand an apology from the paper, and the jobs of Delonas and any editor who signed off on the cartoon.

Late Thursday evening, The Post released this statement:

It was meant to mock an ineptly written federal stimulus bill. Period. But it has been taken as something else - as a depiction of President Obama, as a thinly veiled expression of racism. This most certainly was not its intent; to those who were offended by the image, we apologize.

However, there are some in the media and in public life who have had differences with The Post in the past - and they see the incident as an opportunity for payback. To them, no apology is due. Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon - even as the opportunists seek to make it something else.

The opportunist reference was obviously directed toward Sharpton, who wasn't buying any part of the apology. He said, "They made what could have been a noble gesture ignoble by trying to attack people at the same time they're trying to apologize to them. It's not opportunistic to say 'I've been offended.' This makes it hard to take them seriously."

Also, Sharpton said that it wasn't until he raised the question of challenging the FCC waiver that allows Rupert Murdoch to own more than media outlet in the city that the paper started trying to play nice. He said, "They brought the rhetoric down and got a little more civil."

As for The Post's implications that this protest was payback for past attacks, Sharpton said, "They've done a number a cartoons on me over the years and I've never marched on them. They just don't get it."

I wish I could be surprised, but I'm not. The Post has never been a friend to the African American community, and this latest incident just solidifies for the world what New Yorkers have always known.

GMC Airs Exclusive Event to Celebrate Black History Month

Anyone who's ever participated in any Stellar Award activities knows that the BMI Trailblazers Luncheon is one of the most highly anticipated events of the weekend. The invitation-only event honors some of biggest names in Gospel music, and it's always a good time. Well, the Gospel Music Channel is bringing this year's luncheon to you for the very first time.

This year's event, which was taped on January 16th in Nashville, honors Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence (pictured), and Cece Winans. Kirk Franklin and BMI's Catherine Brewton hosted, and featured performers included Israel Houghton, Kierra Sheard, Kim Burrell, and Lalah Hathaway.

The 2009 BMI Trailblazers Awards Tribute to Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence & CeCe Winans will air on Sunday, February 22nd at 8pm ET as part of The Gospel Music Channel's Black History Month celebration. If you happen to miss it the first time, you can catch encores at 11pm ET Sunday or on Monday, February 23rd at 10:30pm ET.

A Baby for Ray J?

Looks like Ray J will soon be doing diaper duty. According to the New York Daily News, Brandy's 28-year-old brother -- who's currently looking for love on For the Love of Ray J -- has gotten one of the contestants pregnant. Twenty-two-year-old Monica Leon claims to be over three months along. I think it's safe to say that his current girlfriend, Whitney Houston, won't be throwing the baby shower.

Tyson or Tyrese?

Even though Tyrese and Tyson Beckford are both chocolate beauties, please don't get them mixed up. According to the New York Daily News, a reporter asked Tyson Beckford -- the model-turned-actor -- about his experience filming Transformers 2. Unfortunately, the one in that film is Tyrese, the singer-turned-actor. Even though the reporter offered an apology, Tyson got a bit snippy and replied, "That's alright. We're all Black." Snap!

Usher's Wife Released From Hospital Following Lipo Scare

Tameka Foster Raymond -- who suffered complications during liposuction surgery -- has finally been released from a Brazilian hospital. Usher's 37-year-old wife got out of San Paulo's Hospital Sirio Libanes Monday night after spending 11 days recovering from a heart attack.

Tameka apparently decided to have the procedure two months after the birth of her and Usher's second son, Naviyd Ely. Unfortunately, the president of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery told the New York Daily News that patients should wait six to eight months after giving birth.

At this point, Mrs. Raymond is currently taking antibiotics to fight a lung infection. No word on where she'll actually recover because Usher was seen boarding a plane to the United States without her on Tuesday. He's also been mum on her condition. Stay tuned...

Chris Brown Speaks!

Chris Brown has finally broken his silence his alleged attack on Rihanna. On Sunday, spokesperson for the 19-year-old singer issued the following statement on his behalf:

Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person.

Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writings under my name are frauds.

As we've been reporting, Brown turned himself in to Los Angeles authorities on February 8th and was released on a 50-thousand dollar bond after being booked on suspicion of making felony criminal threats. He hasn't been charged by the district attorney's office, which is still investigating the case.

Bishop Jakes Offers Support to His Son

In a true case of practicing what he preaches, Bishop T.D. Jakes says he's offering "help, support, and restorative grace" to his son, Jermaine, who's facing an indecent exposure charge.

Bishop Jakes, who pastors over 30-thousand members at The Potter's House in Dallas, released the following statement to the Dallas Morning News on Friday.

As parents, we occasionally feel that our children do not live up to our highest and best ideals. When they do not, we don't diminish our love for them as recompense for our disapproval. Like our children, we also are not infallible nor do we profess to be. Our now adult son Jermaine is 29, but when he was at home he was a recipient of correction, compassion and wise counsel. We hope that the light of what we believe will guide him through times of contradiction and moments of concern as he continues to mature.

In spite of the family pain we feel from this unfortunate situation, it has given us a chance to show him the same help, support, and restorative grace for which our family and church is noted. Through our ministry at The Potter’s House, as well as our own home, we have for years offered help in the time of need to all adults, our five children and other people’s children.

It is in moments like these that I am so grateful that we do not preach that we are the solution, but we look to Christ for resolution. So then, as a very human family with real issues, like many other people, we will draw from the same well of grace to which we have led others to drink and be refreshed.


Jermaine's charge of indecent exposure is a Class B misdemeanor, which means he could get up to six months in jail and a 2-thousand dollar fine.

Interestingly enough, Bishop Jakes mentioned the incident, which was reported nationwide last week, in yesterday's 8am service. However, members who attended the 11:30am service missed out on the announcement because Bishop Jakes wasn't there. He had to catch a flight after the first service. Stay tuned...

President Obama Wore Aretha Out!

Here's one that made me laugh out loud. Aretha Franklin has pulled out of her performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in APRIL because she claims she was too worn out from her inauguration performance in JANUARY. According to Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis, Franklin cited all the activities involved in inaugurating President Barack Obama, scheduling, and travel issues in her decision to cancel. Davis said that the Queen of Soul has, "decided not to do any more work for a while and we honor that."

Davis definitely wants Aretha to be a part of next year's celebration. He said that, "she's made it clear that New Orleans and the festival are important and that she would like to be a part of this and raising the spirit of New Orleans."

Meanwhile, Franklin will be replaced by Neil Young. The Jazz Fest spans seven days over two weekends — April 24th to 26th and April 30th to May 3rd. Previously announced performers include The Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor, Earth, Wind and Fire, Etta James, The O'Jays, Wynton Marsalis, Erykah Badu, Allen Toussaint, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Hometown favorites The Neville Brothers will be the festival's closing act on May 3rd.

Ceddy's Laying Down "The Law"

Congratulations to Cedric the Entertainer. The Hollywood Reporter is saying that ABC has greenlighted a new comedy pilot starring and executive produced by the comedian. The Law focuses on a group of Los Angeles Police Department reserve cops who balance their full-time off-duty lives with the excitement of being weekend policemen. At this point, we're not sure when we'll actually see the finished product.

B.B. King Lends a Hand to Love

In tough economic times, going out -- even for Valentine's Day -- can seem like an unattainable luxury. However, legendary bluesman B.B. King is reaching out to unemployed lovers. According to the New York Daily News, if you can prove you're out of work, B.B. King's Blues Club and Grille in the Big Apple will sell you half-price tickets for the entire month of February.

My Take on The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards

The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards took place Thursday night at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. This Halle Berry and Tyler Perry-hosted kudofest -- which celebrates the contributions of people of color in film, television, music, and literature -- is the one attended by the creme de la creme of African American society and various and sundry members of the Black Glitterati. Some of the folks I saw wandering down the red carpet included Lisa Raye, former Miss America Kenya Moore, Sanaa Lathan, Lou Gossett Jr., Danny Glover, Cicely Tyson, Laila Ali, Attilah Shabazz, Hill Harper, Tichina Arnold, Dr. Ian Smith, Judge Mabelean Ephraim, and Blair Underwood.

It turned out to be a really big night for Tyler Perry's House of Payne (pictured) and Jennifer Hudson. In addition to winning in the Outstanding Comedy Series category, the TBS show took four out of the five comedy series awards, including acting honors for LaVan Davis, Lance Goss, and Keisha Knight Pulliam. Meanwhile, J-Hud was the belle of the ball, taking home trophies in three music categories -- including Outstanding New Artist -- and one as part of the cast for this year's Outstanding Motion Picture, The Secret Life of Bees.

With the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People kicking off its celebration of the organization's 100th anniversary, I think I was expecting more. However, I found the show itself to be pretty typical. Most of didn't really impress me. Now, don't get me wrong -- it wasn't a bad show at all. The performers -- Beyonce, will.i.am, Seal, and Stevie Wonder -- were good. The presenters, which included Rosario Dawson, Nate Parker, Mo'Nique, Jeffrey Wright, Terrence Howard, and Regina Taylor; were mostly on point.

The highlight of the show was the presentation of the NAACP's 2009 President's Award to Muhammad Ali. The champ, the man who could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, was recognized for his accomplishments both in and out of the ring. With his witty repartee silenced by Parkinson's Disease, his wife, Lonnie, was the one who spoke for him as he sat there and cried. Coupled with a song by J-Hud, it was an especially moving moment.

I was stationed in the press room for the festivities. That's where the stars are supposed to come after they've done their thug thizzles for the cameras. I normally don't expect much because usually the big names don't come in unless a) their publicist makes them or b) they have something to promote. This time, though, I was pleasantly surprised. We got Shonda Rimes, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens, Jr. from Grey's Anatomy, the entire cast of Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Keke Palmer, Sean Combs, and Girlfriends' star, Tracee Ellis Ross.

Speaking of Miss Ross, how 'bout she got nasty with me? During the question-and-answer period, someone asked her if she had any plans to do anything with her mother, Diana Ross. After she said she'd love to work with her whole family, I thought it would be safe to ask her to address something I'd heard Tyler Perry say about how he wanted to have Diana in an upcoming film. Boy was I wrong! Not only did she act like she was offended by the question, she was like, "If you want to know what my mother thinks, why don't you call her?" I thought she was playing at first, but as she kept trying to humiliate me, I realized that this woman was dead-serious.

Don't get me wrong. I'm sure it's sickening to live in the shadow of someone as great as Diana Ross. I get that. However, attacking the Macklicious One is NOT the way to go. Even though I wish Tracee well in all that she does, she doesn't EVER have to worry about me asking her anything about anything ever.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, here's a list of the major winners of the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards. The complete list can be found on the NAACP's website.

MOVIES

• Motion Picture: The Secret Life of Bees
• Actor: Will Smith, Seven Pounds
• Actress: Rosario Dawson, Seven Pounds
• Supporting Actor: Columbus Short, Cadillac Records
• Supporting Actress: Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

TELEVISION

• Drama Series: Grey's Anatomy
• Actor in a Drama Series: Hill Harper, CSI: NY
• Actress in a Drama Series: Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy
• Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Taye Diggs, Private Practice
• Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Angela Bassett, ER
• Comedy Series: Tyler Perry's House of Payne
• Actor in a Comedy Series: LaVan Davis, House of Payne
• Actress in a Comedy Series: Tracee Ellis Ross, Girlfriends
• Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Lance Gross, House of Payne
• Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Keshia Knight Pulliam, House of Payne
• TV Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special: A Raisin in the Sun
• Actor in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special: Sean Combs, A Raisin in the Sun
• Actress in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special: Phylicia Rashad, A Raisin in the Sun

MUSIC

• Male Artist: Jamie Foxx
• Female Artist: Beyoncé
• New Artist: Jennifer Hudson
• Gospel Artist: Mary Mary
• Jazz Artist: Natalie Cole
• Album: Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Hudson
• Song: Yes We Can, will.i.am.
• Music Video: Yes We Can, will.i.am
• Duo, Group or Collaboration: I'm His Only Woman, Jennifer Hudson, featuring Fantasia

Son of Prominent Pastor Charged with Lewd Behavior

The good thing about having a forum to report news is that you get to choose the stories you work on. If you don't like/don't get/aren't interested in the flavor of the day, you don't have to sip it. However, there are some things that you have to report as a responsible journalist. With that in mind, I'm going to tell you about Jermaine Jakes.

It was reported Wednesday night that Jakes, the 29-year-old son of Bishop T.D. Jakes, was arrested and charged with indecent exposure on January 3rd. According to the Dallas Police Department arrest warrant affidavit, Jermaine exposed himself to two undercover cops. He walked up to one of them with his pants unzipped and began to masturbate while making eye contact.

Faith Johnson, Jermaine's lawyer released a statement late Wednesday evening that said:

"We are aware of potential allegations involving Jermaine Jakes and are undertaking our own investigation of these allegations at this time. Given an apparent government investigation, we have no further comment at this time."

This morning, Dallas County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Kimberlee Leach said that the younger Jakes had surrendered to law enforcement authorities today. The judge released him on a personal recognizance bond.

Jakes' father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, is the pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas -- a 30-thousand member megachurch. In addition, he's also the author of several books, including Woman Thou Art Loosed, and Maximize the Moment. His movie, Not Easily Broken, starring Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson and Morris Chestnut, is in theaters now.

If you'd like to see the affidavit, click here. Please be warned that the language is quite graphic. While it's easy to rush to judgement, I would ask that we all be in prayer for this family at this difficult time.

Big Willie Brings in Big Bucks

If you wanna make money in the movie business, call Will Smith. According to the inaugural Forbes Star Currency survey, he's the man who can ensure a film's financial success.

The survey asked industry pros to rank working actors on a scale from one-to-10 on everything from the ability to attract financing to actual ticket sales. Smith scored a perfect 10. Not only is he able to bring the cash, he's also respected as a serious actor in light of his two Oscar nominations for his work in Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness.

Here's the list of the Top 20 Most Bankable Actors and their three top-grossing films:

1. Will Smith - Score: 10, Independence Day, Hancock, Men in Black

Tied:
2. Johnny Depp - Score: 9.89, All three Pirates of the Caribbean films
2. Leonardo DiCaprio - Score: 9.89, Titanic, Catch Me If You Can, The Departed
2. Angelina Jolie - Score: 9.89, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Wanted, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
2. Brad Pitt - Score: 9.89, Troy, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Ocean's Eleven

6. Tom Hanks - Score: 9.87, The Da Vinci Code, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan
7. George Clooney - Score: 9.81, Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve, The Perfect Storm
8. Denzel Washington - Score: 9.76, American Gangster, Philadelphia, The Pelican Brief
9. Matt Damon - Score: 9.69, Saving Private Ryan, Ocean's Eleven, The Bourne Ultimatum
10. Jack Nicholson - Score: 9.68, Batman, As Good As It Gets, The Departed
11. Julia Roberts - Score: 9.65, Pretty Woman, Ocean's Eleven, Notting Hill
12. Adam Sandler - Score: 9.61, Click, Big Daddy, You Don't Mess With the Zohan
13. Tom Cruise - Score: 9.6, War of the Worlds, the first two Mission: Impossible films
14. Russell Crowe - Score: 9.57, Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, American Gangster
15. Will Ferrell - Score: 9.56, Elf, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Blades of Glory
16. Meryl Streep - Score: 9.55, Mamma Mia!, The Devil Wears Prada, The Bridges of Madison County
17. Robert De Niro - Score: 9.54, Meet the Fockers, Meet the Parents, Heat
18. Ben Stiller - Score: 9.5, Night at the Museum, Meet the Fockers, There's Something About Mary
19. Jim Carrey - Score: 9.42, Bruce Almighty, The Mask, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
20. Clint Eastwood - Score: 9.33, Million Dollar Baby, The Bridges of Madison County, In the Line of Fire

Nick Cannon's Next Gig...

AOL Black Voices is reporting that Nick Cannon has been tapped to replace Jerry Springer on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Mr. Mariah Carey will serve as the host, while Sharon Osbourne, Piers Morgan, and David Hasselhoff return as judges. In addition, the network signed the 28-year-old to a development deal based on the success of his MTV show, Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out. Look for the fourth season of America’s Got Talent to premiere this summer.

Partying with Prince Takes Patience

E! Online is reporting that Prince will be holding his annual ultra-exclusive Academy Awards after party at his home in Los Angeles, and he’ll be performing. Of course, guests have to be prepared to stick it out for the long haul if they want to be rewarded with his musical musings. Last year’s soiree, which included Stevie Wonder and John Legend, didn’t get started until 1:30am.

ANTM Pushed Back

If you’ve been waiting for the new installment of America’s Next Top Model, you’re gonna have to hold on a little longer. According to TV Guide, The CW has pushed back the debut of 12th cycle to Wednesday, March 4th. For your trouble, you’ll get a two-hour premiere instead of one. As if that’s not enough to tickle you pink, Clay Aiken will be participating this season. The former American Idol runner up will help the girls in an acting challenge and serve as a guest judge on an April episode.

While you’ll definitely find more drama than a little bit, what you WON’T find at the model house this season is cigarettes. According to MSNBC’s The Scoop, the cancer sticks have been banned. Yippee!

Look out for America’s Next Top Model, March 4th at 8pm ET on The CW.

Usher's Wife Suffers Complications from Lipo

Note to self: If your doctor tells you that plastic surgery isn't for you, LISTEN! While we're not sure if Tameka Foster actually consulted a physician, we DO know that her liposuction procedure didn't go as planned. According to the Brazilian news Web site G1, Usher's wife suffered a medical emergency and had to be rushed to the Sirio-Libanes Hospital's intensive care unit last Friday. The 37-year-old apparently went into cardiac and respiratory arrest while she was being anesthetized for her surgery. Doctors put her into a medically-induced coma for 24 hours and is currently recovery.

At this point, Dr. Gabriel Hunt, a neuro-surgeon from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, is handling Foster's case. He left the San Paulo hospital late Monday without making a statement. A spokesperson for Sirio-Libanes Hospital told AFP that the family has requested total privacy and that they are barred from giving out any information.

Meanwhile, Usher's spokesperson Simone Smalls told OK! magazine that Tameka was in stable condition after suffering complications from what she called routine surgery. The 30-year-old singer is with his wife at the hospital, and has cancelled all his concerts in the United States. Smalls reiterated that the family wants privacy during this difficult time.

What Caused the Fight?

If the New York Daily News is to be believed, Chris Brown-Rihanna situation all started with a text. An inside industry source claimed that Brown got a text from a woman who wanted to do more than Kiss, Kiss, and Rihanna saw it and got mad.

The source said, "They started to argue. She got out of the car. He wanted her to get back in, so he grabbed her, She pulled away. That's when she's told people he hit her."

At this point, the source says that while Chris has been trying to get in touch with Rihanna, she's not taking his calls. The insider added, "Her family is on their way to be with her. She has some close girlfriend looking after her."

When the source was asked about reports that the fight started after Brown got jealous of the time Rihanna spent with Timbaland at Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party, they said that the story had to originate in Brown's camp. They added, "It's despicable. They're blaming the victim. She's not prone to that kind of behavior...He's the one who's steppin' out."

No "Milk" for Chris

Chris Brown may be asking a lot of questions right now, but one he WON'T be asking is "Got Milk?" Apparently the Milk Mustache campaign ads featuring the 19-year-old singer, which started last fall, were already scheduled to end this week. A spokesperson from the company told Extra, "The Milk Mustache campaign is taking the allegations against Chris Brown very seriously. We are very proud and protective of the image of the Milk Mustache campaign and the responsible message it sends to teens."

As you've probably heard -- especially if you're reading this blog -- Chris Brown is being investigated for allegedly beating up Rihanna.

Kanye, Mario Weigh in on Chris Brown & Rihanna

Kanye West has weighed in on the Chris Brown-Rihanna case, saying he's "devastated" by the situation. He told Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM in Los Angeles that he saw the couple at Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party on Saturday. He said whether a woman is famous like Rihanna or a McDonald's employee, violence is never the answer. "It should never come to that place."

While Kanye knows both parties, he's closer to the Barbados-born beauty, whom he refers to as his little sister. He said, "I went on tour with her, and we really vibed out on a lot of creative ideas. Rihanna is so important to pop culture and music. She has the potential to be the greatest performer in the world."

Meanwhile, Mario who recently worked with Rihanna on the track Emergency Room, told Extra, "I know Chris...I've never known him as being an abusive guy. It's very unfortunate. Nobody really knows all the details. But it's very unfortunate."

Even though Extra quoted sources as saying the two argued during Grammy weekend, Mario hadn't observed anything crazy between them. He said, "They seem like a really cool couple."

The Queen Works to Raise Foreclosure Awareness

While President Barack Obama and his team work on a foreclosure recovery plan, Queen Latifah, Wyclef Jean, and New York radio personality and actress Angie Martinez are trying to raise awareness of the issue. The three are participating in a bus tour of Newark, New Jersey on Wednesday to let homeowners know what resources are available to help with mortgage payments.

After the tour, Latifah, Jean, and Martinez will participate in a roundtable discussion with national and community leaders to delve further into the foreclosure situation. The event is sponsored by the HOPE NOW alliance -- an alliance of counselors, mortgage market participants, and mortgage servicers working to help as many homeowners as possible avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

Chris Brown Update: Wrigley Suspends Campaign; New Details Emerge

Things are not looking good for Chris Brown. Wrigley announced on Monday that they were suspending his Doublemint gum ad campaign in the wake of assault allegations. In a statement released by the company, they expressed expressed concern about the "serious allegations made against" the 19-year-old singer.

As if that were not bad enough, on Tuesday, Detective Deshon Andrews, the LAPD's chief investigator in the case, told CNN that he carried his findings straight to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. After they reviewed the finding, they asked police to do more investigative work before they decide whether to add additional charges in this domestic violence.

As we told you earlier, Brown was released after posting a 50-thousand dollar bail. He's due back in court on Thursday, March 5th. Even though it's widely speculated that the victim in this case is Rihanna, the police haven't said that.

Speaking of Rihanna -- who allegedly is in a safe place after being released from Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles -- a source was quoted by People magazine as saying, "Chris knocked her around. Black eye, blood, bruises. She had to be treated by a doctor."

In addition, a police source confirmed that the 20-year-old also suffered "a swollen split lip and two red and purple contusions on either side of her forehead." The source, who described the police pictures added, "She looked distraught and in a lot of pain."

At this point, both Chris and Rihanna have cancelled their upcoming appearances. The NBA has issued a statement that Brown will no longer participate in their All-Star Game events in Phoenix this weekend, and Rihanna backed out of a Friday night concert in Malaysia.

51st Annual Grammy Awards Winners List

Just in case you haven't seen it -- or haven't had time to look -- here's a partial list of Grammy winners. Since this is an urban entertainment site, we'll focus on the urban categories. For a complete list, go to the official Grammys' website.

Record Of The Year -- Please Read The Letter, Robert Plant & Alison
Album Of The Year -- Raising Sand, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Song Of The Year -- Viva La Vida, Coldplay
Best New Artist -- Adele

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance -- Superwoman, Alicia Keys
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance -- Miss Independent, Ne-Yo
Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals -- Stay With Me (By The Sea), Al Green Featuring John Legend
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance -- You've Got The Love I Need, Al Green Featuring Anthony Hamilton
Best Urban/Alternative Performance -- Be OK, Chrisette Michele Featuring will.i.am
Best R&B Song -- Miss Independent, Ne-Yo
Best R&B Album -- Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Hudson
Best Contemporary R&B Album -- Growing Pains, Mary J. Blige

Best Rap Solo Performance -- A Milli, Lil Wayne
Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group -- Swagga Like Us, Jay-Z & T.I. Featuring Kanye West & Lil Wayne
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration -- American Boy, Estelle Featuring Kanye West
Best Rap Song -- Lollipop, Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major
Best Rap Album -- Tha Carter III, Lil Wayne

Best Gospel Performance -- Get Up, Mary Mary
Best Gospel Song -- Help Me Believe, Kirk Franklin
Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album -- Thy Kingdom Come, CeCe Winans
Best Traditional Gospel Album -- Down in New Orleans, The Blind Boys of Alabama
Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album -- The Fight of My Life, Kirk Franklin

Regina Belle Sidelined by "Undetected Illness"

Regina Belle, the Grammy Award-winning R&B singer who's now doing her thing for Jesus, released the following statement today via her record company's website:

To all of my fans let me say that I am so very sorry and deeply disappointed that I cannot uphold any of my scheduled appearances for the next 3 months or so, because of an undetected illness. I have had the first of two surgeries to correct my illness, and because "GOD IS GOOD' the first surgery went wonderfully! The healing time requires no singing or flying for a 3 month period. There were a total of 6 doctors including my own doctor who did the surgery and it took a total of 7-1/2 hours, but they are to be commended for God seeing them through this divine healing.

My second surgery will take place in six months, and I will have another 2 month recovery period. I believe that whether God heals through miracle, man, or medicine it's all still divine. I really believe that God heals! I will continue to heal and be thankful for what God has already done, while I trust that you are prayerful and sending me well wishes. To all of my fans, pastors and churches , radio and retail, booking agents, promoters and everyone that has allowed my messages of music to go forward, thank you so much for your understanding in all of this. I Love you all and I'm working hard to get back to you!

Always yours,
Regina Belle


Ms. Belle has been touring in support of her debut Gospel album, Love Forever Shines, since its release last May. Featured singles include God is Good, and the current single, I Call on Jesus, featuring Shirley Murdock. She's been nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding Gospel Artist category.

I'll have more details as they become available.

Grammy "It" Couple a No-Show Amist Assaults and Arrests

Chris Brown and his girlfriend, Rihanna were scheduled to perform at last night's Grammy Awards. Instead, the two were no-shows as Brown sang his song at the police station and Rihanna was allegedly recovering from injuries sustained in an argument.

The situation started early Sunday morning. Sources said that Chris and "an unidentified woman" were in a car in the Hancock Park section of Los Angeles when they began to argue. Things got ugly when the two got out of the car. By the time the police arrived on the scene, the woman named Brown as her attacker. However, the 19-year-old had already fled the scene.

With the cops hot on his tail, Brown turned himself in at LAPD's Wilshire station around 6:30pm yesterday. He was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats -- a felony charge that could send him to the big house for up to four years. The case will now be sent to the district attorney's office where more charges could be filed. He was released on a 50-thousand dollar bond.

The question you're probably asking now is who is this mystery woman Chris supposedly attacked. The LA Times is saying that the victim is none other than Rihanna, Brown's girlfriend. She, too, was supposed to perform at last night's festivities, but didn't. While the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that the 20-year-old beauty was hospitalized with bruises on her face, her publicist claimed that she was doing well.

To add insult to injury, both Chris and Rihanna were nominated for Grammy Awards, but neither won.

Fat Tuesday Came Early for Lil Wayne

If there's a recession going on, I couldn't tell at Lil Wayne's Pre-Grammy Awards Party Saturday night. The Mardi Gras-themed soiree was an exercise in decadence, to say the least. Cash Money Records held the red-carpet affair at The Montage, a swanky hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills. While publicists sent out releases to alert the media of a party, other details -- like location, time, etc. -- were kept tightly under wraps.

And speaking of red carpets, the one at Weezy's party was the coolest I've ever seen. Instead of having it in front of the hotel, they held it in the underground parking garage. Girls dressed in full Mardi Gras regalia handed out beads to the guests as they checked in. Some of the celebs making their way down the carpet included Danity Kane's Dawn Richard, Akon, production duo Play N Skillz, actress Leelee Sobiesky, Joel Madden, Tila Tequila, and Nicky and Paris Hilton.

Once my homegirl, The CreaTiff One, and I got in the party, we were pleasantly surprised to find free food and drinks. The Louisiana-inspired menu was projected on the walls -- blackened salmon with black-eyed peas, jambalaya with cornbread muffins, crab cakes with garlic salad, and strip steak with frites (french fries for the rest of us). I had the salmon and TCO had the jambalaya. We were both very satisfied.

The room was festively decorated with a 70s-style beaded curtain dividing the lounge/dance area from the dining area. The curtain allowed us to see the stage, which featured live performances from the newer members of the Cash Money Records family. Paris did the opening introductions.

The soiree was well-occupied without being crowded, and to say that it was celebrity-infested would be an understatement. We spotted Reggie Bush -- sans Kim Kardashian -- OutKast's Big Boi, Kim Whitley, and Tamala Jones. Omarion was sporting a fresh crew cut that made him look so manly that we almost didn't recognize him!

The highlight of the evening -- at least for Lil Wayne -- was the presentation of his present for selling ten million records. Cash Money Records gave him a convertible sports car wrapped in a bow.

What I found most refreshing was that there were no fights and no instances of overtly ghetto behavior. Overall, I have a new-found respect for both Cash Money Records and Lil Wayne in general.